This Chinese/Lunar New Year, there’s a lot happening right now at the university. With celebrations taking place in six campus buildings plus a Grand Finale at the Guild this Friday, you get to enjoy the festivities without having to take a train to the city centre.
But what if you’re someone who also likes to celebrate through delicious food?
Most of us live near the university – Selly Oak, The Vale, you name it. Whether you’re someone who already celebrates the Lunar New Year, or you’re someone who would like to try, sometimes it’s hard to know where you can find food to celebrate certain cultural events like this one.
So, I’ve gathered a non-comprehensive bucket list of places you can eat at this week. And yes, they won’t be far from your lecture theatres!
Steamed sea bass at Golden City Chinese Restaurant.
Having fish at this time of year is typically associated with an increase in prosperity and a wish for abundance.
Savoury and sprinkled with ginger and spring onions, this dish is pretty irresistible.
A 2-minute walk from uni gates, you can see Golden City Chinese Restaurant on Bristol Road in the Selly Oak area.
Noodle soup at Café 52.
To many, noodles (especially really long ones) symbolise longevity.
Side note: Café 52 will give you a free fortune cookie for every noodle soup purchased!
Spring rolls at Wok Fresh.
Traditionally, spring rolls symbolise wealth because of their resemblance to gold bars. This makes them a popular snack for all.
All of us know where Wok Fresh is. But did you know that if you purchase a large spring roll with a large meat or vegetable Chow Mein this week, you get 15% off?
But that’s not it. For any main dish purchased, you get a free sweet steamed bun or a bag of prawn crackers. Plus 20% off for every Jasmine Green Tea purchase.
Satsuma oranges
Oranges are eaten by many people who celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year. As symbols of good fortune, they make excellent gifts.
These citrusy delights are sweeter, and much easier to peel than regular oranges or tangerines. You can find these at the Aldi in Selly Oak. We will also be giving these away at our events across campus throughout the week of the Chinese/Lunar New Year!
If you come from a country that has celebrates with other dishes during Lunar New Year, let us know and share your experience in the comments!
P.S. If you’d like to write articles or blog entries for us, you can! Send us send us a DM at UoB Cultural Calendar or email n.f.gallen@bham.ac.uk.
Contributed by Nach Suphakawanich, Social Media Intern for the Cultural Calendar Project
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