DUBAI: Emirates’ travellers are in for a treat this February with a specially curated selection of festive Lunar New Year goodies. Available for a limited time only, passengers travelling from Dubai to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, Yinchuan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei and Hanoi can indulge in Emirates’ exclusive Lunar New Year offerings onboard and in airport lounges in Dubai and select destinations.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in countries and territories including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. In China, the celebration is also known as the Spring Festival because it starts from the beginning of Spring within the traditional solar calendar.
Lunar New Year is a celebration of family, fun and most notably, feasting. Traditionally, red packets containing money are handed out to family, friends and relatives as a way of sending good wishes and blessings during this auspicious holiday period, and mandarin oranges are exchanged to symbolise good luck.
Prior to take-off, premium customers can tuck into an assortment of Chinese dishes at the seven Emirates lounges found in Dubai International Airport from 15-18 February. Delicacies such as vegetable and dried shrimp dumplings will be served alongside Si Xi meatballs with Bok Choy in red meat sauce, coconut sago pudding and fortune cookies – crisp, sugary cookies that contain hidden fortunes written on pieces of paper.
From 15-17 February, travellers can revel in festivity thousands of feet above the ground. Customers travelling in First Class and Business Class on some routes will receive a red packet with two chocolate coins, symbolising the auspicious value of “lucky money” during this special occasion.
In addition to the regionally inspired cuisine served on board, passengers will be able to indulge in a selection of Lunar New Year desserts. First Class and Business Class customers can tuck into a mouth-watering lychee and raspberry mousse served with vanilla lychee compote, shaped in the design of a traditional Chinese firecracker. Business Class customers can also enjoy the added treat of coconut and mandarin mousse, served with mandarin compote.
To complete the festive experience, First Class customers can look forward to savouring a white peach mochi as a post-meal accompaniment alongside coffee or tea. Those travelling in Economy Class will also be able to satisfy their sweet tooth with a mandarin cake topped with orange compote.
The festive spread is the latest menu to be introduced onboard, exclusively available on select routes from Dubai to Asia. The airline has previously developed seasonal menus for occasions such as Christmas, Diwali and Oktoberfest.
