Healthy ingredients are used to make Little Village’s Good Luck Jai, a classic Chinese New Year specialty.
In the Chinese lunar calendar, the Year of the Rooster represents a new dawn and awakening: Triumph and success can be achieved in 2017 through hard work and patience, according to multiple interpretations for the upcoming year associated with the “fire rooster.”
With Chinese New Year slated to begin Jan. 28, Little Village Noodle House has created a special menu designed specifically to help diners get a fresh start to a prosperous year. As proof to the saying that good things come in small packages, some of Hawaii’s best award-winning Chinese cuisine can be found tucked away in downtown Honolulu at Little Village. From its home in the heart of Chinatown, the restaurant has garnered a multitude of critical acclaim thanks to its team of culinary experts that have operated restaurants in the Islands for the greater part of four decades.
Steamed Black Bean Oyster on the half shell
“We want customers to rediscover the restaurant because we offer a lot of value, quality ingredients and great service, all within a casual, friendly atmosphere,” says general manager David Chang. “For the Chinese New Year menu in particular, every ingredient has a purpose; we try to improve the menu every year, and diners look forward to it.”
Little Village incorporates the freshest ingredients in its special 10-course Chinese New Year Menu available from dinner Jan. 20 through Jan. 31. Reservations are recommended as the set menu is extremely popular for just $318 (10 guests) and $148 (four guests). On Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m., patrons also can enjoy a lion dance to coincide with Chinese New Year.
Shanghai Mochi Stir Fry
The Year of the Rooster menu includes a vast array of specialty choices, including Ham Hock Melon Soup, Crispy Lettuce Wrap and Steamed Black Bean Oyster on the half shell — steamed oysters topped with a tangy black bean sauce. Chang also has included Crispy Cornish Hen on the menu in honor of the rooster, and notes that the whole hen has become a customer favorite.
Good Luck Jai, a traditional dish synonymous with Chinese New Year, highlights the menu and is known for bringing good luck and prosperity. The vegetarian house specialty includes rice noodles, carrots, tofu, snow peas, shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots tossed with a scintillating sauce, olive oil, garlic and ginger. The tasty dish is “loaded with flavor,” and is prepared with olive oil as a healthier alternative. A special seaweed also is included to enhance one’s prosperity in the upcoming year.
Chinese Broccoli with Shrimp Stir Fry
Additional favorites served on the special set menu include: Oven-Fresh Roasted Duck, Chinese Broccoli with Shrimp Stir Fry, Salt & Pepper Boneless Pork Chops, Shanghai Mochi Stir Fry and Tapioca with Lotus Paste for dessert.
“All of these items symbolize something related to Chinese New Year and everything has a meaning, whether it’s for improved health or good luck,” Chang explains. “The Jai is a must have, it’s known for bringing good luck — some people refer to it as ‘Buddha’s Pasta.’ The oysters are also symbolic as they bring money and prosperity.”
Little Village Noodle House
1113 Smith St., Honolulu
545-3008
Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
LittleVillageHawaii.com
Honolulu, HI 96817
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