Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Montréal
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, Mai Xiang, 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, and Restaurant Noodle Factory, where you can pick the style of noodles for your meal.
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.
Festivities
In collaboration with the Ville-Marie Borough and Tourisme Montréal, Marché de Nuit Asiatique is hosting a full week of activities to celebrate the Year of the Snake. From January 25 to February 2, head to Chinatown for the festivities. On February 1 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., don't miss the spectacular lion dances that symbolize strength, wisdom, and good fortune as they parade through the streets to welcome the Year of the Snake. The celebration will also feature captivating art installations, performances, and workshops for everyone to enjoy.
Montréal’s Eaton Centre is celebrating the Year of the Snake from January 20 to February 10. During this time, visitors can find The Wishing Arch, where they are invited to write down their wishes for a prosperous new year.
Additionally, several restaurants at Time Out Market will offer special menus for the Lunar New Year until January 29. These restaurants include Le Blossom, Marusan, Le Red Tiger, and Chanthy Yen. The cocktail bar will also feature a special cocktail for the occasion.
May the Year of the Snake bring you 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.