Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Nashville

Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville will host an exquisite Chinese New Year Banquet prepared by the Sichuan Hot Pot & Asian Cuisine Restaurant in Nashville on Feb. 1, 2026. A ten-course meal will showcase the restaurant’s specialties in celebration of the Chinese New Year complete with a silent auction. Chinese New Year dishes include dumplings (Jiaozi) for wealth, whole fish for abundance, longevity noodles for long life, spring rolls for wealth and Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) for togetherness as well as lucky fruits such as kumquats and tangerines. CAAN’s lion dance team will visit and give a special performance to wish patrons a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year of the Horse.

Located at Musician’s Corner at Centennial Park, join the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) for their special Chinese New Year Celebration. Celebrate and learn Chinese culture during the free festival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 21, 2026. This year's celebration is around the Year of the Horse, which symbolizes vitality, perseverance, warm heartedness and success. CAAN encourages attendees to wear red to add to the fun. New for 2026, Chinese language learners can explore the intricacies of the Chinese language with the "Chinese Tongue Twister Friendly Competition." Sign up for free to compete.

When in Nashville be sure to check out Xiao Bao, a top Asian fusion spot located in East Nashville combining a cozy retro diner ambiance with incredibly tasty dishes. A true foodie’s paradise, this restaurant serves a wide variety of hand cooked meals, from the beef fat fries with comeback sauce, dumplings, seared hand-pulled noodles, pork bao, and the much-loved crab rice, everything on their menu tastes unique yet authentic. Quick tip: the food at Xiao Bao is best enjoyed family style, so it’s recommended you order several of their best dishes to share.

If you're looking for an authentic Chinese noodle shop, Meet Noodles in Nashville is the place to be. Specializing in Asian-inspired dishes, this cozy yet modern eatery serves up a variety of flavorful bowls of noodles, savory dumplings, and delicious appetizers that showcase the rich culinary traditions of the East. The festive ambiance, paired with a menu that features both traditional favorites and creative twists, makes Meet Noodles a great choice for those looking to savor the flavors of the Lunar New Year.

Located atop the beautiful and luxurious 1Hotel Nashville, Harriet’s Rooftop overlooks the streets and skyline of Downtown Nashville. This unique, elevated nightlife setting is home to a bar which serves a collection of bespoke libations as well as a kitchen which uses fine seasonal ingredients to craft delicious Asian fusion and regionally inspired dishes. From specialty rolls to hot noodles, and sashimi and nigiri sushi, Harriet’s has an extensive menu full of tasty options just waiting to be savored while enjoying one the best views in town.

Nestled in East Nashville, check out Noko, an Asian-inspired restaurant which puts a wood-fired spin on traditional dishes. Classic comfort food meals like the Wagyu Brisket and Smoked Gochujang Hot Wings are transformed with elevated twists. Noko also has a seasonally-inspired beverage menu which features non-alcoholic mocktails and a diverse cocktail menu which blends wonderfully with the dishes. Great for intimate date nights or larger group parties, this upscale Asian fusion restaurant will impress with its delicious fare and lovely ambiance.

Inspired by authentic flavors of Southeast Asia, Sunda Nashville looks to blend the cultural food influences from Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, China and more into one completely distinctive and modern menu. Try popular dishes like the Japanese fried chicken, ube waffles, pork belly steamed buns, and crispy Brussels sprouts. They also have some wonderful desserts like the signature Sunda sundae and molten chocolate cake. Join Sunda Feb. 17-March 3, 2026 for Lunar New Year. They'll have delicious food specials such as cumin lamb dumplings, prawn rangoons, Ocean of Good Fortune featuring pan-seared whole branzino, lobster lo mein and more. A live Lion Dance Performance will take place 7 p.m. Feb. 19, 2026. 

A staple of authentic Korean food in Nashville, Korea House is a small family-owned spot where you will be treated to some of the best Korean delicacies. You’ll enjoy dishes like galbi (pan fried marinated beef ribs), naengmyun (Korean cold noodle), kimchi fried rice, and soonduboo chigae (spicy tofu stew). With a homey meets hole-in-the-wall ambiance, Korea House is the place to go to taste the diverse flavors of Korean culture in Nashville.

Indulge in authentic Vietnamese dishes at Love Peace & Pho in Nashville. Try some of their famous Vietnamese broths which are cooked and simmered for over 20 hours and provide a blend of lighter & sweeter themes representative of different regions of Vietnam. Enjoy your meal in their cozy space, where the aroma of sizzling spices and the warm glow of ambient lighting create an atmosphere that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the Lunar New Year, enjoying a casual evening, or simply savoring a meal with friends, Love Peace & Pho sets the stage for unforgettable moments. 

Dumpling House in Nashville is a hidden gem that offers an authentic taste of Asian comfort food, making it an ideal spot to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Known for its handmade dumplings, the restaurant serves up a variety of savory fillings, from classic pork and chive to unique vegetarian options, all prepared fresh daily. The warm, casual atmosphere and deliciously crafted dishes create a welcoming space to enjoy festive meals with loved ones

Located in Nashville’s trendy Germantown neighborhood, Steam Boys offers a unique and flavorful dining experience that’s perfect for kicking off the Year of the Horse. Specializing in Taiwanese-style steamed buns and dumplings, this vibrant spot combines bold flavors with a modern twist. From their signature bao buns filled with savory meats and vegetables to their hand-crafted dumplings, every dish is a perfect blend of authenticity and creativity. The casual yet trendy ambiance makes it an inviting place to gather with friends and family to enjoy a festive meal.