With Chinese New Year - Lunar New Year this Sunday, we take a look at a few highlights we've spotted from both at home and further afield in food and beverage to kick off the Year of the Rabbit.
Global QSR chain McDonalds is celebrating the Lunar New Year in collaboration with artist Karen X Cheng by creating an interactive campaign featuring artificial intelligence, neural radiance fields (NeRF), and QR codes. Cheng and McDonald's have developed an AR filter that shows the transition from the Year of the Tiger to the Year of the Rabbit. The experience is available through a QR code that can be found at the end of their AI-powered TV advert in the US.
Over in Australia, IKEA is celebrating the Lunar New Year with an exclusive dining experience across its Sydney stores between the 19th and 20th January. Guests will receive a three-course meal which includes dumplings, noodles and hotpot, before feasting on a matcha panna cotta for dessert.
Staying in Australia, Japanese concept bakery Tokyo Lamington is introducing a special Pineapple Tart Lamington for Lunar New Year at its Melbourne store. Believed to bring in good luck and prosperity, pineapple tarts are usually served as a snack or dessert at family gatherings. Tokyo Lamington have put their spin on the classic treat. Enjoy a classic vanilla sponge filled with pineapple jam, dipped in white chocolate, then coated with crushed pineapple cookie crumbs before being finished off with red sprinkles.
Back in the UK, award-winning ice cream brand Badiani Gelato is celebrating with the introduction of a new vegan green-tea sorbet made with Chinese loose-leaf tea and a base of water, sunflower oil and soy protein.