The Chinese New Year falls on 10 February 2024, marking the “Year of the Dragon”.
Cape Town boasts a range of Chinese restaurants, shops and experiences, all worth exploring.
The Commemoration of the Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, holds deep cultural and historical significance in Chinese tradition. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year, symbolising renewal, reunion, and the start of spring. Families gather to honour their ancestors, express gratitude and usher in good fortune for the coming year.
The festival is celebrated with vibrant decorations, traditional rituals, festive foods, dragon dances, fireworks and the exchange of red envelopes containing money for luck.
This year marks the Year of the Wood Dragon, the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs. Recent years of the Dragon include 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 and 1952, with the next Dragon year in 2036.
If you find yourself in Cape Town, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this auspicious day. Here are some suggestions:
Where to Dine
Cape Town is home to a variety of Chinese eateries catering to every budget. As the auspicious day on the Chinese calendar approaches, many restaurants are gearing up to celebrate with special events and exclusive set menus. Here’s what they have in store:
Dawn Restaurant
Newcomer to the Cape Town culinary scene, Dawn Restaurant aims to highlight authentic Chinese cuisine through its elevated menu. This Green Point restaurant is hosting a special four-course Chinese set menu on 10 February, from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The set menu features a tantalising array of dishes curated to showcase the best of Chinese cuisine. Guests will also receive a red envelope, a Chinese tradition symbolising good wishes and luck for the year, with a special voucher.
Location: 10 Jarvis St, Green Point
Price: R398pp
Contact: Visit dawnrestaurant.co.za/
Tang Restaurant, V&A Waterfront
Tang, an acclaimed luxury South African restaurant renowned for its Asian-inspired cuisine, continues to make waves in the culinary world.
In honour of the Chinese New Year, the restaurant at V&A Waterfront is extending a special treat to its guests. Those with reservations on 10 or 11 February will enjoy a complimentary serving of dim sum along with a Lunar drink, adding an extra touch of celebration to their dining experience.
Location: Shop 153, V&A Waterfront, 19 Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Price: Various
Contact: To make a booking, WhatsApp +27 76 652 8972
or visit cpt.tanghospitality.com/
Tai Ping
Tai Ping is a family-owned and operated restaurant situated in Newlands. This beloved restaurant is rolling out the red carpet for the Chinese New Year, offering an exclusive lunch and dinner special from 9 to 17 February 2024. Diners can indulge in a choice between two set menus. As an added delight, each set menu comes with a free glass of wine. From delectable dim sum to ramen, crispy duck to Kung Pao chicken, and Doong Po pork to braised tofu, the restaurant’s diverse menu promises to satisfy every palate.
Location: Dean St & Wilkinson St, Newlands
Price: From R580 per couple, including two glasses of wine.
Contact: Visit www.taiping.co.za/
Where to Shop
Shop for fashion, groceries and other nifty items at these Chinese stores around Cape Town. These include:
China Town
Located in Sable Square, Ottery, and Parow, China Town offers a wide range of Chinese products, including footwear, fashion, toys and games, homeware, food, luggage and bags. With over 150 stores, you’re guaranteed to find “more than you bargained for.”
Location: Ottery: Woodlands Road, Ottery
Sable Square: Corner Bosmansdam and Ratanga Road, Century City
Parow: Shoprite Park, Corner Jean Simonis and Voortrekker Road, Parow.
Contact: Visit chinatownsa.co.za/
Cape Grand China
Cape Grand China stands as a vibrant wholesale distribution center for Chinese goods, nestled in Milnerton. As you explore its corridors, you’ll encounter an array of treasures, from clothing and jewellery to furniture and a grocer stocked with all your essential Chinese food ingredients. With so many stores to peruse, spending a few hours here promises an exciting adventure. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a few items that capture your interest.
Location: 14 Racecourse Rd, Milnerton
Contact: Call 021 551 1467
N1 Chinese Supermarket
N1 Chinese Supermarket is an Asian food importer and a restaurant supplier, offering a diverse array of sauces, spices, pastes, oils and an assortment of sushi ingredients. What’s more, the supermarket boasts a section dedicated to Asian greens and salted duck eggs, to name but a few unique items available.
Visitors can also take advantage of stocking up on frozen duck, pork, dim sum and spring roll pastry.
Location: ZA Cape Town Goodwood Shop 1, N1 Value Centre
Contact: Visit www.chinesesupermarket.co.za/
Cape Town Chinese School
If you’d like to master your Mandarin, the Cape Town Chinese School offers Chinese classes to all learners, from beginner to matric level. The school has been providing Chinese lessons in language and culture since 1994.
Location: New Chinese Association Building, 12 Liesbeek Avenue, Observatory
Contact: Email ctchineseschool@gmail.com
