Huế, Vietnam
Lunar New Year begins on February 17, 2026, ushering in a season rooted in intention: rituals observed, stories retold and symbolic dishes prepared to welcome renewal and good fortune. For many travelers, food is not just part of the journey, it is the journey. In fact, 58%* of Vietnamese travelers, travel to new destinations to seek out local food traditions.
As the Year of the Horse approaches, Booking.com highlights destinations where travelers can ‘bite into good fortune ‘. From recipes passed down through generations to communal feasts shared with loved ones, these culinary hotspots invite visitors to taste their way into a prosperous new year.
Huế, Vietnam
Located along the banks of the Perfume River, Huế is a city where Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is deeply rooted in royal heritage, family rituals and symbolic food. During Tết, families prepare bánh chưng, a square rice cake filled with mung beans and pork wrapped in banana leaves. The dish symbolizes prosperity, gratitude and reverence for ancestors. Its shape represents the earth, while the circular ball variation of the dish represents the sky. Making bánh chưng is a ritual in itself, often involving multiple generations gathering to prepare, wrap, and cook the cakes overnight. Travelers visiting Huế during Tết can witness this tradition firsthand, alongside temple visits, ancestral offerings, and flower markets bursting with color. Beyond celebrations, those visiting the city are invited to explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, wander tranquil pagodas and royal tombs scattered along the Perfume River.
Suggested stay: Blending contemporary comfort with a prime central location, Senna Hue Hotel is a stylish base for exploring the city’s cultural and culinary highlights. Guests can relax in modern rooms overlooking gardens or the outdoor pool, enjoy on-site dining, and step out easily to reach Dong Ba Market, the Imperial Citadel, and the Perfume River. The hotel’s calm atmosphere and amenities make it a welcome retreat after days spent discovering Huế’s layered history.
Jeonju, South Korea
Known as Korea’s culinary capital, Jeonju, the capital and largest city of the state of Jeonbuk, South Korea, takes on special significance during Lunar New Year. At the heart of the festivities is tteokguk, a steamed rice cake soup, eaten to symbolize longevity, renewal and the gaining of another year of life. The dish’s oval shaped rice cakes resemble ancient coins, reinforcing wishes for wealth and good fortune. In Jeonju, tteokguk is made from clear beef broth garnished with egg ribbons, seaweed and sliced meat, which are often prepared using family recipes passed down from generations. Alongside sampling the local delicacies, travelers can explore Jeonju Hanok Village where hundreds of traditional wooden homes create a backdrop for cultural performances, ancestral rituals, and festive gatherings that honor both past and future. Visitors can also explore the city’s vibrant food alleys, craft shops, and historic shrines that showcase Jeonju’s rich artistic and culinary heritage year-round.
As the Year of the Horse approaches, Booking.com highlights destinations where travelers can ‘bite into good fortune ‘. From recipes passed down through generations to communal feasts shared with loved ones, these culinary hotspots invite visitors to taste their way into a prosperous new year.
Huế, Vietnam
Located along the banks of the Perfume River, Huế is a city where Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is deeply rooted in royal heritage, family rituals and symbolic food. During Tết, families prepare bánh chưng, a square rice cake filled with mung beans and pork wrapped in banana leaves. The dish symbolizes prosperity, gratitude and reverence for ancestors. Its shape represents the earth, while the circular ball variation of the dish represents the sky. Making bánh chưng is a ritual in itself, often involving multiple generations gathering to prepare, wrap, and cook the cakes overnight. Travelers visiting Huế during Tết can witness this tradition firsthand, alongside temple visits, ancestral offerings, and flower markets bursting with color. Beyond celebrations, those visiting the city are invited to explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, wander tranquil pagodas and royal tombs scattered along the Perfume River.
Suggested stay: Blending contemporary comfort with a prime central location, Senna Hue Hotel is a stylish base for exploring the city’s cultural and culinary highlights. Guests can relax in modern rooms overlooking gardens or the outdoor pool, enjoy on-site dining, and step out easily to reach Dong Ba Market, the Imperial Citadel, and the Perfume River. The hotel’s calm atmosphere and amenities make it a welcome retreat after days spent discovering Huế’s layered history.
Jeonju, South Korea
Known as Korea’s culinary capital, Jeonju, the capital and largest city of the state of Jeonbuk, South Korea, takes on special significance during Lunar New Year. At the heart of the festivities is tteokguk, a steamed rice cake soup, eaten to symbolize longevity, renewal and the gaining of another year of life. The dish’s oval shaped rice cakes resemble ancient coins, reinforcing wishes for wealth and good fortune. In Jeonju, tteokguk is made from clear beef broth garnished with egg ribbons, seaweed and sliced meat, which are often prepared using family recipes passed down from generations. Alongside sampling the local delicacies, travelers can explore Jeonju Hanok Village where hundreds of traditional wooden homes create a backdrop for cultural performances, ancestral rituals, and festive gatherings that honor both past and future. Visitors can also explore the city’s vibrant food alleys, craft shops, and historic shrines that showcase Jeonju’s rich artistic and culinary heritage year-round.
Suggested stay: Travelers can immerse themselves in Jeonju’s history at Hanok Story Guesthouse, a warm traditional stay just steps from the Hanok Village. Featuring classic wooden architecture with modern comforts, the guesthouse includes a peaceful garden and easy access to cultural landmarks, food stalls, and historic alleys, making it an ideal base for discovering Korea’s culinary capital.
Yangshuo, China
Set against a backdrop of dramatic karst mountains and the winding Li rivers of the Guangxi region, Yangshuo is a place where nature and tradition intertwine. During Lunar New Year, family tables feature yu (fish), a dish that sounds the same as the word ‘surplus’ in Mandarin, symbolizing abundance and wealth in the year ahead. Traditionally served whole to represent unity and completeness, the fish is often left partially uneaten to ensure prosperity flows into the coming year. Travelers can join the celebrations at the riverside restaurants, where they can enjoy steamed fish delicately flavoured with ginger, scallion, and soy sauce. They can even book a cooking class to make this traditional dish for themselves. Beyond feasting, the streets glow with swaying red lanterns and lion dances filling village squares making Lunar New Year a deeply atmospheric time to visit. While travelers are encouraged to also explore Yangshuo’s limestone landscapes by bamboo raft or hiking quiet rural trails for a better taste of city life.
Suggested stay: Yangshuo ZenYangshuo Zen Garden Resort - Rich Chinese traditional activities Garden Resort offers a serene base for reflection. This retreat features panoramic mountain views and traditional Chinese activities, allowing guests to cycle along the Yulong River or enjoy a "plant-forward" meal before retreating to spacious, restorative rooms.
Ipoh, Malaysia
In Ipoh, Lunar New Year reflects a vibrant fusion of Chinese heritage and legendary food identity. The seasonal centerpiece, yu sheng, is a colourful raw fish salad tossed high into the air in a ritual known as lo hei. Believed to bring prosperity, success and good luck, each ingredient carries a blessing, from shredded vegetables symbolizing growth to sweet sauces representing a harmonious life. Local Ipoh eateries put their own spin on yu sheng, often incorporating fresh regional produce and homemade sauces. Taking part in a communal prosperity toss at a bustling restaurant is a must for any foodie visiting the city. Followed by a visit to one of Ipoh’s famous food markets that come alive at night including Ipoh Night Market and Gunung Rapat Night Market. Beyond the feast, travelers can admire British colonial architecture in the Old Town, explore the spiritual grandeur of limestone cave temples like Perak Tong or opt for a tour of the Cameron Highland, there’s plenty to enjoy & experience.
Suggested stay: Tucked among limestone cliffs and tropical jungle, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is a luxurious wellness escape where nature takes centre stage. Naturally heated geo-thermal hot springs, steam caves, and private villas set the tone for deep relaxation, while holistic spa treatments draw on ancient Malay and Ayurvedic rituals.
Taipei, Taiwan, China
In Taipei, the Lunar New Year is a symphony of sizzling street food and high-end reunion galas. While many dishes grace the table, the dumpling (jiǎozi) reigns supreme. Shaped like yuanbao (ancient gold ingots), these parcels of luck are traditionally folded by the dozens; legend says the more you eat, the more wealth you’ll amass in the coming year. For a unique Taiwanese twist, families also serve Zhu Jiao Mian Xian, pig knuckles with longevity noodles. The pork represents a "grasping" of fortune, while the long, uncut noodles symbolize a life of enduring health. Travelers visiting Taipei can feel the city’s festive pulse on Dihua Street, a historic corridor that transforms into a massive New Year’s Market overflowing with dried delicacies, traditional sweets, and the fragrant steam of thousand-year-old recipes.
Suggested stay: Located in the heart of the city’s historic district, Mandarin Oriental, Taipei provides an intimate, boutique experience that mirrors Taipei’s blend of old-world soul and modern design. Guests can spend their mornings exploring the nearby Dadaocheng riverside and their evenings enjoying the rooftop views of the city’s celebratory fireworks.
Yangshuo, China
Set against a backdrop of dramatic karst mountains and the winding Li rivers of the Guangxi region, Yangshuo is a place where nature and tradition intertwine. During Lunar New Year, family tables feature yu (fish), a dish that sounds the same as the word ‘surplus’ in Mandarin, symbolizing abundance and wealth in the year ahead. Traditionally served whole to represent unity and completeness, the fish is often left partially uneaten to ensure prosperity flows into the coming year. Travelers can join the celebrations at the riverside restaurants, where they can enjoy steamed fish delicately flavoured with ginger, scallion, and soy sauce. They can even book a cooking class to make this traditional dish for themselves. Beyond feasting, the streets glow with swaying red lanterns and lion dances filling village squares making Lunar New Year a deeply atmospheric time to visit. While travelers are encouraged to also explore Yangshuo’s limestone landscapes by bamboo raft or hiking quiet rural trails for a better taste of city life.
Suggested stay: Yangshuo ZenYangshuo Zen Garden Resort - Rich Chinese traditional activities Garden Resort offers a serene base for reflection. This retreat features panoramic mountain views and traditional Chinese activities, allowing guests to cycle along the Yulong River or enjoy a "plant-forward" meal before retreating to spacious, restorative rooms.
Ipoh, Malaysia
In Ipoh, Lunar New Year reflects a vibrant fusion of Chinese heritage and legendary food identity. The seasonal centerpiece, yu sheng, is a colourful raw fish salad tossed high into the air in a ritual known as lo hei. Believed to bring prosperity, success and good luck, each ingredient carries a blessing, from shredded vegetables symbolizing growth to sweet sauces representing a harmonious life. Local Ipoh eateries put their own spin on yu sheng, often incorporating fresh regional produce and homemade sauces. Taking part in a communal prosperity toss at a bustling restaurant is a must for any foodie visiting the city. Followed by a visit to one of Ipoh’s famous food markets that come alive at night including Ipoh Night Market and Gunung Rapat Night Market. Beyond the feast, travelers can admire British colonial architecture in the Old Town, explore the spiritual grandeur of limestone cave temples like Perak Tong or opt for a tour of the Cameron Highland, there’s plenty to enjoy & experience.
Suggested stay: Tucked among limestone cliffs and tropical jungle, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is a luxurious wellness escape where nature takes centre stage. Naturally heated geo-thermal hot springs, steam caves, and private villas set the tone for deep relaxation, while holistic spa treatments draw on ancient Malay and Ayurvedic rituals.
Taipei, Taiwan, China
In Taipei, the Lunar New Year is a symphony of sizzling street food and high-end reunion galas. While many dishes grace the table, the dumpling (jiǎozi) reigns supreme. Shaped like yuanbao (ancient gold ingots), these parcels of luck are traditionally folded by the dozens; legend says the more you eat, the more wealth you’ll amass in the coming year. For a unique Taiwanese twist, families also serve Zhu Jiao Mian Xian, pig knuckles with longevity noodles. The pork represents a "grasping" of fortune, while the long, uncut noodles symbolize a life of enduring health. Travelers visiting Taipei can feel the city’s festive pulse on Dihua Street, a historic corridor that transforms into a massive New Year’s Market overflowing with dried delicacies, traditional sweets, and the fragrant steam of thousand-year-old recipes.
Suggested stay: Located in the heart of the city’s historic district, Mandarin Oriental, Taipei provides an intimate, boutique experience that mirrors Taipei’s blend of old-world soul and modern design. Guests can spend their mornings exploring the nearby Dadaocheng riverside and their evenings enjoying the rooftop views of the city’s celebratory fireworks.
Phuong Anh/MoCST
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