With roughly 6,500 Brighton residents of Chinese origin and the recent boom of Asian grocery/convenience stores popping up in town, there’s never been a better time to celebrate Chinese New Year in Brighton in 2024. In this article we will talk about what Chinese New Year is, some of the traditional food and celebrations, and where in Brighton you can get some supplies to throw your own Chinese New Year party!
What is it?
Chinese New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar which is based on cycles of our sun and moon making it anywhere from 21 to 51 days behind the Gregorian calendar. The day of the Chinese New Year is a new moon day, and usually the second after the winter solstice.
The most important holiday in China, and widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population, 2024’s Chinese New Year will happen on February 10th.
Celebrations for Chinese New Year traditionally last for 16 days, starting on Chinese New Year’s Eve and ending with the Lantern Festival (24th Feb). 2024 will be the year of the wood dragon, the dragon is a symbol of success, intelligence, and honour, while its wood element represents vitality and creativity.
Food for Chinese New Year in Brighton 2024:
In Chinese culture, the number 8 is the luckiest number – bringing wealth, prosperity, success, and status. This is because the pronunciation of 8 (“ba”), sounds similar to “fa” which means ‘to make fortune’.
Below are 8 fabulous foods to enjoy whilst ringing in the Chinese New Year. Recipes for all of these are widely available on the internet, however, I would recommend finding video tutorials for some to fully understand the techniques behind creating these dishes:
Jiaozi
This traditional Chinese dumpling is filled with ground meat or vegetables and is folded into a shape which resembles Chinese sycee (silver ingots historically used as currency). They can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried for some added crispiness!
Dayu Darou (Whole Fish or Meat)
Typically included in a Lunar New Year meal, is Dayu Darou – which literally translates to “big fish and big meat”. The phrase is used to describe any feast where animal protein plays a large role, as opposed to everyday meals.
Lawei (Cured Meats)
During the winter months, it is customary for people in Southern China to cure their meats to preserve them through to the next Spring. This practice relies on the region’s cool climate and is dry-brined, wind-cured, and then smoked over cypress branches.
Chun Juan (Spring Rolls)
Originating from China, it’s no surprise that crispy and hot spring rolls are a part of any Chinese celebration. Filled with meat or vegetables, and served with a tangy dipping sauce, this party food is always a crowd-pleaser!
Changshou Mian (Longevity Noodles)
These ‘long life noodles’ are a staple carb of Chinese cuisine. According to tradition, the chef cannot cut the noodles and each strand must be eaten whole to gain longevity in life.
Good Fortune Fruit
Oranges, kumquats, tangerines, and pomelos are Chinese New Year food gifts believed to bring good luck and happiness. The Chinese words for orange and tangerine closely resemble the words for luck and wealth and the gold colour also symbolizes prosperity.
Babao Fan (Eight Treasures Rice)
A rice pudding-style dessert made from sweetened sticky rice with red bean paste and topped with dried fruits and seeds. Traditionally, the dish uses eight different toppings.
Tang Yuan
A traditional Chinese dessert consisting of filled glutinous rice balls (similar to mochi), served in a hot syrup or dessert broth.
Hopefully, that list has excited your taste buds or piqued your curiosity. But where do you get glutinous rice powder, pomelos, or red bean paste? Luckily, over the past few years, Brighton’s options for Asian food and supplies have grown from strength to strength with many friendly, family-run shops serving our community.
Below is a list of some (but not all) places located all over Brighton for you to find your nearest Asian ingredients supplier!
Yum Yum Oriental Market
22-23 Sydney St, Brighton, BN1 4EN
01273 606777
18 Grocery
Unit 18 The Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton, BN1 4JU
Dragon
125 Lewes Rd, Brighton, BN2 3LG
01273 640818
Nine Supermarket
26 Queens Rd, Brighton, BN1 3XA
01273 760088
Asiamart
London Rd, Brighton, BN1 4HY
01273 973482
Yun Feng Foods
25 London Rd, Brighton, BN1 4JB
01273 592828
Eating Out in Brighton during Chinese New Year 2024
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at The Ivy Asia. From January 29th to March 10th they will be offering a Dim Sum experience on weekdays between 11.30 am and 4.30 pm, featuring dishes like Siu Loong Bun and Chicken Siu Mai, paying homage to the mighty dragon.
For dinner, the Dragon Experience Menu awaits with a complimentary Red Dragon Martini cocktail. Partnering with KI NO BI Gin, they are presenting five bespoke cocktails, including the KI NO BI 75 with passion fruit boba and the Lunar Negroni, perfect for toasting to a prosperous new year.
Join them on February 10th, the first day of Chinese New Year, from 7 pm for a celebration like no other in Brighton. Experience immersive dancers, DJs, and the chance to discover your fortune with hidden Tarot Card readers awaiting inside.
Book your table now: https://theivyasia.com/book-a-table/
Events for Chinese New Year in Brighton 2024
Vegan Dim Sum Class
Do you need some pointers on how to fold your Jiaozi? Learn small plate cooking the Chinese way with this Dim Sum class!
Happening on Jan 10th at The Community Kitchen on Queens Road, this hands-on course will take you on a journey of discovery to learn about the different styles of dim sum and the specialist ingredients needed for them, before preparing and cooking your own using a traditional steamer basket over a wok.
Book your place here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/vegan-dim-sum-class-with-kitchen-academy-tickets-146635
Traditional Calligraphy Workshop
If you want to brush up (excuse the pun) on your calligraphy skills before creating some festive banners for your Chinese New Year celebration, join this workshop! No prior knowledge is needed and people of all abilities are welcome.
During the workshop, you learn how to use traditional Chinese calligraphy brushes to write some Chinese words. You’ll learn the structures and strokes in writing traditional Chinese, and your tutor will introduce some simple vocabulary and idioms for you to incorporate. If you would like to learn more, you can also learn how to write Chinese poems!
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/traditional-chinese-calligraphy-workshop-tickets-560971108687?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Chinese New Year Celebration Lion Dance Performance at ASIANA
Embrace the Year of the Dragon at ASIANA Grocery & Dim Sum in Hove. Join them for a traditional Lion Dance on Chinese New Year, 11th Feb 2024 at 1 pm. Experience joy, prosperity, and cultural richness.
Address: 117 Portland Rd, Hove, BN3 5DP
Chinese New Year Lion Dance Event at Shelter Hall
Celebrate Chinese New Year with family-friendly lion dance performances! Free admission on Saturday (10th February) at 6 pm & 8 pm, and Sunday (11th February) at 6 pm.
Address: 152-154 Kings Road Arches, Shelter Hall, Brighton, BN1 1NB
Claim Your Free Ticket Here: https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/shelterhallbrighton/cny-2024-10690028918?utm_source=Airship&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Shabash
Whether you’re celebrating out in Brighton at a local Chinese restaurant, or enjoying some quality time with friends and family, we wish you a happy Chinese New Year 2024 and a successful year of the wood dragon!
