How better to get into the spirit of Chinese New Year than with an actual Wishing Tree? That's exactly what we found when we popped in Hakkasan in order to celebrate the tradition. Inbetween a festive nine-dish feast, we were encouraged to share our hopes for 2015 by writing a wish on red ribbons. The wishes were then hung around the restaurant, joining others already dangling from the restaurant's latticed woodwork cages.
As for the food, we were happily surprised to find a modern twist on authentic Chinese New Year fare, as well as signature dishes. Michelin-starred Executive Head Chef Tong Chee Hwee created Spicy lamb lupin wrap, a Dim sum platter and Golden fried soft shell crab with red chili and curry leaf. Yum.
For the mains, we enjoyed Spicy prawn, Stir-fry black pepper rib eye beef with Merlot, Grilled Chilean seabass in honey, Stir-fry Lily bulb and garlic shoot and Abalone and dry scallop fried rice, a dish to bring good fortune and wealth in 2015. Yes, please!
But the best was saved till last. To finish, a dainty Wishing Tree was brought to the table adorned with chocolate delights. Top it off with a specialty cocktail to cleanse the palate and the New Year was looking truly rosy.
The Chinese New Year menu is available for £88.88 per person. A la carte items will be individually priced, starting at £12.88. For more information on Chinese New Year at Hakkasan, visit hakkasan.com. The wish collection and signature menu is available from 8th February to 1st March.