Spice Temple marks the Year of the Horse with a nine-course banquet from February 9 to March 3. Executive Chef Andy Evans applies regional Chinese techniques to dishes like Pink Snapper Yu Sheng, Coral Trout with longevity noodles, and pork belly with rice cake. This Chinese New Year banquet Sydney experience runs at $159 per person.
What Makes This Lunar New Year Restaurant Menu Work
Pink Snapper Yu Sheng opens the banquet, a traditional prosperity salad served during Chinese New Year celebrations. Pipis arrive with pork and Shaoxing wine. Their purse-like shape symbolises wealth in Chinese culture, making them essential to fortune-focused celebrations.
Steamed Coral Trout comes with longevity noodles, served uncut. The unbroken strands represent a wish for long life. Chinese tradition warns against cutting these noodles during cooking or eating, as shortening them is thought to shorten life itself.
Stir-fried pork belly includes rice cake, which holds linguistic significance. The Mandarin term for rice cake sounds like “higher year,” making it a standard feature at Chinese New Year restaurant Sydney tables. Additional dishes round out the nine courses – guests can view the full menu for complete details.
Every guest receives a red packet, a centuries-old gesture that symbolises luck and fresh beginnings.
The Year of the Horse Context
The horse represents energy, independence and forward momentum in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in horse years are considered ambitious, free-spirited and confident. The 2026 cycle marks a Wood Horse year, which Chinese astrology associates with innovation and growth.
Lunar New Year Sydney 2026 celebrations begin January 29, running for 15 days. The horse’s dynamic nature makes it one of the more optimistic zodiac symbols, suited to new ventures and bold decisions. This symbolism influences everything from menu planning to the dining room atmosphere during Chinese New Year celebration Sydney events.
Why This Chinese New Year Banquet 2026 Works
At $159 per person for nine courses, the banquet offers structured value. Chef Andy Evans sources Australian produce for the menu, including premium beef and fresh seafood. The newly refreshed dining room provides the setting, with two private dining rooms available for larger groups.
The CBD location suits both business dinners and personal celebrations. For those searching for a Chinese New Year restaurant Sydney option that balances authentic techniques with quality ingredients, this limited run delivers both.
Booking the Lunar New Year Dinner 2026
Reservations are now open through the March 3 end date. Given the seven-week window and cultural significance of the occasion, early booking secures preferred dates. Visit Spice Temple’s events page for full details or reserve your table directly.
