Chinese New Year – also known as the Spring Festival – marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year is celebrated by over a fourth of the world’s population and this year, the holiday falls on February 1, 2022. For centuries, China has identified the new year with 12 symbolic animals. For 2022, we welcome the Year of the Tiger!
There are many fascinating traditions around this ancient holiday including parades, street fairs, and fireworks. Another tradition is New Year’s Eve dinner, also known as the reunion dinner, which is celebrated on January 31. Families come together and reminisce on their past year and enjoy the beginning of the New Year.
There is so much thought and care put into the creation of the menu for this family-centric holiday. If you enjoy Chinese cuisine, there are seven fantastic restaurants to get you into the Year of the Tiger spirit! Be sure to look out on the menus for two symbolic dishes, dumplings and spring rolls, which are considered “lucky” to be eaten during the New Year.
1. Jennie Low’s Chinese Cuisine
Located in Novato’s Vintage Oaks Center, is a restaurant serving home-style Chinese food from many regions of China since 1992. Jennie Low’s is a great place to visit for dining in or taking out.
China Palace has a pleasant atmosphere filled with traditional and delicious cuisine. In the heart of the Novato community, located on Redwood Boulevard, you can find a variety of dishes made with high quality, fresh ingredients.
Wrapping up some shopping in Downtown Novato? Ming Yen, located on Grant Avenue, is serving classic Chinese dishes made to order. You are guaranteed a great time with their friendly staff and delicious food.
Family owned Dragon Cafe lives by their motto, “Eat healthy, be happy!” This restaurant is located in the Del Prado Square Shopping Center and offers a large menu of Mandarin-style food, with a Cantonese touch focused on the local customer’s favored flavors.
China House is a long-standing and family owned business on Grant Avenue. They offer great service and generous servings of noteworthy dishes such as mongolian beef, egg rolls, and chow fun.
If you are looking for “lucky” dumplings this Chinese New Year, take a visit to this restaurant located in Ignacio Center Shopping Center. The Green Bamboo is steaming up traditional dumplings and many other delicious dishes.
This casual, fast dining restaurant is located in the Nave Shopping Center. It is a buffet style restaurant where customers can come in and create a variety of quality combination plates and sides.
However you decide to celebrate Chinese New Year, Novato has you covered. Whether you’re a long time Novato native or visiting family and friends, the Shop Local team wishes you and yours a happy Lunar New Year!
