Luck Out With These Bites

The Chinese never need an excuse to get together with loved ones, as their rich culture already revolves around family, food and festivities 365 days of the year — 366 days in the case of 2016. But on Chinese New Year, which is Feb. 8 this year, there is no better reason to be with family and friends, feasting on the best in Chinese fare, than for the celebration of Spring Festival.

Little Village Noodle House does the holiday justice with its Chinese New Year set menu, which is available now until Feb. 9. With nine dishes, patrons will enjoy a collection of fresh, creative and delicious selections, chosen specifically for the momentous occasion. Each plate uses ingredients that signify luck, prosperity and life for diners in the new year, such as the Chinatown eatery’s Good Luck New Year Jai.

This vegetarian dish is a must on Chinese New Year, and it features gingko nuts, shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, fried tofu, long rice and black fungus. Red dates also are added for the healthy properties of the fruit, as well as the significance of the color red, which, according to Chinese culture, is said to bring luck.

Little Village’s regular menu still will be available, but call ahead to make your reservation for the Chinese New Year set menu. A dinner group of 10 is $388, whereas the price for four people is $168 — but parties of any size are accommodated with price adjustments.

A NEW-YEAR MUST

Although Steamed Live Oyster is not necessarily a traditional Chinese dish, it makes the cut for Little Village’s Chinese New Year set menu because of its fresh ingredients and combination of dynamic flavors.

Succulent morsels are presented in large half shells, swimming in their own broth after steaming. Deliciously salty black bean sauce tops off the oysters with lemon wedges, diced chilies and green onion for extra taste.

One oyster is set for each member in your dinner party, but more can be ordered for an added price. After trying this unforgettable item, one simply won’t be enough.

Little Village Noodle House

1113 Smith St., Chinatown
545-3008
Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.;
Friday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
littlevillagehawaii.com