In Montreal, Lunar New Year-also known as Chinese New Year or Tết in Vietnam-is a symbolic celebration that brings together diverse communities to honor rich traditions through meaningful symbols and flavors. Marking the start of a new year in the lunar calendar, this festive occasion provides a unique opportunity to explore traditional dishes that hold deep cultural significance.
Meals during Lunar New Year are central to the celebrations, with each dish representing wishes for luck, prosperity, and happiness. Chinese dumplings, shaped like gold ingots, symbolize wealth, while fish is cherished as a sign of abundance.
In Vietnam, Bánh chưng-a sticky rice cake filled with meat and mung beans-pays tribute to ancestors and celebrates family values. Spring rolls, with their crispy texture, are often served to signify prosperity.
Beyond the culinary delights, Montreal's Chinatown comes alive with vibrant parades, lion and dragon dances, and pop-up markets that showcase the cultural richness of the festivities. These events offer a full immersion into the traditions and flavors of Asia. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, Lunar New Year in Montreal invites you to discover and connect.
This year, the Year of the Snake promises to bring cultural and culinary highlights, making it an unmissable event.
Read also:
Montreal's Best Asian Soups off the Beaten Path
Date: January 22nd to 29th, 2025
Time Out Market Montréal is celebrating Lunar New Year with a unique program that blends creativity and tradition. Marusan delights with its Japanese curry topped with crispy shrimp, while Chanthy Yen reinvents shrimp toast with a refined twist. Blossom impresses with its sophisticated grilled eel maki, and Red Tiger warms hearts with a richly garnished signature soup. The bar adds an adventurous touch with creative cocktails like the Wasabi Sour, combining gin and sake, or the Serpent de Bois, an elegant blend of whiskey and green tea. In addition to these culinary creations by some of Montréal's top chefs, including a Top Chef Canada winner, the festivities extend to the Montréal Eaton Centre with free activities. Enjoy traditional performances like lion dances or hang your wishes on the red ribbon wish arch-a family-friendly, immersive experience. This event beautifully celebrates flavors and culture, making it a memorable way to mark the Lunar New Year.
1071 Rue St-Urbain, Montréal, H2Z 1Y6
Date: January 24th to 26th, 2025
Dobe & Andy celebrates Lunar New Year with a special menu honoring luck, prosperity, and longevity. Priced at $128 for four people, this festive feast features must-try dishes like crispy roast pork and XO fried rice, accompanied by spring rolls and a signature dessert. Each dish reflects a deep respect for Chinese traditions, making it a perfect way to welcome the Year of the Snake with flavor and optimism. With over 40 years of history, Dobe & Andy remains a standout destination for enjoying recipes rich in meaning and heritage.
Lunar New Year 2025 - Montreal's Chinatown
Date: January 25th to February 2nd, 2025
From January 25 to February 2, 2025, Montreal's Chinatown transforms itself into a vibrant place of tradition and festivities to welcome the Year of the Snake. The lively streets are home to fascinating art installations, interactive workshops and cultural performances. The highlight? The Lunar New Year Grand Parade, on February 1 from 11am to 1pm, with lion and dragon dances symbolizing strength and good fortune. A unique opportunity to discover the richness of Chinese culture and celebrate with family and friends.
1224 Rue Crescent, Montréal, H3G 2A9
Date: January 25th to February 9th 2025
Located downtown, Liuyishou Hotpot Fondue is a must-visit for fans of Chinese hotpot. Part of a renowned global chain, this restaurant offers an interactive dining experience where you cook premium ingredients like marbled beef, wild mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables directly at your table in a flavorful broth. To celebrate Lunar New Year, they're offering discounts: 10% for groups of six and 15% for groups of ten or more. Plus, enjoy a special deal on Tsingtao beer - buy one, get one free. With its welcoming and modern setting, Liuyishou is the perfect spot for a festive meal that combines authentic flavors and shared moments. Reservations are required to secure your table!
1250 Boulevard Robert-Bourrassa, Montréal, H3B 3A8
Date: January 30th, 2025
Join a memorable evening at East to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Indulge in refined bites like har gow filled with shrimp and bamboo shoots, crispy imperial rolls, or vegan dumplings elevated with chili and sesame flavors. The three-course menu at a special rate also features mains such as General Tao chicken or shrimp pad Thai, all crafted with care. With live music and the traditional lion dance setting the tone, the evening promises a festive and immersive atmosphere. Tickets, priced at $45, include a drink of your choice and the chance to win a luxurious getaway or a gift certificate. An event not to be missed to welcome the Year of the Snake with style and flavor.
Date: January 31st, 2025
Le Fou Fou, located in the RoyalMount, invites you to an exceptional celebration for the Year of the Snake. On Sunday, February 2, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., captivating artistic performances such as drum dances and phoenix blessings will mesmerize attendees. With its vibrant and symbolic decor, this event highlights the rich and festive traditions of Lunar New Year. Featuring 12 dining options and 4 bars, this modern gourmet hall combines culinary diversity with a welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect setting to celebrate this special occasion.
4281 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, H2W 1Z4
Date: January 31st, 2025
Cass Café, located in Plateau-Mont-Royal, celebrates the Lunar New Year by combining Vietnamese flavors with a strong commitment to sustainability. The entirely vegan menu includes a starter, a main course, and a dessert, all crafted with carefully selected local ingredients. Drinks like kombucha and mocktails complement this evening focused on environmental respect and culinary enjoyment. With its welcoming atmosphere and eco-conscious practices, Cass Café is the perfect destination to kick off the new year. Reserve your spot now to embrace a celebration rooted in sharing and environmental awareness.
2133 Boulevard le Carrefour, Laval, H7S 2J7
Date: February 1st, 2025
Looking to celebrate Lunar New Year with style? Head to Gon Bui in Laval, a resto-bar where bold flavors and festive energy collide. Inspired by the lost temples of China, the enchanting decor sets the stage for inventive and flavorful neo-Asian tapas. At 11:30 p.m., the Montreal Legacy Lion Dance & Wushu Team lights up the room with a spectacular lion dance, accompanied by the vibrant beats of Klaing and Hervé. Gon Bui is the perfect spot to raise your glass (which is exactly what "Gon Bui" means in Cantonese) and kick off the year with great vibes.
1008 Rue Clark #107, Montréal, H2Z 1J9
Date: February 1st, 2025
Just steps away from the Lunar New Year parade, Dynastie in Chinatown offers a menu bursting with flavor and rich symbolism. Yi Mein noodles, representing longevity, are paired with shrimp dumplings and chicken fried rice, each carrying wishes for unity and prosperity. To round out this festive feast, try the fresh lobster or sautéed green beans, which add a refreshing touch to the meal. Every dish is generously portioned, making it perfect for family gatherings or celebrations with friends. Dynastie's prime location also makes it the perfect stop to extend the festivities. The Lunar New Year parade on February 1st kicks off at the corner of Saint-Laurent and René-Lévesque boulevards, showcasing lion and dragon dances, vibrant colors, and an electrifying atmosphere. After enjoying this spectacular event, return to Dynastie to savor its signature dishes and toast to the Year of the Snake. Here, traditions, flavors, and shared moments come together to create unforgettable Lunar New Year memories.
1111 Rue St-Urbain, Montréal, H2Z 1Y6
Date: February 1st, 2025
In Chinatown, the Restaurant Chinatown Kim Fung celebrates the Lunar New Year with a menu full of symbolic and traditional flavors. The highlight is the "Poon Choi," a bountiful pot filled with delicacies like abalone, sea cucumber, shrimp, and other treasures. This Cantonese dish, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Roasted quail, paired with classic desserts like Nian Gao and red bean soup with glutinous rice balls, rounds out this festive feast. In a relaxed and welcoming setting, Kim Fung offers an authentic dive into the rich traditions of Chinese cuisine.
5060 Chemin De la Côte-de-Liesse, Montréal, H4P 0E1
Date: February 2nd
For Lunar New Year, Sammi & Soup Dumpling, in collaboration with the restaurant Île Flottante, unveils an exceptional collaborative menu, blending the elegance of French techniques with the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine. This 5-course meal, crafted by two visionary chefs, reimagines the iconic Xiao Long Bao with a modern and daring twist. Each dish tells a story, seamlessly combining tradition and innovation in perfect harmony. Set in the unique setting of RoyalMount, the event provides an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for savoring these one-of-a-kind creations. Drawing inspiration from two vibrant cultures, this evening celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of sharing a festive meal. A rare opportunity to explore culinary innovation while honoring the traditions of Lunar New Year. Act fast, as spots are limited and filling up quickly for this exclusive event!
6872 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, H2S 2M6
Dates: February 2nd, 2025, for the discovery workshop and February 7th, 2025, for the 5 to 7.
Charyū by Thés Guru in Rosemont celebrates the Lunar New Year with two exceptional events, perfect for tea enthusiasts. The first, a discovery and tasting workshop, will be led by Master Han Le and his team. This sensory journey features the tasting of seven grand cru teas, each representing one of the seven families of Chinese tea. Fascinating stories about their origins, health benefits, and ideal brewing techniques enrich the experience, accompanied by traditional Lunar New Year treats. Highlights on the menu include the prestigious Long Jing West Lake and the rare Huo Shan Huang Ya, a true national treasure.
For a more relaxed vibe, the Friday 5 to 7 Lunar New Year edition offers a chance to savor a selection of grand cru teas handpicked by tea masters. The teas are carefully prepared and served ceremonially in an intimate and serene tea bar setting. Treat yourself to a peaceful moment or connect with fellow tea lovers over these exceptional brews. Two formats, two atmospheres, but one refined celebration of tea and Chinese traditions.
1227 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montréal, H2J 1Y2
Date: according to stock availability.
Located in Plateau-Mont-Royal, Soleil de Saigon celebrates Lunar New Year with a quintessential Vietnamese specialty: banh chung. This sticky rice cake, filled with tender pork and mung beans, is carefully wrapped in leaves, resembling an elegant gift. Available exclusively by phone order, it's the perfect addition to your celebrations, bringing a touch of tradition to the table. Soleil de Saigon carries the spirit of Vietnam through simple yet meaningful dishes, making it an ideal choice to mark this festive season.
To continue your Lunar New Year journey, visit our section on Asian restaurants in Montreal, where tradition meets authentic flavors.
