Celebrate New Year at Dai Pai Dong, Abu Dhabi’s most authentic Cantonese cuisine in town

The intricately designed hotspot at Rosewood Abu Dhabi is bringing the rich colours, cuisine, music, and art of Cantonese culture to the UAE capital for 16 days of feasts and celebrations

Following its selection for the debut MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi, award-winning restaurant Dai Pai Dong is proud to present its most unforgettable and authentic Chinese New Year Festival.   

Running from January 21 to February 5, families and friends are welcomed to gather at the distinguished culinary hideaway and celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year with 16 days of special brunches, lavish feasts, eight-course family-style dinners, all inspired by the fascinating history of southeastern China.

Dai Pai Dong, which boasts a stunning opulent setting with design elements inspired by the mainland, offers an abundance of authentic dining experiences as well as an exquisitely designed restaurant steeped in rich Cantonese heritage.

Every corner of this award-winning restaurant is adorned with meaningful symbols, emblems and artifacts from Cantonese culture.

Transporting guests over to the bustling cities and dramatic mountains of China to experience a fully immersive Chinese New Year celebration, there is nowhere in the city more authentically Cantonese and uniquely atmospheric to honour the important occasion.

Exclusively curated by Chef Dong, the celebratory affair aims to reflect the culinary craftsmanship and 20 years of expertise of the Nanjing born chef.

‘Gong Xi Fa Cai – Year of the Rabbit 2023’festival is an unmissable event for anyone who is passionate about Cantonese cuisine or culture. Brimming with authentic flavours, precious Cantonese rituals and uplifting traditional decorations, Dai Pai Dong invites connoisseurs and tastemakers to mark this occasion with zeal.  

New Year’s Eve – Reunion Dinner 

 On Saturday, January 21, Dai Pai Dong is uniting loved ones for a traditional Chinese New Year’s Eve supper.

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Historically one of the most important events in Chinese culture, it is customary for entire families and multiple generations to travel home on New Year’s Eve and share a special meal known as the ‘Reunion Dinner’. 

Starting with a bespoke welcome drink, Chef Dong and his team have created an unmissable eight-course Reunion Dinner of Cantonese specialities.  

Born and raised in the ancient capital city of Nanjing in eastern China, Chef Dong’s authentic cuisine is based on the very dishes that he enjoyed as a child on New Year’s Eve. Part of a family of chefs, culinary craftsmanship runs through his DNA and his dishes bring a fresh authenticity and homemade charm that is truly unique and impossible to mimic.

The New Year’s Eve ‘Reunion Dinner’ celebration takes place on Saturday, January 21 from 7pm to 11pm, priced AED 298 per person for eight courses with a welcome drink. À la carte is also available.   

Year of The Rabbit 2023 – Prosperity Feast 

 Guests are invited to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit with a three-hour New Year’s Day brunch. 

Presenting a curated array of Dai Pai Dong’s most much-loved signature specialities, the vibrant Prosperity Feast is further enhanced with free-flowing refreshments, plus a choice of expertly crafted Chinese New Year specialities, including sweet rice balls, fish and dumplings. 

Encouraging every guest to feel truly relaxed and at home, diners are welcome to begin their feast at any time between 6pm and midnight. 

The Chinese New Year’s Day ‘Prosperity Feast’ Brunch will take place on Sunday, January 22, from 6pm to midnight. Packages are priced AED 388 for juices and fizz, and AED 488 for beer, wine, cocktails, and Champagne Pommery.

Chinese New Year family-style set menu   

Continuing the celebrations throughout every day of the Chinese New Year Festival, Chef Dong is thrilled to present his special ‘Year of the Rabbit’ set menu. 

Designed to be shared and savoured together with friends and loved ones, the eight-course, fully immersive experience takes guests on a journey through the most enrapturing spices, flavours and ingredients of China.   

Available for dinner daily from January 23 to February 4, except for January 28. The experience is priced AED 298 per person for eight courses and a welcome drink. 

Lantern Festival 

This year, Dai Pai Dong is rounding off the Lunar New Year festivities by hosting a special edition of one of China’s most popular cultural events.  

Adorned with intricate paper lanterns and colourful traditional decorations, Dai Pai Dong’s special Lantern Festival brunch will star all the restaurant’s most popular signatures, plus a selection of special Chinese New Year recipes.

Presenting a tantalizing selection of timeless, heritage-inspired specialties, all served with a contemporary and creative twist, guests can indulge in spicy noodles, creamy curries, homemade dim sum, juicy marinated meats, fresh seafood, traditional rice balls and more authentic delicacies that beautifully represent the magic of Chinese New Year.  

The Lantern Festival Brunch takes place on Sunday, February 5 from noon to 6pm. Guests can choose to dine for three hours at any time of their choosing within this time slot. Packages start from AED 388 for juices and fizz and AED 488 for beer, wine, cocktails and Champagne Pommery.

For bookings for any of the above, please contact Rosewood Abu Dhabi at [email protected] or call +971 (0)2 813 5588.

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