On February 16th 2018, Dublin will welcome the beginning of the year of the dog according to the traditional Chinese calendar. The occasion will be celebrated with the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival, organised by Dublin’s City Arts Office.
This will be the festival’s 10th edition, and they’ve prepared a large amount of events and activities to highlight and promote Sino/Irish relations. The festival will take place between February 16th to the 4th of March and during those days, you’ll find talks, exhibitions, tours, film screenings and of course, food and drink events.
Join the pack and celebrate the year of the dog during Dublin Chinese New Year Festival 2018! Below a few of the activities that food and drink lovers will enjoy greatly…
LUNAR FEASTS
Various locations – Sat 17 Feb – Sun 4 March
Several Dublin’s restaurants will celebrate the Year of the Dog with special set menus. Try dishes from a host of Chinese and Asian restaurants with everything from street food to fine dining! Whilst enjoying a lunar feast on Saturday 17 of February don’t be surprised by a special visit by Lion Dancers at the following locations between 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm!
More information: dublinchinesenewyear.com
HOT POT NIGHT
Lao Hot Pot – Tue 20 Feb (18:30 – 20:30) – €25
Gather around a boiling broth and enjoy authentic, delicious food in great company! Also known as ‘Chinese fondue’, hot pots are widely popular in China. Lao Hot Pot on Parnell Street will not just be serving them, but they’ll host expert Alice Chau Ginguene who will provide a crash-course in concocting the perfect hot pot.
More information: dublinchinesenewyear.com
CHINESE TEA CEREMONY
National Gallery of Ireland – Thu 22 Feb (18:00 – 19:30) – €5
The enjoyment of thea is something we in Ireland are familiar with, and the hot beverage remains a central piece in the Asian cultures, especially in China where it first originated. The traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony is a memorable experience, which goes beyond the mere making and drinking and becomes an occasion for sensory exploration and appreciation. Discover the art and philosophy of drinking tea in this traditional Chinese ceremony.
More information: dublinchinesenewyear.com
FROM THE PADDY FIELD TO THE PALATE: CHINESE CULINARY TRADITION INTRODUCED
Synge Theatre Trinity College Dublin – Thu 22 Feb (18:30) – Fee (booking required)
Prof. Adrian Tien, Sam Lam Associate Professor in Chinese Studies (Linguistics) at Trinity College Dublin will present a simple yet in-depth introduction to the world of Chinese cuisine, widely acknowledged and one of the world’s richest cuisines. Examine selected cultural dimensions of this culinary tradition and reflect on Chinese words and phrases that refer to or describe aspects of this tradition.
More information: dublinchinesenewyear.com
GALLIVANTING ASIAN GOURMET TOUR
Various Locations – Tue 27 Feb (18:30 – 20:30) – €40
Join and sample the variety of Asian cuisine available in Dublin! This trail features three restaurants in the Parnell Street area,where curious food lovers will be treated to a delicious course at every stop, and they’ll be able to learn more about the particular cooking style and associated Chinese territory.
More information: dublinchinesenewyear.com
ALICE’S CHINESE FOOD TOUR
Duck – Sat 3 Mar (12:00 – 15:15) – €50
Enjoy a tour of some of the hidden Asian gems in the area and learn about authentic Cantonese food, language and culture Dublin has to offer. You’ll be able to savour Hong Kongstyle BBQ, while learning about the history and etiquette of the traditional Cantonese dim sum lunch (aka Yum Chai). The tours includes a visit to an Asian supermarket and a stop of Hong Kong style street food.
More information: dublinchinesenewyear.com
There are many other exciting events on the list, from Chinese speaking tours to the Guinness Storehouse, to talks about the world of dumplings, and of course, the Spring Festival Fair, on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of February in the CHQ Building in the IFSC.
Happy year of the dog!
More information: dublinchinesenewyear.com