This year, the Chinese Lunar New Year is Friday, February 12, and, according to the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the year of the metal ox, which represents “diligence, kindness and generosity.” Welcome these hopes for the new year at Houston-area restaurants with flavorful, celebratory fare and entertainment enjoyed amongst family and close friends. All locations noted here are practicing social distancing and other safety protocols, but call the locations you wish to visit for specific questions. We will update as more events are announced.

Hermann Park

Ginger Kale at Hermann Park, 6104 Hermann Park Drive: Watch a free dragon dance performance on February 13 at 2 p.m. outside this chic cafe. While you’re there, pick up a picnic from the menu of burgers, sandwiches, fresh juices and more. Masks are strongly requested. Call (832) 539-8988 for more information.

Katy

Phat Eatery, 23119 Colonial Parkway: There is a two-day celebration at this hot spot for Malaysian street food that includes a six-course tasting feast and a live Lion Dance performance from Lee Golden. It is Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Menu highlights include the traditional Malaysian salad Yu Sheng (Prosperity Toss), honey-glazed char siu Berkshire pork, snow pea tips with lobster and egg tofu, and lamb rendang. It costs $48 per person. There is also a seating available Friday, February 12 at 6 p.m. without a dance performance. To make reservations, email Phat Eatery.

Montrose

UB Preserv, 1609 Westheimer: Choose from menu classics such as pork dumplings, crispy rice salad and Vietnamese Short Rib Fajitas or special holiday dishes. The latter are available February 10 through 13 and include 12 sweet and savory selections such as Chinese chicken salad, honey pecan shrimp, eggplant with garlic sauce, black bean clams, cumin lamb shank and Happy Family with scallops, shrimp and pork belly. All items are available for dine-in, to go and delivery. Visit the website for reservations, to order and for more information.

Northwest Houston

Klaus Brewing Company, 10142 Jones: Kick back with a brew during the Lunar New Year Lion Dance Celebration. The event is from 3 to 4 p.m. and the food truck Lunchbox Hippies will be onsite for noshing. The event is free to attend, though food and beverages are not. Visit the event page for more information.

River Oaks

Le Colonial, 4444 Westheimer: Enjoy two live lion dance performances by local nonprofit Soaring Phoenix on Saturday, February 13. The 3 p.m. show is outside in the River Oaks District plaza across from Toulouse and the 5 p.m. show is throughout the restaurant at Le Colonial. The 45-minute event includes elaborate costumes, lively music and other delights. Make reservations online or by calling (713) 904-1310. Guests are required to follow social distance guidelines and wear masks while not sitting at a table.

Multiple Locations

Mala Sichuan Bistro, Multiple Locations, including Chinatown: Take part in the Chinese red envelope tradition with a tasty twist. For every $20 spent at a Mala restaurant location through February 14, diners will receive a red envelope containing one “Mala Dollar” (limit of three earned per order). These dollars are redeemable as cash at any of the four locations. Use for yourself or gift them to friends and family. Available while supplies last.

Disclosure: Phat Eatery is a valued Houston Food Finder sponsor that ensures we can pay our writers and keep publishing articles such as this one! Consider sponsoring our work. Email us for details. 

Ellie Sharp