Feast Your Way Into The Year of The Snake at These Amazing Restaurants
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Unsplash & Instagram
Lunar New Year is in full swing! It began on the 29th and will continue until the 15th day of the lunar calendar, falling on 12th February.
Lunar New Year is celebrated across the globe, but particularly in China, South Korea, and Vietnam. These countries not only share a deep reverence for the occasion but also boast some of the most delicious cuisines in the world.
Whether you celebrate the holiday, want to show your appreciation for other cultures, or simply love an excuse to indulge in incredible food, here are some fantastic Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean restaurants in town that will set you up perfectly for the Year of the Snake.
CHINESE
16 Aungier Street
Big Fan is one of the ultimate IYKYK restaurants in Dublin. There are so many reasons to check it out that it’s hard to list them all. No matter how many times you visit, it never disappoints. The menu is broad and varied, ensuring you’ll never get through everything, no matter how big your appetite. Plus, Big Fan is beautifully designed, with buzzers to call the staff.
Drury Hall, Stephen Street Lower
From the creators of Hakkahan comes Nan, a high-end establishment specialising in Huaiyang cuisine. This understated restaurant on South Stephen Street serves food that is anything but ordinary. Don’t miss the xiao long bao, shengjian bao, and deep-fried sea bass, all of which showcase the refinement of this regional cuisine. Nan’s electrifying dishes never fail to enchant. Whether it’s your first visit or your 100th, this Dublin favourite always delivers.
13/14 Cathedral Street
This spot offers a welcome break from some of the trendier Asian restaurants of the moment. A Dublin institution, M&L Chinese serves up a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Renowned for its affordability and lively vibe, it’s the perfect place to explore authentic Sichuan flavours this New Year.
KOREAN
160 Parnell Street
A unique venue that blends cultures, Kimchi Hop House is a fusion of a traditional Irish pub and an authentic Korean eatery. One half feels like you’re being served in a Korean auntie’s front room, while the other still holds the charm of the old pub it once was. You’ll see a mix of classic pint men and Korean expats sitting shoulder to shoulder, enjoying dishes like bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, and Korean fried chicken—washed down with top-notch pints and maybe a soju or two.
40 Camden Street
A new addition to Camden Street, Share has quickly become a go-to for Korean food lovers. It’s a vibey, casual, and cosy spot—sleek yet relaxed. You can get all the traditional favourites: bibimbap, jjigae, kimchi pancakes, and hansik meals of ains served with a bowl of steamed rice, soup, and a variety of banchan (side dishes—the best part!).
120 Capel Street
We couldn’t make a list of Korean restaurants without mentioning a great spot for Korean BBQ. Arisu is kitted out with vents and hot grills at the tables so that you and your friends can cook your own feast. There are few dining experiences as fun as grilling your own bulgogi, pork ribs, or lamb chops while enjoying a cold beer. They also offer corkage if you prefer to bring your own wine—something fruity and fleshy like Riesling or Grüner Veltliner pairs well with the spice.
VIETNAMESE
162 Parnell Street
Pho Kim is an authentic family owned Vietnamese restaurant serving fresh, vibrant, and healthy dishes. You can try their signature pho, a fragrant noodle soup with beef or chicken, as well as other delights like spring rolls, curries, and salads. A budget-friendly and vegetarian friendly option for a quick and satisfying meal.
6 Cope St, Temple Bar
You don’t usually think of quality, soul-warming food when you think of Temple Bar, but right in the heart of the madness is Pho Ta. This Vietnamese-owned and run restaurant serves some of the most authentic and tantalising Vietnamese food around. From summer rolls to fragrant curries and noodles, they have an immaculate spread. There’s a special buzz here, making it the perfect place for a celebration—or just to treat yourself—without breaking the bank, especially considering its central location.
46A Capel Street
This isn’t really a celebration spot, but you can’t talk about Vietnamese food in Dublin without mentioning Aobaba. This is the holy grail of cheap eats in the city. Serving up amazing, authentic, and satisfying Bánh mì, spring rolls, and pho, there’s something here for every appetite and budget. A must-try in town.
We’re wishing everyone a happy, prosperous new year filled with good health and love. 🐍
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