Happy Lunar New Year! As the festivities commence, communities come alive with the rich aromas and flavors of traditional cuisine. The Year of the Snake represents a year of embracing change and why not take the opportunity to explore and support local AAPI restaurants? Here’s our guide to restaurants, events, daily specials and special menus celebrating the holiday.
Chi Lin Asian Eatery
Where: 2501 Dallas St., #104, Aurora
When: Monday – Tuesday 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The Lowdown: Whether you are looking for a great date spot, a place to fuel up before continuing a day of shopping or just want to get together with friends and family, you will want to add the Chin Lin Asian Eatery inside the Stanley Marketplace to your list of must-try restaurants. Known for its flavorful wok dishes and savory ramen and dumplings, Chin Lan has something for everyone. If you spend $100 between January 29th and February 2nd, you get to pick a lucky red envelope that includes special prizes, up to a $100 gift card.
Mecha Noodle Bar
Where: 2801 Walnut St., #110, Denver
When: Daily 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The Lowdown: If you love ramen, head over to Mecha Noodle Bar and grab a bowl of pho or small plates like crab rangoon dip and red oil dumplings as well as one of its cocktails. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with friends Monday – Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for their Happy Hour where you can order shareables like the Sweet and Sour Spareribs along with one of its sakes.
Stellar Jay
Where: Populus Hotel at 240 14th St., Denver
When: Wednesday, January 29, 4 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The Lowdown: Join Stellar Jay for a dining experience featuring a four-course curated menu by guest chefs Sathia Sun and Joshua Mendiola. The cost is $85 per person, and reservations can be made on OpenTable. The menu includes Lamb Parcel, Amok Trey Black Bass, Hunan Noodles and Prosperity Bar.
Far East Center Lunar New Year
Where: 333 S Federal Blvd., Denver
When: Saturday, February 1 – Sunday, February 2, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Lowdown: Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Far East Center for two days. Admission is free, but ticket reservations are encouraged. Enjoy live dragon and lion dances alongside cultural performances and offerings from local restaurants and supporting pop-up vendors.
Die Die Must Try
Where: 250 Steele St., Cherry Creek
When: Monday closed, Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Lowdown: Did you know that Boba Tea emerged in the 1980s from Taiwan’s traditional tea shops? While it has grown in popularity and enjoyed by many in the past few years, it has been a fixture of Taiwanese culture for generations. If you have always wanted to try Boba Tea, visit Die Die Must Try and check out its menu, including Singapore Fruit Tea, Coconut Pandan, Thai Milk Tea and more.
Coffee Sarap
Where: 3460 Larimer St., Denver
When: Tuesday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Lowdown: For all of you coffee lovers who are always on the hunt for a great place with great coffee, Coffee Sarap is your spot. Their menu includes the Pandan Latte, Ube Latte, Honey Lavender Chai, The Lola (matcha with lavender syrup) and many other flavorful coffees and drinks for you to savor while preparing for the day of festivities ahead.
Magna Kainan, Sap Sua and Hop Alley
Where: 1350 40th St., Denver
When: Wednesday, January 29, Community cocktail hour 5:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m., Dinner 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., karaoke to follow!
The Lowdown: This Lunar New Year Celebration collaboration will have you singing—literally! Magna Kainan, Sap Sua and Hop Alley are collaborating to offer a menu you won’t want to miss. The menu, which includes the Triple Threat Noodle, Pork Three Ways, and Panna Cotta, showcases cuisine influenced by Vietnamese, Filipino, and Chinese culture. The cost is $125 per person and includes dinner and the karaoke party.
Com Nha Kitchen and Bar
Where: 2133 S Sheridan Blvd., Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Lowdown: Com Nha Kitchen has a wide selection of flavorful dishes that will please everyone at your party. Start off with its Mini Egg Rolls or Pho Tacos. If you are looking for Pho for these cold winter nights, check out the Com Nha Pho Signature menu.
Dumpling Kitchen
Where: 5979 E Colfax Ave., Denver
When: Daily 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The Lowdown: The Dumpling Kitchen has various options of delicious dumplings that you will want to check out. Try the Chashu, Pork or Veggie Bao Buns, a selection of Rice and Noodle Bowls and dumplings.