The Year of the Horse begins January 29, bringing energy and ambition to Lunar New Year Melbourne 2026 celebrations. Spice Temple marks the occasion with a nine-course banquet running February 9 to March 3, where each dish represents a different fortune for the year ahead. Executive Chef Andy Evans applies regional Chinese techniques to create a Chinese New Year banquet Melbourne experience that honours tradition through premium Australian ingredients.
What the Horse Year Means for 2026
Those born in horse years are considered free-spirited, confident and independent. The 2026 Wood Horse cycle emphasises innovation and growth, making it one of the more optimistic zodiac symbols. Chinese astrology associates this combination with forward momentum and bold ventures. The 15-day celebration period runs through mid-February, with peak Chinese New Year restaurant Melbourne bookings filling the opening week.
Nine Dishes, Nine Fortunes
Each course in the $159 banquet carries symbolic meaning, marked by Chinese characters that guide the meal from luck through to love.
運氣 Luck | Pickled Lotus Rootlet, Sichuan-Style Cucumber, Shiitake
Preserved vegetables open the banquet. Lotus root symbolises abundance year after year, its circular cross-section representing unity and completeness.
繁榮 Prosperity | Ocean Trout Yu Sheng
The word for fish in Mandarin sounds like “abundance”, making Yu Sheng essential to Chinese New Year celebration Melbourne tables.
財富 Wealth | Drunken Greenlip Abalone with Black Oscietra Caviar
Southern Australian greenlip abalone prepared with Shaoxing wine, topped with premium caviar. Abalone symbolises wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture.
幸运 Fortune | Fried Market Fish with Green Chilli and Coriander Sauce
Fresh market fish arrives crisp and dressed with green chilli and coriander. A lobster upgrade is available for $65 per person.
長壽 Longevity | Shanghainese Shallot Oil Noodles with Spencer Gulf Prawns
Charcoal-grilled prawns top these longevity noodles, served uncut. Chinese tradition warns against cutting longevity noodles, as shortening them is thought to shorten life itself.
豐產 Fertility | Stir-Fried Asparagus with Abrolhos Island Scallops and Chinese Olive Sauce
Asparagus pairs with scallops from Western Australia’s Abrolhos Islands, representing the fertility blessing.
和諧 Peace | Shanghainese Fermented Bean Curd Berkshire Pork Belly with Gua Bao
Fermented bean curd seasons the pork belly, served with soft steamed gua bao. Rich meat meets pillowy buns for balance and harmony.
幸福 Happiness | Rangers Valley 40-Day Aged Scotch Fillet
Premium Rangers Valley beef gets 40 days of dry-aging before being dressed with Kampot pepper sauce and fried curry leaves. The extended aging process develops deeper flavour complexity.
愛 Love | Chinese Dates Crème Caramel
Chinese dates, prized in traditional medicine for thousands of years, close the meal. Jujube fruit symbolises a sweet life, flourishing business, fertility, harmony and happiness. Every guest receives a red packet, a centuries-old gesture symbolising luck and fresh beginnings.
Regional Chinese Cuisine Meets Melbourne's Southbank
Chef Andy Evans sources Australian produce for the banquet menu, balancing authenticity with local quality. The Southbank location makes it accessible for Chinese New Year Melbourne CBD diners and visitors. Private dining rooms accommodate groups celebrating Chinese New Year dinner Melbourne style.
At $159 per person for nine symbolic courses, the banquet offers structured value during the limited seven-week run. Guests can view the complete menu and reserve their table now through March 3. Visit Spice Temple’s events page for full details.
