Chinese New Year brings a magical fusion of music, food and vibrant performances to the streets of London. With parading, dancing dragons, brightly coloured lanterns, dramatic fireworks displays and spectacular acrobatics, London’s walkways are transformed into a magnificent hub of Oriental-themed celebrations.

As well as the parades throughout London’s West End, there are also some great foodie treats to take advantage of. As part of a six-week celebration of the aromatic and distinctive flavours of Chinese cuisine, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has teamed up with four of London’s top Chinese restaurants to offer discounted fine-dining experiences, as part of their Wine and Dine festival.

Indulge in a selection of sumptuous, gourmet Chinese cuisine at a range of decadent London restaurants. Look forward to sampling delicate Chinese Dim Sum, slow-cooked, aromatic broths and succulent, fresh seafood. Prices range from £48 - £100 at the following restaurants: Ming Jiang, Grand Imperial, China Tang at the Dorchester and the Royal China Club. For more information see www.discoverhongkong.com/latestpromotions

As an alternative gastro-treat, there is also a fab cookery course at Covent Garden’s ‘School of Wok’. Here you are taken on a guided shopping excursion around London’s bustling Chinatown, where you choose the ingredients that you will later use to recreate authentic, Chinese dishes. It’s a fun, hands-on way to enjoy Asian cuisine. For more information see www.schoolofwok.co.uk

Finally, to whet your appetites some more, I was lucky enough to sample the taster menu at Bo London, which I would highly recommend. Owned by chef Alvin Leung, who is renowned throughout Asia for his ‘X-treme’ Chinese food, we sampled the Chef’s 10-course Taster Menu, and it truly was a unique, gastronomical experience. Visually stimulating as well as mouth-wateringly tasty, we were welcomed with an array of delightful dishes. From cured mackerel in a light cloud of foam, sandalwood smoked salmon fillet with squid ink vermicelli noodles, to vinegar-infused tomatoes with a rich, tomato marshmallow, each dish rouses a delightful surprise.  The 10-course Chef’s Lunch is priced at £98. Admittedly it’s quite pricey, but if you’re looking for something extra special, I think this would certainly fit the bill.

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