Next Monday is Chinese New Year! Why not celebrate it with all of your friends and loved ones this year? Los Angeles and the surrounding area has some of the best Chinese food in America. Find out where to eat, where to go and what to see around Southern California.
Chinese New Year: Where to Eat
Looking for some places to eat that won’t break the bank? Although not strictly Chinese, these restaurants have some of the best Asian cuisine around. Daikokuya is sure to warm you with their signature piping hot bowl of ramen. There are tons of different varieties that are sure to please. Another restaurant, Tara’s Himalayan, offers some truly excellent vegetable momos. Momos are dumplings traditionally served in Nepal. These momos come with an all-vegetable filling and a tomato dipping sauce that I just go crazy over.
Chinese New Year: Where to Go
Of course, you have to come to Chinatown to check out the parade and festival for Chinese New Year. The 117th Golden Dragon Parade starts February 13th at 1 PM. Thousands of people will come down to celebrate and watch the dragons march down the town. The parade is free to attend, and anyone can go to visit. The festival after the parade is also free to attend, and features live music, food and more. Join the festival and give thanks to your ancestors for making the past year and the next a great year.
Chinese New Year: What to See
The Los Angeles Lantern Festival happens annually on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month of the new year. This event is used to end the Chinese New Year festivities, and is free for all to attend. At the very end you are able to release your lantern, and let it float gently into the sky. You are free to make your own lantern at one of their many arts and crafts booths, or purchase one from a community booth. This festival happens March 5th, and the lanterns will be released at 7 PM.
What is your favorite thing to do during the Chinese New Year? Tell me about it in the comments sections!