Fortune and Abundance Await as Shangri-la Hotels in the UAE Usher in the Chinese New Year

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Luck, good fortune, health and prosperity are important wishes for those celebrating the Lunar New Year in China.  Chinese New Year is an auspicious occasion that is often referred to as the Spring Festival, as the holiday marks the end of the coldest days. It represents fresh starts and new beginnings; to prepare for this, families gather for meals and clean their houses to sweep away ill-fortune and make room for good luck.

Symbolism is also present in the meals that are served during the New Year; every ingredient has a story. Yee Sang is one of the honoured dishes featured during this time as it is representative of good luck, prosperity and health. The chosen vegetables in the Yee Sang salad are not simply picked on a whim. The cucumber shares the same pronunciation as the word for ‘returns’ and is thus symbolic of having many happy returns in all your ventures; carrots resemble gold; there is pomelo for good luck; plum sauce for a sweet life and the colour green is present to ensure eternal youth.

The Yee Sang tradition involves families gathering around the table and performing what is known as a “Prosperity Toss”. Family members toss the ingredients into the air and wish each other well by saying “gong xi fa cai” (congratulations for your wealth) and “wan shi ru yi” (may all your wishes be fulfilled). The higher the food goes the more luck you will have in the New Year. Shang Palace is delighted to bring this celebration to Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai and Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi during Chinese New Year.

Both hotels are home to Shang Palace, the signature restaurant of Shangri-La hotels worldwide which is synonymous with authentic Chinese cuisine. Across the UAE, Shang Palace will serve bespoke set menus from 4 to 19 February 2019, starting from AED 358.

To add a local touch, the restaurants have partnered with celebrity Chef Hala Ayash to conceive a limited-edition signature dessert to mark the occasion. Aptly named “Golden Mandarin” as mandarins typically represent prosperity, luck for the Chinese culture. The concoction is infused with local spices such as cinnamon and star anise while featuring the star ingredient; the mandarin.

Tradition prevails with Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi showcasing Chinese heritage with two mahjong tables for families and friends to enjoy the legendry Chinese game during the full week of celebrations. Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai will have a Chinese calligrapher providing guests with their very own personalised pieces. Guests can try their luck in the New Year; any guest who dines at Shang Palace during Chinese New Year can enter the chance to win a stay at Kerry Hotel, Beijing. 

For enquiries and reservations for Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, please contact reservations at (971 4) 405 2703 or email f&breservations.sldb@shangri-la.com; for enquiries and reservations for Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, please contact reservations at (971) 02509 8888 or email reservations.slad@shangri-la.com.

About Shangri-La Hotels:

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently operates over 100 hotels with a room inventory of over 41,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.   Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.   The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Australia, Bahrain, mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.   For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com.