The Lunar New Year is just days away, and with it comes the chance to honor traditions, family, and of course, food! As we prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake, many of us reflect on how we celebrate this joyous occasion. Is it a big family feast? Tossing a colorful yu sheng? Or perhaps sharing tea and stories with loved ones?
In Indonesia, the Lunar New Year is a time of togetherness, and food plays a starring role in the celebration. Traditional dishes like steamed fish, dumplings, and spring rolls are served to symbolize prosperity, wealth, and longevity. Some families toss yee shang, a vibrant raw fish salad, in a lively ritual that’s believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Sweet treats, such as pineapple tarts and nian gao (sticky rice cakes), round out the table, symbolizing unity and a sweet start to the year.
This year, restaurants and hotels in Bali and Jakarta are going all out to make the celebration extra special. From traditional Lunar New Year menus featuring classic Chinese dishes to modern takes that embody the festive spirit, there’s something for everyone. Some spots are even offering elegant Lunar New Year afternoon teas, blending tradition and indulgence. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic reunion dinner or a fresh, innovative feast, here are some of the top culinary offerings for this festive season.
Jakarta
Fairmont Jakarta
Fairmont Jakarta is all set to bring you some festive feasting this Lunar New Year. The offer starts with an afternoon tea at Peacock Lounge, where you can indulge in delicate notes of Lung Ching tea. Their culinary team also curated a thoughtful menu featuring various edible flowers and fruits from China. Then, head to Spectrum Restaurant for a buffet that combines traditional and modern dishes. You can’t miss the special Fish Lamien and Baby Suckling Pig, plus a selection of dim sum and Bacang. For a truly festive treat, dive into the Roasted Peking Duck with Hoisin Sauce—a classic! Wrap up your dining adventure with desserts like sticky date and fig pudding, a raspberry dome, and Hazelnut Paris Brest.
Gran Melia Jakarta
From January 27 to February 2, 2025, Tien Chao will offer specially curated Chinese New Year Set Menus, featuring the “Imperial Lunar Indulgence” and “Golden Harmony Delight.” Designed to bring prosperity and joy to your table, Tien Chao also offers a premium selection of Yee Sang, including options like Yee Sang with Jellyfish and Korean Pear, Yee Sang with Salmon and Korean Pear, Yee Sang with Abalone and Korean Pear, and Yee Sang with Soft Shell Crab and Korean Pear. Next door at Café Gran Via, there is an exclusive Chinese New Year buffet featuring a delightful array of dishes, crafted to honor the rich traditions of the season
Hotel Tentrem Jakarta
LIN Restaurant at Hotel Tentrem Jakarta is ready to celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 with a series of special offerings. They’re taking inspiration from the beautiful forests and Chinese cuisine to create special set menus for the occasion. You’ve got to try their signature Peking Duck with its crispy skin and juicy meat, along with the must-have Prosperity Yee Sang. Don’t miss out on the Marinated Jelly Fish with Chili Plum Sauce, Sauteed Lobster with Egg White and Pine Nut, Yangzhou Fried Rice, and Broccoli with Garlic either. Plus, they’ve got a variety of hampers, like Lapis Legit and Peking Duck, which are ideal for sharing with your loved ones. To add to the festivities, there’s a collaboration with Lee Kum Kee, the largest and most known Chinese sauce brand in the global Chinese market.
InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah
InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a series of sophisticated Lunar New Year offerings. Highlights include lavish buffets at Sugar & Spice featuring Steamed Lobster, Caramelised Foie Gras, and Yee Sang, as well as a curated five-course menu at Ginger & Honey by Chef Yvonne Yuen, featuring creations like Pan-Seared Wagyu Beef and Chilled Bird Nest in Almond Milk.
Raffles Jakarta
Raffles Jakarta is honoring the Year of the Snake with tradition and elegance. Start your experience with a celebration at Arts Cafe. Indulge in a special menu featuring Braised Abalone, Hot & Sour Amberjack, and the traditional Yu Sheng Ceremony. There are also memorable events going on at The Dining Room where you can enjoy a specially curated 5-course menu featuring modern takes on classic Chinese cuisine, including Sichuan Beef Shank Taco, Aromatic Duck Broth, and Seabass Fillet.
The. St Regis Jakarta
The St. Regis Jakarta is celebrating the Lunar New Year, welcoming the Year of the Snake with a series of exciting culinary feasts throughout January and February 2025. From January 6th to February 2nd, 2025, The Drawing Room at the St. Regis Jakarta will offer a special Afternoon Tea service. This refined experience features premium DAMMANN Frères teas paired with delectable sweet and savory pastries. Chef Kevin Lee has curated a selection of pastries inspired by traditional Lunar New Year flavors.
Bali
Jumeirah Bali
From January 24 to February 1, 2025, Jumeirah Bali will host a series of curated experiences to celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 with the theme “Spring Harmony,” designed to honor renewal, balance, and prosperity. The celebration begins with “Harmony of Flavours: A Serpent’s Year Feast,” featuring a Chinese buffet with dishes like roasted duck, char siu pork, braised pork ribs, and dim sum. The festivities continue with “Harmony of Flavours: A Prosperous Year of the Serpent,” a lavish Seafood Feast dinner at the Segaran Dining Terrace, featuring a curated menu of fresh seafood, starters, and desserts. The next day, they offer “Harmony of Flavours: An Ode It’systers” at Segaran. This elevated dining experience showcases premium Canadian oysters prepared in five distinctive ways.
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Celebrations are deeply rooted in family, gratitude, and cultural traditions, with the reunion dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve serving as a cherished occasion for multiple generations to come together and share blessings for the year ahead. To honor this auspicious occasion, Sawah Terrace Restaurant at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a heartwarming Lunar New Year feast featuring an exclusive buffet that highlights both local Balinese and international flavors, crafted by talented chefs and accompanied by a complimentary welcome cocktail. Enhancing the festivities, a mesmerizing Balinese Barong Dance will captivate guests, showcasing the traditional mythological performance that beautifully complements the evening’s rich culinary offerings, ensuring a memorable celebration for all.
Mozaic Ubud
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, starting at 7 PM, guests are invited to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a specially curated six-course dinner that showcases the vibrant flavors and traditions of Chinese cuisine. Chef Blake Thornley and his team have crafted a menu that blends authentic Chinese-inspired dishes with Mozaic’s signature style, utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients for a unique culinary journey, all for IDR 1,388,000++ per person. Enhancing the experience are two specially crafted cocktails featuring Ming River, the original Sichuan baijiu from the Luzhou Laojiao Baijiu distillery, created by award-winning mixologist Bili Wirawan. The Sichuan Highball combines burnt pineapple, green peppercorn, chamomile honey, and snake fruit soda for a refreshing sip, while the Sichuan Negroni offers a sophisticated twist with banana, Cocchi Americano Bianco, and Luxardo Bitter, perfectly balanced for indulgence.
Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort
From January 28-29, 2025, Lion X at Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort will embrace the Year of the Wood Snake through “The Tales of the Snake” promotion, offering specially crafted set menus and à la carte dishes that highlight the richness of Chinese cuisine. Under the expertise of Chef Alex Kuan, the celebration begins with a premium salmon Yee Shang with smoked duck in crunchy golden rice, raised Fish Lip with assorted seafood in a deep-sea fish bone soup, Wok-fried Tiger Prawns with Butter Golden Sand, Deep-fried Snapper Fillet with Assam Curry Sauce, and many more.
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort is set to host a vibrant celebration for the Lunar New Year, welcoming the Year of the Snake with a series of festivities on January 28-29, 2025. The events will take place at Kwee Zeen, the resort’s acclaimed Pan-Asian restaurant, starting at 6 PM. Guests can indulge in an extensive Chinese New Year buffet featuring a variety of traditional dishes, including Peking duck, glazed pork ribs, Hong Kong-style crispy chicken, suckling pig, Hainanese chicken, dim sum, dumplings, stir-fried specialties like kung pao chicken and fish Hong Kong-style, and assorted noodles. To complement the meal, specially crafted Lunar New Year cocktails and desserts such as Nian Gao (New Year’s cake), sesame balls, and Chinese egg tarts will also be served
The Meru Sanur
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with an unforgettable Chinese New Year Brunch at Arunika Restaurant, located in the tranquil setting of Sanur Beach, on January 29, 2025. This Lunar Brunch offers a curated culinary journey featuring a sumptuous array of traditional Chinese delicacies, fresh seafood, and signature dishes with contemporary twists. Menu highlights include classic dim sum selections, roasted duck, babi hong, black miso chicken, and an assortment of noodles symbolizing longevity and fortune. For dessert lovers, the pastry corner, led by talented Chef Komang Juniarta, presents an enticing selection of indulgent treats, including Hong Kong egg waffles, Tong Sui, Mandarin orange cake, cumquat crumble, and other festive specialties, ensuring a truly memorable celebration.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, where tradition, wellness, and luxury come together for the whole family. Guests can indulge in an extravagant Chinese Buffet Dinner at the Beach Garden, featuring authentic cuisine inspired by the vibrant street food of Chinatown. This festive dining experience, dubbed the Feast of Fortune, will be enhanced by live lion dance performances and acoustic music, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere for the celebration. Join us on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Beach Garden for a memorable culinary journey that honors the Snake Year of change, growth, and renewal.