Philly’s Chefs Usher in the Year of the Horse with High-Profile Collaborations and Culinary Feasts
Philadelphia’s culinary scene is igniting the Year of the Horse with a spectacular lineup of chef collaborations and exclusive menus, marking Lunar New Year with a distinct blend of tradition and modern gastronomy. As the city prepares for the official start of the holiday on February 17, 2026, local heavyweights are teaming up to offer dining experiences that go far beyond the standard dumpling service.
The Main Event: Fire Meets Fermentation
Leading the charge is a standout collaboration between East Passyunk’s hearth-focused Ember & Ash and the acclaimed Gabriella’s Vietnam. Scheduled for the holiday itself on February 17, this “Fire & Fortune” dinner represents a high-concept fusion of Vietnamese flavors and wood-fired techniques.
The Menu: The multi-course, family-style feast ($75 per person) begins with street-food-inspired bites and a traditional “Good Fortune” soup. Entrées include a robust selection of grilled meats, seafood, and longevity noodles—essential for a prosperous year ahead.
The Drink: The evening will feature specially themed cocktails designed to pair with the smoke-and-spice profile of the meal.
Prosperity on a Plate
Beyond the one-night collaborations, other venues are rolling out menu specials steeped in symbolism:
Kampar: Chef Ange Branca continues to champion the Malaysian tradition of Yee Sang* (Prosperity Toss). This elaborate salad, often featuring raw fish, shredded vegetables, and various toppings, is meant to be tossed high in the air by diners—the higher the toss, the greater the fortune for the coming year.
Luk Fu at Live! Casino: For those in South Philly, Luk Fu is offering a limited-edition menu featuring braised pork trotters and a stir-fry with Chinese sausage and lotus root, ingredients chosen to signify abundance and family unity.
The “Year of the Horse” Context
The Lunar New Year, celebrated by billions across the globe, marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, an animal associated with energy, travel, and independence in the Chinese zodiac. In Philadelphia, the celebration has evolved into a weeks-long festival, with the Philadelphia Suns’ lion dancers scheduled to perform at major hubs like Dilworth Park, Franklin Square, and the Reading Terminal Market through late February.
Objections and Considerations
While the culinary explosion is welcome, local food critics and diners have noted potential downsides to the festivities:
High Price Point: With ticketed dinners running $75 to $100+ per person (before tax and tip), these events may be inaccessible to many who celebrate the holiday traditionally at home.
Exclusivity: Reservations for high-profile collaborations like Ember & Ash x Gabriella’s are expected to sell out immediately, leaving latecomers with limited options.
Cultural Commercialization: As the holiday becomes a major dining event for non-Asian restaurants, some community members debate the line between cultural appreciation and the commercialization of sacred traditions, though collaborations with heritage chefs help bridge this gap.
For those lucky enough to snag a table, Philadelphia’s Lunar New Year offerings promise a vibrant, if expensive, start to the Year of the Horse.
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