China Tang welcomes the Lunar New Year 2026 with tradition, symbolism and Cantonese excellence

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Chinese calendar. Far beyond a change of date, it represents a profound moment of renewal, prosperity and balance, guided by rituals and symbolism that span centuries of history. Governed by a lunisolar calendar, the Lunar New Year follows the cycles of the moon and the sun, shaping not only time itself but also cultural values, social traditions and collective aspirations for the year ahead.

Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, each carrying its own symbolic meaning. In 2026, the arrival of the Year of the Horse marks a cycle defined by vitality, perseverance and success, qualities traditionally linked to progress, movement and strength of character.

It is within this cultural and historical framework that China Tang at The Dorchester welcomes the Lunar New Year 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the most celebrated Chinese dining destinations outside Asia. Located on Park Lane, inside the iconic The Dorchester, the restaurant presents a series of celebrations that honour Cantonese tradition while embracing refinement, symbolism and contemporary sophistication.

Inspired by the glamour of 1930s Shanghai, China Tang is renowned for its richly layered interiors, elegant Art Deco influences and immersive atmosphere. During the Lunar New Year period, the restaurant is transformed through symbolic decor, traditional performances and a specially curated menu designed to evoke prosperity, abundance and harmony.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Chong Choi Fong, the Lunar New Year 2026 menu is built around ten auspicious dishes, each selected not only for culinary excellence but also for its symbolic significance. The celebration begins with Lo Hei, the traditional raw fish or abalone salad, a shared ritual that symbolises rising success, unity and collective good fortune.

Dishes such as sea moss and bamboo heart with Chinese mushrooms express wishes of wealth and prosperity, while lobster with XO sauce on crispy noodles represents ambition and strength. Wok fried whole tiger prawn follows, symbolising courage and determination, alongside a celebratory cornucopia of mixed seafood and poultry served with Japanese or Australian abalone, reflecting the Five Blessings of prosperity, longevity, health, virtue and peace.

Traditional symbolism continues with steamed whole Dover sole, a classic expression of abundance and surplus year after year, followed by red cooked British squab, long associated with good fortune. Seasonal balance is introduced through snow pea shoots topped with white crab meat, celebrating renewal and the return of spring.

To conclude the experience, guests may enjoy pan fried traditional Chinese rice cake, symbolising progress and advancement, followed by a Year of the Horse celebration dessert created exclusively for the occasion.

On the evenings of 17 and 18 February, guests will be welcomed by a traditional Lion Dance, a time honoured ritual believed to ward off negative energies and usher in prosperity for the year ahead. Alongside the special Lunar New Year menu, China Tang signature dishes remain central to the experience, including handcrafted dim sum and the restaurant’s renowned Peking Duck.

The celebration extends to the Yum Cha offering, available on weekdays, which honours the Cantonese tradition of sharing tea and dim sum. Guided by Chinese numerology, guests may choose selections of three, six or eight baskets, numbers associated with luck and prosperity, paired with bespoke teas from JADE Tea.

Private dining rooms Ping, Pang and Pong provide refined settings for Lunar New Year gatherings, while the bar at China Tang offers one of Mayfair’s most atmospheric spaces for celebratory cocktails inspired by the elegance of 1930s Shanghai.

Commenting on the festivities, Nathalie Ford, Vice President Europe and Middle East for China Tang, notes that the restaurant has always been a place of celebration, where guests come together to share exceptional food and memorable moments, especially during the vibrant Lunar New Year period.

Since opening in 2005, China Tang at The Dorchester has set the benchmark for fine Cantonese dining in London. Conceived by the late Sir David Tang, the restaurant seamlessly blends classic Chinese elegance with British sophistication, offering a timeless culinary experience that continues to honour tradition while embracing contemporary luxury.

Open daily for lunch and dinner, China Tang at The Dorchester once again stands as one of London’s most meaningful and refined destinations to celebrate the Lunar New Year with authenticity, cultural depth and excellence.

Photos courtesy of China Tang