Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Montréal
This article was updated on February 5, 2024.
The Lunar New Year (which occurs every year on the new moon of the first lunar month) is a very important time for the Chinese and Asian communities. This day is celebrated with different traditions, such as giving loved ones “lucky money” in red envelopes, cleaning one’s home signifying “getting rid of the old and welcoming the new,” as well as celebrating with other colourful festivities and delicious food.
A boisterous tradition of the Lunar New Year is the lion and dragon dance. Acrobatic performers wear colourful costumes that resemble mythical creatures believed to scare away bad luck to bring good fortune.
Some of the other traditions that surround Chinese New Year are of the tasty kind. The Chinese are superstitious, and this is reflected in the foods that are served on New Year’s Day.
Dumplings
You may think the shapes of dumplings are arbitrary, but there is a meaning behind how these savory little delights are wrapped. Dumplings are made in the shape of gold and silver ingots and it’s said that the more dumplings you eat on New Year’s Day, the luckier you’ll be. So if you’re looking to load up on dumplings in the auspicious name of fortune, check out some of my favorite Montréal dumpling shops like Qing Hua, Restaurant Yi Pin Xiang, Mai Xiang Yuan, Jiu Xiang Yuan and Harbin Dumpling. Also, check out some of the city’s best dim sum offerings if you’re feeling for more than just dumplings: Ruby Rouge, Imperial Restaurant, Restaurant Chinatown Kim Fung and Chez Chine.
Fish
Another auspicious food eaten on New Year’s Day is fish. The pronunciation of fish in Chinese is a homonym for “abundance”, and this meal is considered to be lucky. Prepared in different ways, fish is always served with the head and tail on as it represents a “beginning and end.” Check out Chinatown’s Keung Kee and Restaurant Mon Nan for some of the freshest seafood around – their live tanks can attest to the quality of food that they serve.
Noodles
Noodles are also a favorite food eaten on New Year’s Day. Noodles should never be cut, the longer the better. Long noodles represent longevity and the long and prosperous year you’ll have. There is nothing better then fresh noodles hand-pulled right before your very eyes. Be sure to visit Nouilles de Lan Zhou, Nouilles Zhonghua, Les Pâtes Vivantes and Restaurant Noodle Factory, where you can pick the style of noodles for your meal.
Sweets
From fresh fruits that symbolize luck and fortune, to pastries and desserts, sweets are also some very auspicious things to eat to ring in the new year. Favourite desserts during this time of year are glutinous rice cakes and sweet rice balls. When said in Chinese “glutinous rice cake” is a homonym for “great success in business” and sweet rice balls are representative of togetherness. Check out local bakeries Pâtisserie Harmonie, Pâtisserie Coco, or La Reine Pâtisserie for these sweet treats.
In collaboration with the Ville-Marie Borough and Tourism Montréal, Marché de Nuit Asiatique brings you a full weekend of activities to ring in the Year of the Dragon. From February 9th to 11th, the party kicks off with a spectacular Lunar New Years parade at noon - Marvel at the lion and dragon dances, embodying strength, wisdom and good fortune, parading through the streets to salute the Year of the Dragon. There will be captivating art installations, shows, workshops for all to enjoy. Chinatown restaurants have never created special New Years menus for you to discover!
Montréal’s Eaton Centre is also celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Fort the entire month of February, look for The Wishing Arch where visitors are invited to write down their wishes for a prosperous new year. On the 10th and 11th, enjoy performances and demostrations by local K-Pop dance troupe East2West and by the Peking Opera. Don’t miss out on the lion dance parade that will make its way through the Saint Catherine Level. Opening ceremony starts at 3:30pm.
Some of the restaurants at Time Out Market will offer a special menus for the Lunar New Year on February 10th and 11th: Le Blossom, Marusan, Le Red Tiger, Chanthy Yen and the cocktail bar will also feature a special cocktail for the occasion.
There will also be a lion dance performance at The Old Port of Montréal’s on February 9th and 10th on centre stage at the skating rink in the Bonsecours Bassin. It will definitely illuminate the port with its colorful performance to ring in the new year!
May the year of the Dragon bring you much health, wealth and happiness for a prosperous and fruitful new year! Gung Hei Fat Choy!
Jason Lee
Jason is a seasoned food writer and blogger with over 18 years of culinary adventures in Montréal. He’s a master at uncovering the city's hidden gems and transforming meals into captivating stories. Join him as he continues to explore and share Montréal’s vibrant food scene.