It’s the year of the Rabbit and judging by the bunny dumplings we are about to eat, we are already feeling very lucky and happy!

The Lunar New Year banquets are available across the group but our favourite spot is Gardens by Lotus. Stepping into the Chinese Gardens is a teleportation both visually and gastronomically. The sun is shining, the willow tress are billowing in the breeze by the lake whilst the koi carp are breaching like its whale season. Behind us is waterfall which just begs us to order a glass of cool beer and kick back.

Things really get going with the ordering – in that you dont have to with this lunar banquet. We can’t miss the hopportunity” to try their special rabbit-shaped dumpling to celebrate LNY 2023. I quieten my internal voice which feels sad to bite its head off! Its a delicious filling of mud crab, prawn and ginger. Steamed pork and prawn siu mai along with jade prawn dumplings are next, perfectly cooked and the perfect starter to an additional order of stunning prawn toasts that knock our socks off. Crispy, sweet and savoury and so morish. We move onto duck pancakes thoughtfully folded so we just need to pop them in our mouths and chew, the same with their famous king mushroom spring rolls which in our opinion are the superior experience to the lamb ones on the menu (trust us!). Whitebait, noodles, and radish cake follow. It’s a feast and with a taste of one of each of the items on the menu you never get fomo from the a la carte options. It’s a riot of fun and flavour

With a pot of Jasmine tea to while away the time soaking in the views this has to be a great way to celebrate the new year. Our top tip is to pop next door to the Chinese Gardens and enjoy walking off a great feast. Gong hei fat choy!

The Gardens by Lotus | Darling Harbour,
LNY Yum Cha Banquets: $79pp or $88pp
https://www.lotusdininggroup.com/event/lunar-new-year-celebration-at-the-gardens-by-lotus-2023/