What to do CNY in KL

Robert Gilliland
Jan 28, 2019
2 min read

The 2019 Chinese New Year - which coincides with the February new moon - starts February 5 in Asia and rings in the Year of the Pig. Each year is named after one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. It is the most important holiday for the Chinese community and a (long) public holiday in Malaysia and other Asian countries.

Kuala Lumpur is especially festive and lively during Chinese New Year, you can definitely visit Petaling Street area in Chinatown. All around KL you can witness lion dances and people lighting off fireworks day and night. Shopping malls will be dressed in their best CNY themes with lion dances. You might notice many stores are closed on the first days of Chinese New Year as most of the Chinese business owners are visiting relatives and enjoying food and feasts with friends and family.

As a foreigner expat visiting or living in Malaysia, it is especially nice if you get invited for dinner at a local Chinese Malaysia family. These can be large celebrations inviting friends, family and strangers! The first day of Chinese New Year is reserved for close family, but the 2nd or 3rd day will be for the extended friends and family.

One of the signature and fun things to witness and participate in is eating Yee Sang! It is a special dish served only during Chinese New Year, it contains many different vegetables and other ingredients, and once it is served everyone grabs their chop sticks and people will toss this Chinese salad in the air. The higher it is tossed the better according to the Chinese, as it will bring great luck, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.

This year at Drift Dining and Bar will have a special set menu including a fabulous Yee Sang, along with succulent Pork Belly, and a refreshing Lemongrass Parfait. An amazing set menu at RM 90++ per person. We are open all Chinese New Year, enjoy the special set menu only on Tuesday the 5th Feb and Wednesday the 6th.

Book your tables online now. Call us 0321102079 or send an email.