Observed across many Asian cultures, Lunar New Year—also known as the Spring Festival or Tết—is all about family, food, and fresh starts. Atlanta’s vibrant and growing Asian population has turned the holiday into a citywide celebration. This year, Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse. From community festivals to chef-driven prix fixe dinners, we’ve rounded up a few different ways to ring in the new year. Expect lion dances, lucky dishes, and plenty of reasons to toast to good fortune—whether you’re celebrating with a big group or keeping things low-key.
JenChan’s
For five days only, from Tuesday, February 17 through Sunday, February 22, this Cabbagetown mainstay will serve a Lunar New Year menu whose items each correspond to a specific benefit—think noodles and bok choy for longevity, dumplings and cabbage wraps for wealth and fortune, and a whole fish for prosperity. We won’t judge if you want to do shots of the baijiu in celebration. Reservations are available via Resy. 186 Carroll St. SE, Atlanta, jenchansrestaurant.com
Doc Chey’s Noodle House
Through Tuesday, February 17, enjoy a special trio of symbolic foods—dumplings, shrimp rolls, and peanut noodles—to bring in good fortune in the Year of the Horse. Five dollars from every sampler purchase at Doc Chey’s benefits Atlanta-based nonprofit Giving Kitchen and their mission to support food service workers in crisis. 1424 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, doccheys.com
Atlanta Lunar New Year Festival
Now running for more than 30 years, this annual festival at Chamblee’s Atlanta Chinatown mall is best enjoyed on an empty stomach. It takes place Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse local vendors and take in traditional lion dance performances while snacking on Taiwanese sticky rice and meatballs, or keep it light with a simple barley tea. Early bird tickets are available now for $12; and after Monday, February 16, the price increases to $16. (Kids under 40 inches tall are free.) 5377 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee, instagram.com/lnyfestival
Talat Market
Only 20 seats are available at Michelin-recommended Talat Market’s Lunar New Year dinner, led by chef Parnass Savang. Expect an intimate rotation of dishes inspired by Savang’s family and the flavors of his upbringing, as a Georgia native working in his parents’ Thai and Laotian restaurant. Tickets can be reserved via Resy. 112 Ormond St. SE, Atlanta, talatmarket.com
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Grab friends and head to the Eastside Beltline to enjoy the Asian chain’s Lunar New Year-exclusive Yusheng Prosperity Salad, available through the end of the month. Up to four guests can set their goals on a provided paper checklist then enjoy a salad custom-made for manifesting them. After, fill out a wishing ribbon and hang it in the restaurant to celebrate. 661 Auburn Ave., Ste. 180, Atlanta, eathawkers.com
Ruby Chow’s
Old Fourth Ward’s favorite Asian fusion restaurant also hosts what is arguably the liveliest Lunar New Year celebration in Atlanta, complete with live music, an onsite calligraphy artist, and even a chance to meet someone special. Upon arrival on Tuesday, February 17, every guest receives a bingo card featuring one of the 12 lunar cycle animals. Find a fellow guest with that zodiac sign to fill your square and drop off your card to unlock extra raffle entries in the luxury liquor giveaway. $115 per person gets you three complimentary cocktail vouchers, access to a cash bar with exclusive LNY-themed drinks, and a selection of the restaurant’s famous tapas-style plates from 6 to 10 p.m. Reservations are available via Open Table. 620 Glen Iris Dr. NE, Unit C-1, Atlanta, rubychows.com
Lunar New Year Tea Time with Brandi & Natalie
On Thursday, February 19, Natalie Keng, “The Sauce Maven” and CEO of Global Hearth, and Brandi Shelton, founder of Just Add Honey Tea Company, will join forces to offer a guided tasting of three curated tea and appetizer pairings from 6 to 8 p.m. at a location disclosed upon booking. A general admission ticket grants you access to the full experience, while a $75 Small Business Champion ticket includes a gourmet gift bag and signed copy of Natalie’s bestselling cookbook, Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea. Tickets are available via TicketTailor.
Karly’s Kitchen x Soupbelly Pop-Up
Pop-up chefs Karly’s Kitchen and Soupbelly will set up shop at Minhwa Spirits in Doraville on Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., curating a menu that pays homage to both Chinese New Year and Tết traditions. Expect classic egg rolls and Zhong-style chicken dumplings as well as deviled eggs with braised pork belly, dry beef pho, Cantonese walnut shrimp, and pineapple tarts. The experience is first-come, first-served. 2421 Van Fleet Cir., Ste. 124, Doraville
Sweet Auburn BBQ
From Sunday, February 15 through Tuesday March 3, Sweet Auburn BBQ will offer an exclusive omakase board that blends Asian flavors with BBQ, including pimento cheese wontons, smoked brisket eggrolls, a half-rack of baby back ribs, and six award-winning Wu Tang wings. Pick between Thai chili Brussels sprouts, wok-fried green beans, or a sesame peanut slaw for the side and top off with themed cocktails. 656 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, sweetauburnbbq.com
