Celebrate the Chinese New Year at these restaurants

by Sophia F. Gottfried, Staff Writer | Originally appeared in NorthJersey.com | January 26, 2017

Happy Year of the Rooster!

Happy Year of the Rooster! That’s right, Chinese New Year begins on Saturday, ringing in two weeks of festivities – from red envelopes stuffed with monetary gifts, to fireworks and, of course, food. Certain traditional dishes are said to bring an auspicious year, and who are we to argue with that? Here are some North Jersey spots to welcome a lucky year while enjoying some delicious Chinese cuisine.

Chengdu 23 in Wayne

This well-known Sichuan-style restaurant has prepared a variety of dishes families typically enjoy for the New Year. Owner Kevin Lin’s favorite? The maple crispy duck ($21), which is “steamed and then fried, so the inside is still tender” and the outside remains crispy. Chicken for the Year of the Rooster is a must, too, says Lin – Chengdu 23 will serve a special steamed chicken appetizer with a spicy chili sauce and peanuts ($9). For those interested in more traditional Sichuan favorites for Chinese New Year, Lin suggests the house-made Sichuan sausage, served with pearl mushrooms, leeks and garlic ($17) and tea-smoked bacon ($16), accompanied by rice cakes, or nian gao, which Lin says roughly translates to “Chinese New Year’s cake,” though they are eaten year-round as well.

Go: 6 Willowbrook Blvd., Wayne, 973-812-2800, Chengdu23.com
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