A Celebratory Occasion

Sandy Yong, Sophia Sheng and Rose Chen sit down for a meal with service by Jessica Li (back) at Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant.

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, located on Ala Moana Shopping Center’s Hoopika Terrace, is pulling out all the stops for the upcoming Lunar New Year, which marks the Year of the Dragon.

The award-winning restaurant is known for its Hong Kong-style cuisine that’s prepared with a modern twist by chefs who were trained in China — which is also where the menu was created.

To ring in the new year, the Jade Dynasty team has created a special nine-course menu sure to bring families good luck and prosperity throughout 2024.

Lobster with ginger and onion. Note: Dishes are part of a nine-course set menu ($328 for a party of five, $558 for a party of 10)

With more than 8,000 square feet of space, this restaurant is a great place to gather for family celebrations and office parties.

Don’t forget to check out the dim sum selection, too, for more delicious and affordable options.

We caught up with the folks at Jade Dynasty to learn more.

Chilled abalone and garlic cucumber. Note: Dishes are part of a nine-course set menu ($328 for a party of five, $558 for a party of 10)

DO: What dining specials do you have planned for the Lunar New Year?

JD: We have a nine-course set menu ($328 for a party of five, $558 for a party of 10). It includes chilled abalone and garlic cucumber; seafood and fish maw soup; golden fried chicken with roasted garlic; steamed fresh whole fish; lobster with ginger and onion; braised pork rib in chef’s special sauce served with buns; good luck jai; sticky rice with preserved meats in lotus wrap; and mochi balls in sweet ginger broth. We’re offering this special menu from now through Feb. 17.

DO: What other events do you have planned for the Lunar New Year?

JD: Diners are welcome to join us at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9-10 for a special lion dance blessing to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

Steamed fresh whole fish. Note: Dishes are part of a nine-course set menu ($328 for a party of five, $558 for a party of 10)

DO: What is the significance of the Lunar New Year, specifically the Year of the Dragon, in Chinese culture?

JD: This year (2024) is the year of the blue dragon, the 41st year of the 60-year cycle. Families gather together to welcome the new year and the food has special meaning. For instance, live seafood, lobster, abalone and fish are believed to bring good health. Fish symbolizes good fortune and having a surplus year after year. Mochi rice symbolizes a family sticking together through good times and bad. Soup brings warmth to the family throughout the year. Jai brings good luck and a long life. Pork is strength, wealth and blessings. Chicken represents good luck and prosperity.

DO: Jade Dynasty is known for its dim sum offerings. What are the top five favorites?

JD: The top five favorites are the Snow Mountain Char Siu Bun ($5.95), the Seafood Dumplings in Ginseng Soup ($2.25), the Caramelized Egg Tart ($5.15), the Pan-Fried Shrimp-and-Chive Bun ($6.25) and the Abalone Mochi Rice ($7.25).

Sticky rice with preserved meats in lotus wrap. Note: Dishes are part of a nine-course set menu ($328 for a party of five, $558 for a party of 10)

DO: Jade Dynasty is known as the place to host big events. Tell us about your amenities.

JD: With more than 8,000 square feet of space, Jade Dynasty is the perfect place to host large gatherings. We have seven private dining rooms, top-of-the-line video and audio equipment, a 32-foot-wide-by-6-foot-tall stage, a 150-inch LED monitor, and two 60-inch LED monitors to display party photos.

DO: What kind of service can diners expect?

JD: We strive to treat our customers like they are our own family and friends.

Chinese people usually celebrate Chinese New Year for 15 days. On the 15th and final day, folks are encouraged to feast on good food with family and friends to end the celebration on a good note.

We’re looking forward to providing this to our customers. We’re thankful for their support year after year.