Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, celebrates the movement from winter to spring in the lunar calendar. This year, it falls on Wednesday January 29.
There are countless customs and legends associated with the day, and it holds great significance to those who celebrate. This year marks the Year Of The Wood Snake in the lunar calendar.
Essex is home to a hugely diverse community of people and food cuisines. Here at EssexLive, we’ve rounded up some of the very best Chinese takeaways in Essex perfect for marking Chinese New Year, according to Google reviews.
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House of Delight, Maldon
House of Delight in Maldon is a family-run, child-friendly eatery which opened in 1970. It says that its focus is on serving classic regional Chinese dishes.
The restaurant and takeaway boasts hundreds of five-star reviews. Local Cat Grey said of House of Delight in a Google review: “Wow!!! At almost 50 years old, I can honestly say that was THE best Chinese I’ve ever had!”
Ho Ho Chinese, Basildon
Ho Ho Chinese Takeaway is an eatery in Basildon that has been under new management since 2014. It received a whole fresh new look ready to take on lots of new customers!
Local Ola Ola said of the restaurant in a review: “Quality Chinese food with top-notch service from amazing and highly professional staff. They have maintained a certain standard in the quality of food over the years. Highly recommended whenever you crave Chinese cuisine.”
Pearl Dragon, Southend on Sea
The Pearl Dragon was one of the very first Chinese restaurants to open in Southend way back in 1978. The restuarant says: “The fact we are still here over 30 years later is testament to the quality of food and service we offer.”
The eatery is one of the most popular in the city. Local Guide Steven Piner said in a Google review: “We were lucky to get in it was full up, you could tell it was quality buy the amount of people in there. Food was very very good would go every weekend if I lived closer.”
San, Chelmsford
San in Chelmsford is both a buffet all-you-can-eat Chinese in addition to a takeaway, and is one of the best reviewed Chinese spots in Chelmsford. Its website reads: “Traditional Chinese cuisine and all-you-can-eat buffet in a simple restaurant”.
Local Russell King said in a Google review: “The very best Chinese we have ever found across Essex, everything about it is great – 10 years loyal customers, we still pick up our takeaway’s from here despite moving to the other side of Chelmsford.”
Lotus House, Harlow
Lotus House in Harlow is renowned in the town for its amazing takeaways. It is consistently praised for its affordable prices, great service and fast delivery.
Local William Belford said of the Chinese: “Great service from the lady who served me. Good portions on the chinese. The chow main is jawdropping, I can’t see anyone doing it better.”
Lian, Witham
Lian has been serving Chinese food for over two decades, and prides itself on creating dishes prepared with exacting care using only the finest produce available. Their menu includes such diverse inspiration as Pekinese, Szechuan and Malaysian cuisine.
Local guide Jeremy Ellis said of Lian: “Consistently excellent decade after decade. I used to eat there in my early 20s and re-visiting at 57 did not disappoint.”
The Royal Taste, Hockley
The food at the Royal Taste in Hockley is often described as delicious, tasty, and hot. Some locals describe it as the best in the town!
Local Bradley Cutbush reviewed the eatery on Google, saying: “Our favourite Chinese! The staff are lovely and friendly and the food is always great and very tasty, our go to takeaway!”
Peking Chef, Brentwood
Peking Chef is the most highly rated Chinese takeaway in Brentwood, and serves Peking, Cantonese and Oriental Cuisine. It is loved for its good prices and authenticity.
Phoebe, a local, said of the restaurant on Google reviews: “I’m Chinese and have tried Chinese takeaway from different places, it’s so hard to find authentic Chinese food even though takeaways are everywhere! My family and I love this takeaway place from the first time we ordered, the food is always so delicious.”