This Is Where You Celebrate Chinese New Year
You may have celebrated the end of 2019 in grand style with champagne and oliebollen, but the Chinese celebrate the New Year on February 5. That means a big party with lots of delicious food and even more firecrackers than on December 31. Want to join in the festivities? These are the best places in the Netherlands to celebrate.
Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for Chinese people, and it is celebrated on a grand scale all over the world. There are all kinds of rituals, offerings at temples, and, of course, extra-delicious food. All the food traditionally eaten is associated with luck and prosperity in the coming year. Want to really fit in? Wear red—the color of this exuberant holiday.
Amsterdam
It will come as no surprise that during Chinese New Year in Amsterdam, you need to be on Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt. This is the capital’s Chinese epicenter, where you’ll find the best restaurants and supermarkets. On Zeedijk, the celebrations take place at Fo Guang Shan He Hua, a beautiful Buddhist temple.
If you get hungry, you can visit the countless Chinese restaurants on Zeedijk and Geldersekade. Our favorites are Hoi Tin, New King, and Nam Kee. Or walk a little farther to Sea Palace: the large boat near Central Station. Still have enough energy to dance after all that food? At Chin Chin Club on Rozengracht, you can dance into the early hours at their special party celebrating Chinese New Year.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam really goes all out: from February 4 through 10, an entire festival is organized around the holiday. Activities take place at various locations throughout the city. On Saturday, February 9, there is a major fireworks show and the traditional lion dance, but there is also plenty to eat. For example, join a special chef’s table at Harries Wine & Deli, a tribute to Cantonese cuisine by chef Tim Kan, from February 7 through 10.
On February 5, head to Thoms, where chefs from, among others, Asian Glories, Restaurant Chung, and MOOD come together to serve an incredible Chinese dinner. Think lots of dumplings; roast suckling pig; congee with ginger, pork, and century egg; the best Peking duck in Rotterdam; braised sea bass; mini bao buns with braised pork belly; and much more. The menu costs €79, excluding drinks, and you can make a reservation here.
The Hague
In The Hague, most of the celebrations also take place on Saturday, February 9. Head to City Hall and Chinatown, where all the festivities take place. At City Hall, you can watch the traditional lion dance and a grand Chinese spectacle performed by a ‘world-famous group from Henan province.’ There is a cultural market from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In Chinatown, Taste of China takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Chinese New Year market and fun activities for children. Of course, you’ll want to eat too, and fortunately you can do so at any of the restaurants in Chinatown. We recommend the dim sum at Kee Lun Palace.
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