The year of the tiger - Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, 2022 is just around the corner now and each year we see brands all over the world launching limited editions or celebration food and drinks to align with the global event. We've collated a few of the best bits that have caught our eye so far.
Bao London (lead image), one of the capital's most popular Taiwanese eatery chains, have introduced limited edition Tiger Claw BBGs (Bao Bakery Goods) that are filled with oozing molten chocolate. Diners will also receive a traditional red envelope which contains the chance to win one of several prizes available. Those who aren't able to dine in person at one of Bao's locations can also purchase celebratory treats from Bao's digital 'Convni Store'. Items on sale include limited edition bottles of the restaurant's Tiger Dressing, as well as a Chinese New Year DIY cook at home kit that includes their Tiger Claw BBG as well as other savoury dishes to enjoy.
Find out more about Bao here.
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London's Hutong, impressively situated on the 33rd floor of the Shard, has introduced a five course Year of the Tiger menu which can only be enjoyed on Thursday 1st February. Dishes include Hutong's well-known roast Peking duck with pancakes and Hoisin sauce, as well as 'Lo Hei' - a prosperity-bringing salad that's traditionally eaten at Lunar New Year.
Find out more about Hutong.
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Another London venue, Bunhouse is doing a fun twist on afternoon tea with its 'The Tiger Who Came For Tea' menu. This includes no less than nine baskets of delicious bites to welcome in the Lunar New Year. These include a limited edition Tiger Bun; Steamed Tofu with pickled bamboo shoot; Fried Milk Ribs with crispy garlic; Smoked Eel egg drop soup; Chestnut White Chocolate Bun with condensed milk and more. The menu will be available throughout February.
Find out more about Bunhouse.
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Further afield, Singapore's popular Chopsuey Cafe at Dempsey Hill has introduced a set meal for five, prompting group celebrations, bringing together Chinese comfort dishes with Western and Southeast Asian influences across the table. Dishes include the venue's Lucky Lunar Lo Hei with trout, kale, celeriac, sprouts, red radish, blueberries and wild rice; Shredded Filo Seafood Roll; Red Curry Slipper Lobsters and more.
Discover Chopsuey Cafe here.
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The chocolate connoisseurs at Godiva have introduced a small range of limited edition gift boxes containing a range of delicious sounding truffles all printed with tiger symbols for the celebration.
Find out more about Godiva's Lunar New Year items here.
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Finally, over in Australia, Din Tai Fung, one of Australia's best loved dumpling destinations with ten venues across both Sydney and Melbourne, have introduced new and limited time only Tiger Buns, also stuffed with oozing molten chocolate, finished with a biscoff cookie crumb spread.
Find out more about Din Tai Fung here.
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Leading Australian lifestyle publication, Broadsheet has compiled a comprehensive list of the best dishes to celebrate Year of The Tiger, from Vietnamese and Korean to Chinese and Malaysian too.
Malaysian - Yu Sheng
Known better in English as raw-fish salad, this dipping platter is piled high with sliced vegetables, raw salmon and citrus with accompanying bowls of sauces, nuts and crispy fried bites.
Chinese - Whole Fish
Chinese New Year holds a lot of eating rituals including foods that are homophones - words that sound like other things. In Chinese, Carp and Catfish fit this bill as they sound similar to the words for gifts and good luck. With plenty of ways to prepare the fish, the main standard for this dish is that is comes whole for all to enjoy.
Discover more popular dishes to consume for Chinese New Year over on Broadsheet.