Phat Eatery welcomes the Year of the Snake with a Malaysian New Year’s feast. Credit: Photo by Isabel Protomartir

The Lunar New Year is upon us as Year of the Snake slithers into view, beginning on Wednesday, January 29 and spanning 15 days filled with family, cultural traditions, joy, reflection, and culinary delights. As always, Houston’s diverse dining scene is pulling out all the stops to honor the cherished occasion. From multi-course feasts with traditional Lion dances to symbolic sweets, these Houston restaurants are toasting to prosperity and good fortune in the Lunar New Year.

Dessert Gallery, 3600 Kirby
Dessert Gallery offers hand-decorated Lunar New Year cookies priced at $6.95 each.

Duck N Bao, multiple locations
From January 29–February 2, guests can celebrate the Year of the Snake with a lobster platter for $29.99, offered with the purchase of an entree. Served family style, it features two lobster tails prepared salt-and-pepper style or stir-fried.

Guests can get a lucky red envelope and tasty eats at the Michelin-recommended Hidden Omakase. Credit: Photo by Abante Photography

Hidden Omakase, 5353 West Alabama
Hidden Omakase is offering all guests that come in Wednesday, January 29 a Lucky Red Envelope containing a lucky bracelet and a gift card redeemable for lunch. The Michelin-recommended sushi spot recently launched its new walk-in lunch menu curated by chef Marcos Juarez, now available Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. — reservations and walk-ins are accepted.

Hongdae 33, 9889 Bellaire
The all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue spot keeps celebrations going all weekend long, inviting guests to enjoy BOGO Korean Soju from Wednesday, January 29 through Sunday, February 2.

JŪN, 420 East 20th 
On Wednesday, January 29, JŪN will host a special evening of flavor and giving back as it celebrates the Lunar New Year with Wine & Dine XV. The unique event features a four-course dinner prepared by MasterChef alum chef Suu Khin and chef Henry Lu — Braised Pork Belly and Daikon, Crispy Stuffed Lotus Roots, Roasted Duck and Taro, and Sesame Rice Balls. Tickets are $110, with an optional wine pairing for an additional $55; a portion of every ticket sale goes directly to World Central Kitchen, supporting its mission to provide meals to those in need, particularly in LA County.

Kazzan Ramen & Bar, 191 Heights
Kazzan Ramen & Bar, known for its innovative “volcano” ramen that originated in Osaka, is celebrating Lunar New Year from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, and every dine-in table receives a Red Envelope with a surprise inside.

Norigami, 2715 Bissonnet
On Thursday, January 30, Norigami will celebrate Lunar New Year with exceptional food and fun, including a Lion Dance performance with music by The Boys of Summer at 5 p.m., drink specials and 25 percent off all day.

Phat Eatery, 23119 Colonial Parkway, 2290 Buckthorne
To welcome the Year of the Snake, Phat Eatery will once again host multiple seatings for its Malaysian New Year’s feast, with seatings on Saturday, February 1 at 7 p.m. (Katy), and at 7:30 p.m. (Woodlands) and Sunday, February 2 at 11:30 a.m. (Katy). Each seating begins with Lion Dance performances by Lee’s Golden Dragon followed by a family-style meal that includes a traditional Malaysian Yu Sheng “Prosperity Toss” to welcome good luck and prosperity in the new year.

Catch a Lion Dance performance and enjoy treats like the Mango with Purple Sticky Rice at Traveler’s Cart. Credit: Photo by Jenn Duncan

Traveler’s Cart, 1401 Montrose
On Sunday, February 2, Traveler’s Cart will host a family-friendly Dragon Dance at 3 p.m. for guests in the parking lot, perfect for patrons to enjoy while grabbing a quick bite or drink inside — from Tiger Shrimp Pad Thai and Korean Street Burgers to the buzzy Bangkok 8 and Enter the Dragon cocktails.

Traveler’s Table, 520 Westheimer
Traveler’s Table will host a Lion Dance at 12:30 p.m. for guests with brunch reservations on Sunday, February 2. Enjoy the performance while indulging in various brunch dishes inspired by Asian culture such as Shiitake Edamame Dumplings, Ube Pancakes, Pork Belly Breakfast Bao, Korean Sticky Rib Fried Rice and Vietnamese Steak & Eggs.

Trill Burgers, 3607 South Shepherd
The team at Trill Burgers is introducing a brand new menu item for Lunar New Year, the Indomie Chopped Cheese Sandwich, available from January 29–February 2. Indomie’s first-ever partnership with an American burger brand, the collaboration was inspired by co-owner Andy Nguyen and executive chef Michael Pham’s Asian heritage.

The Trill Burgers-style sandwich features a mix of fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, ground beef and American cheese, topped with pan-fried Indomie noodles, sautéed bean sprouts, crispy garlic oil and a Sriracha aioli on an Amoroso roll, available by itself or as a combo with fries. Each Indomie Chopped Cheese Sandwich will include a complimentary pack of Indomie instant noodles.

Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston's coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.