Lunar New Year is almost upon us and Birmingham has a lot planned to celebrate the occasion. Popularly known as the Chinese New Year - it is one of the most important holidays in East Asian cultures.
However, the holiday - which falls on January 22 in 2023 - has been rebranded in Birmingham to be more inclusive because it is celebrated across multiple East Asian cultures.
One of the best parts of any holiday - be it Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year - is the amazing food we share with friends and family - and the Lunar New Year is similar.
Traditionally, Lunar New Year food includes noodles, a whole steamed fish, sticky rice balls, dumplings, rice cakes and more. The noodles are long and denote longevity, while the fish is for abundance and the sticky rice balls are for togetherness.
If you want a taste of East Asian food on Lunar New Year, here are nine best restaurants in Birmingham, based on Google ratings:
5. Wu Shang cafe
This restaurant has great Hong Kong style options including set menus. Reviewers on Tripadvisor recommend the Milk Tea (Hong Kong Style) and Pineapple Bun. It’s a small restaurant with friendly staff and is definitely worth a visit. Google rating - 4.4 Location - Bath Passage in Chinese Quarter | Unsplash/Debbie Tea
6. Tung Lok
This restaurant is recommended for a quick and tasty meal without any frills. One reviewer said: “It's a small authentic Chinese eatery serving very tasty food." It’s also easy on the pocket. Google rating - 4.5 Location - China Court Building, Chinese Quarter | unsplash/Orijit Chatterjee
7. Cafe Soya
A good restaurant for vegetarians and vegan eaters. This restaurant has something for everyone as it offers seafood and meat too. It’s a 23-year-old restaurant that knows what it’s doing and the ratings reflect that. Google rating - 4.6 Location - Arcadian Centre, Chinese Quarter | google street view
8. Hong Kong Dining
This restaurant serves Hong Kong style fast food meaning you will see a lot of egg rolls, lo mein, and wings. Rated highly, this Hurst Street has been called one of the best Chinese restaurants in Birmingham by reviewers on social media. Google rating - 4.7 Location - Hurst Street, Chinese Quarter | Unsplash