Where to Enjoy a Spring Festival Feast in Shanghai 2018

This article originally appeared on our sister website, Urban Family Shanghai.

Staying in town over the Chinese New Year holidays and wondering where to feast? With everyone back to the familial nest for annual get-togethers, banquets and the traditional barrage of questions about marriage and babies, Shanghai will be pleasantly quieter than usual. Unfortunately, that means some of your favorite spots will be closed, but don't worry, we have done our homework to let you know the restaurants still serving during Spring Festival. So, use this time to indulge in traditional Chinese cuisine and encourage fortune for the year to come.

South Beauty

Don't miss out on this Spring Festival feast of friends. MVP Events has got you covered. Every year for the past decade they have gathered around 150 of their closest friends for a Spring Festival feast in a Chinese restaurant. This year it is going down on Thursday, February 15 from 7.30pm, and they have elected for some Sichuan spice at South Beauty's Nanjing Dong Lu location, near the Bund. It is a veritable bargain too, at RMB198 for a traditional Chinese dinner to share, composing of 22 different dishes. Oh, and that includes unlimited soft drinks and beer thanks to their sponsor Birra Viola.

Feb 15, 7:30pm; RMB198 per person. South Beauty. See event listing here. Buy tickets here.

Fairmont Peace Hotel

At the Fairmont Peace Hotel their Chinese Executive Chef, John Ma, prepares a wonderful feast for New Year's Eve with signature style and elegance. The special menu features the beautifully presented, sensuously garnished and superbly balanced best of Chinese cooking with tempting appetizers of Smoked Fish, Braised Beef and Marinated Duck; hot dishes of staple food such as Braised Pork Belly with Abalone, Steamed Beef Ribs and Sauteed Seafood; as well as sumptuous desserts like Glutinous Rice Balls with Sweet Red Bean Paste or Chilled Mango Puree with Pomelo. The menu promises to be an absolute delight and all within the extraordinary Dragon Phoenix restaurant, with Bund views stretching across to the glittering Pudong Skyline, guaranteeing a really special New Year's Eve for you and your family.

Feb 15, from RMB888 per person plus 15 percent service charge. Fairmont Peace Hotel.

Hakkasan

In the spirit of reunions, Hakkasan is offering a menu curated by its head chefs from all over the globe, using ingredients believed to usher in fortune and prosperity for the forthcoming Year of the Dog. Stars of the menu include Wind-Dried Oyster and Lotus Root Served in Mantou Buns, Braised Beef Tongue with Caramel Walnuts, Asparagus and Crispy Scallops in Plum Sauce, Lobster, Chilean Sea Bass and Lamb, plus a brand-new dessert created exclusively for the CNY holidays: Golden Fortune. Featuring Ginger Caramel, Roasted Macadamia Nuts and Lemongrass, it's shaped like a golden Chinese ingot and will ensure you become a millionaire this year - probably.

RMB888-1,288 per person. Hakkasan.

Holy Cow

Originating from Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, authentic Chaozhou beef hotpot is not easily found in big cities. Without the heavy spice and thick chili oil seen in Sichuan hotpot, the main ingredient in Chaozhou hotpot — beef — is exceptionally fresh to ensure the umami quality of the broth and other ingredients. At Holy Cow every piece of beef is freshly delivered from Dalian, then skillfully hand sliced by the chef in the Chaozhou way, it is then served with the traditional satay and sesame dipping sauce. Holy Cow's authenticity is second to none, plus, it's a great option for families who are not too keen on the tongue-numbing Sichuan style.

RMB140 per person. Holy Cow.

Hyatt on the Bund

A restaurant that barely needs introduction, of course Xindalu will be open over the holidays. So open, in fact, that they are already fully booked for Chinese New Year's Eve (Feb 15). For the remainder of the holidays, however, the kitchen is at your service. Be absolutely sure to order their signature Beijing-style roast duck (one of the best in Shanghai, in our opinion), beggar's chicken, pyramid of braised pork and kungpao chicken. With its relaxed and contemporary ambiance, this restaurant is a popular choice for local and expat families alike. Enjoy a post-meal walk along the Bund to allow your delicious meal to settle, while taking in the beauty of the city.

Xindalu and Hyatt on the Bund.

The Langham Shanghai, Xintiandi

Three Michelin-starred Chinese Restaurant T'ang Court of The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi elevates Cantonese dining to new heights. For the celebration of this most important festival in the Chinese calendar, Chinese Executive Chef Alan Sun has specially crafted two Lunar New Year set menus in authentic Cantonese style and sophistication.

Feb 1-28, RMB1,388 and RMB1,888 per person plus 16.6 percent service charge (Note: Minimum of 8 persons per table). T'ang Court.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, Cachet restaurant is an ideal venue for a pre-Lunar New Year celebration for a dinner buffet gathering with additional one glass of house wine per person, Polaroid photo-shot and special seafood offering by Chef for each patron.

Feb 1-28, RMB398 per person plus 16.6 percent service charge. (Note Minimum of 10 persons per table). Cachet Restaurant.

Loon Fung House

With long lines of people queueing every night during dinner hour, the Loon Fung House Mengzi Lu branch catches the eyes of passersby with its Cantonese style facade and deco, and captures returning customers with its consistent quality food — trust us, it's one of our favorites. As a classic Cantonese restaurant, their roasted meat section is the most frequently ordered, and best of all is their signature BBQ Pork with Crispy Skin — the juicy, tender pork rib meat contrasts the crunchy skin roasted until golden brown — one bite, and we guarantee you will come back for more... and more.

RMB160 per person. Loon Fung House.

Primus Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao

Upscale, modern Chinese Restaurant Zhen offers the finest Cantonese and Chinese delicacies, with a unique contemporary twist. Primus Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao showcases a dining experience that's steeped in Cantonese culinary traditions. Presented by master chefs who will serve high quality, authentic signature dishes that show respect to the seasonality and unique taste of the ingredients. With a wide variety of international wine, paired with friendly and attentive service, no detail is spared in setting the tone for the perfect dining experience. 

Lunch & Dinner; from RMB588 per person. Primus Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao.

Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai 

While you might not be familiar with all Huaiyang cuisine, (one of the Four Great Traditions) you have probably heard of the reputable Huaiyang dish, Lion's Head. As one of the few Huaiyang cuisine restaurants in town, Gui Hua Lou is proud of its authenticity and oriental dining experience - very suitable if you are looking for a real CNY atmosphere. From their New Year's Eve menu, we recommend the Braised Crab with Rice Wine and Chicken Oil: a signature Huaiyangnese dish requiring a meticulous cooking technique. They use the finest king crab from the southeast region and braise it with Chinese rice wine, Hua Diao, to create a rich aroma.

Reach for the bouquet of delicious rewards at Gui Hua Lou with overflowing signature delicacies by Executive Chef Sam Gao, featuring six set menus starting from RMB3,800, including monk jumps over the wall, sauteed Boston lobster and family pot. Chef Gao's 15-course special menu is paired with the hotel's professional events specialists who bring years of experience to deliver an elegant setting, fine dishes and selected beverages tailored to your unique requirements.

Feb 15, packages from RMB6,888 net per table of 10 persons with free-flow soft drinks, chilled juice, local beer and house red wine in their private ballroom, plus one night's accommodation with daily breakfast at Yi Café for 2 persons. Gui Hua Lou.

Head out to Yi Cafe and feast on a plentiful spread of international cuisines together with a variety of traditional Chinese dishes recommended by Mr Shen Hongfei – the consultant of A Bite of China, includig Auntie Wang's Chinese Rice Pudding, Secret-Recipe Roasted Chicken, Guangdong-Style Sausage, Foie Gras Hand Roll with Crab Meat marinated with Rice Wine and Crab Meat and Roe Rice with Italian Vinegar. 

Lunch; from RMB258 per person, Dinner; from RMB348 per person plus 10 percent service charge and 6 percent value-added tax. Yi Cafe.

Meet with your friends and relatives at the Lobby Lounge this Chinese New Year with traditional ingot tea and a delicious afternoon tea selection.

RMB328 plus 10 percent service charge and 6 percent value-added tax. Lobby Lounge.

PUTIEN

With the Singapore branch proud to receive its second consecutive Michelin one star, PUTIEN is a representative of Chinese Min Cuisine (aka Fujian Cuisine). The name PUTIEN traces back to a beautiful coastal town in Fujian Province and the restaurant is renowned for its delicate and natural seafood dishes. If you choose to celebrate CNY in PUTIEN, then go the whole hog with their traditional festive dish Pen Cai ‘盆 菜’. Serving up layers of ingredients such as prawns, ham, chicken, oysters and mushrooms, which are slow cooked for 24-hours, this is a proper hearty dish that truly embraces the CNY spirit.

RMB140 per person. PUTIEN.

Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview

The Year of Dog is approaching near enjoy sumptuous dinner at Marriott Parkview with family and friends. Indulge in delicate flavors of exotic cuisine including King Prawn and Wagyu Beef at Tatsumi Japanese Restaurant, providing an exclusive experience for intimate gathering.

Feb15, RMB480 per person per table plus 15 percent surcharge. Tatsumi.

Shanghai City Bistro commemorates the festival season with a wide spreads with newly grilled whole lamb and warm hot pot.

Feb 1-28, RMB268 per person per table plus 15 percent surcharge. Shanghai City Bistro.

Man Ho Chinese Restaurant offers three sets for Chinese New Year. Enjoy a wide range of Spring Festival delicacies including Abalone, Lobster in one of private dining rooms.

Feb 15-18, RMB6,888, RMB8,888 or RMB10,888 per table plus 15 percent surcharge. Man Ho.

Shanghai Marriott Hotel Pudong East

Located on the fifth floor of the Shanghai Marriott Hotel Pudong East, Man Ho specializes in fine Cantonese and Shanghainese dining. With five elegant private rooms offering picturesque lake views, this restaurant is perfect for special occasions. "Fish" in Chinese is pronounced the same as "surplus," hence fish dishes on the New Year's Eve dinner table are a token for a prosperous upcoming year. Man Ho's CNY recommendations include Steamed Brown Marbled Grouper Fish with Special Sauce. The delicate fish is topped with scallion and ginger, bathed in a specially made soybean based sauce, then steamed to an ivory color with a succulent texture.

Feb 15, RMB300 per person plus 15 percent service charge. Man Ho.

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel

As a Michelin one-star restaurant highly recommended by Michelin Guide Shanghai, Shang-High Cuisine Restaurant has been awarded the prestigious crown for two consecutive years. Shang-High Cuisine Restaurant within the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel goes back to basics, following traditions to present classic Shanghainese dishes. This new year, Executive Chinese Chef Frank Hu will deliver a unique Shanghainese experience. One of the favored signature dishes is Braised Beef Cheek with Black Truffles which might sound Western in origin, but is made in a traditional Shanghainese style using steam, stew and a light frying along with a special secret sauce.

RMB380 per person plus 10 percent service charge and 6 percent tax. Shang-High Cuisine Restaurant.

Three on the Bund

Three on The Bund is firing on all cylinders over the Chinese New Year holidays, with exclusive menus from POP, Mercato and Canton Table. Mercato won't be ditching its Italian accent anytime soon, instead Chef Kelvin Chai is adopting the fortune-bringing ingredients onto his menu: Oven-Roasted Leopard Coral Grouper with Chili, Herbs, Lemon and White Wine.  Meanwhile at the newly opened Canton Table, parties of 10 can indulge in an auspicious 16-course feast that includes Crispy Suckling Pig, Sea Whelks, Lobster, Alaskan Crab and Spotted Grouper.

Feb 15-28, RMB10,088 per table of 10 plus 10 percent service charge. Canton Table.

Feb 15-28, RMB888 per couple, grouper priced at RMB968 plus 10 percent service charge. Mercato.

The Westin Bund Center Shanghai

The Westin Bund Center Shanghai will present you with a sumptuous reunion feast with a live performance, variety of lucky draw prizes and God of Wealth, to celebrate Chinese New Year. You can enjoy a Chinese New Year Family Reunion Dinner with lucky draw at The Crystal Garden or Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner Buffet with live performance and lucky draw at The Stage.

Feb 15, 5:30pm-10:00pm; RMB2,688 net per table of 6 people and RMB3,788 net per table of 10 people. The Crystal Garden.

Feb 15, 6:00pm-10:00pm; RMB528 net per person. The Stage.

Read more on Chinese New Year Spring Festival 2018 here.

This article was originally published by our sister magazine Urban Family Shanghai. For more articles like this, visit the Urban Family website, or follow the Urban Family WeChat account (ID: urbanfamilyshanghai).