Lunar New Year 2025 begins on Wednesday 29 January, celebrating the Snake. In Chinese culture, the Snake represents wisdom, elegance and mystery. Those born under this sign are known for their intelligence and captivating charm.
Chinese New Year in Australia is a time of family, traditions and meaningful meals. Festive dishes carry symbolic meanings, bringing blessings for the year ahead. Foods that blend rich flavour with cultural significance add meaning to the celebration.

Steamed fish signifies abundance, while dumplings and spring rolls represent wealth and prosperity. Whole chicken symbolises family unity, and noodles symbolise a long life with their longer length dished up representing both prosperity and longevity. Prawns bring good fortune, and vegetables like baby bok choy and lettuce signify renewal and growth.
Most fruits and sweets are also symbolic, especially sweet juicy tangerines and oranges, they add a sweet touch of luck and prosperity to the celebrations.
What a beautiful way to celebrate food with every dish a wish for a bright and bountiful year!
To help you share in the bounty of good fortune, here are our favourite Chinese eats in Jervis Bay.
James Kitchen, Owen Street Huskisson
For one of the best authentic Chinese dining experiences in Jervis Bay, head to James Kitchen on Owen Street Huskisson.
Originally from Chinatown Sydney, James Kitchen has been serving up traditional Cantonese dishes here on the South Coast for many years. Formerly known in 2011 as House of Guangzhou up at the Vincentia Golf Club then relocating in 2015 down on the waterfront above the Huskisson wharf, this restaurant is renowned for its authentic ingredients, traditional flavours and warm welcoming atmosphere. Owner and head chef James Liu works hard behind the scenes, perfecting his dishes. He insists on using the best and freshest quality ingredients – this is at the heart of his cooking ethos. His wife Winnie, loved by the locals, runs the front of house, ensuring every diner is happy.
Winnie loves sharing menu insights and might even offer a quick lesson on using chopsticks or pouring tea the traditional way and of course using the finest Chinese loose-leaf tea, no tea bags here!
Behind the scenes when the restaurant is closed, Winnie is busy prepping vegetables and hand-making her famous dim sims (with fresh ground pork mince), wontons and spring rolls, with each piece you can taste the difference in the fresh and vibrant flavours.
James Kitchen’s Recipe for New Year Blessings
At James Kitchen, celebrating Chinese New Year honours cherished traditions. Winnie explained how families in southern China mark Xiaonian (Little New Year) on the 23rd day of the lunar month, honouring Zaoshen, the kitchen god.
Winnie shared their restaurant’s ritual: it starts with a thorough kitchen clean for a fresh start. They light incense and candles, setting up a shrine above the stove with Zaoshen’s picture, sweets, honey, cakes, chopsticks and fruit (no pears, as they’re inauspicious). Other important offerings include three small cups of tea and three cups of wine encouraging Zaoshen’s favourable report to the Jade Emperor.
Zaoshen’s portrait is burned, the smoke rising to the heavens symbolically represents his journey to the Emperor of Heaven, while fire crackers commonly lit amongst families speed up Zaoshen’s travel – we are reassured no crackers go off at James kitchen – while prayers and treats like sticky sweets ensure kind words. This heartfelt farewell to Zaoshen is key to New Year’s festivities, as families await his return to bless their home for the year ahead.
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a memorable meal at James Kitchen, where tradition and flavour blend together perfectly! They are fully licensed and offer takeaways.
AK Dragon Malaysian Restaurant & Bar, Bowen Street Huskisson
In Malaysia’s vibrant multicultural society, this festival is celebrated not only by the Chinese community, but often welcomed with open arms by people of all races and beliefs. You will certainly have a fantastic experience at AK Dragon Malaysian Restaurant & Bar. Owner and head chef Alex enjoys chatting to diners, sharing his authentic knowledge and inspiration behind his recipes.

Noodle Paradise, Vincentia HomeCo
For noodle enthusiasts, Noodle Paradise offers a diverse range of Southeast Asian dishes, alongside rice options. With a large team of chefs firing up their woks, this busy open kitchen ensures fast service for casual dining or takeaway.
Fortune Fountain Chinese Restaurant, St Georges Basin Country Club
This popular restaurant offers a variety of delicious Chinese classics, such as clay pot rice (lunch only), along with a selection of Thai dishes, including chef’s specials. Fully licensed.