Top Beijing eateries roll out festive menus for year's end

As the New Year arrives, Beijing's dining scene is awash with fresh flavors and festive treats. Mixing traditional Chinese dishes and global influences, new menus at top restaurants are presenting an exciting fusion of the old and the new.

Chef Li Cheung, 52, from the Xin Ming Yuen Chinese restaurant has put together a special menu to celebrate the New Year. Among the highlights is a signature mini Nourishing Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, a dish designed for year-end festivities, which symbolizes longevity and prosperity.

"This luxurious delicacy combines premium ingredients, including abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber and dried scallops, all sealed in a clay pot with a rich, flavorful broth and gently simmered to perfection," Li says.

Other tasty must-tries include the traditional steamed giant grouper and crystal shrimp balls in honey sauce, both of which symbolize good fortune and prosperity.

"The menu is a feast of seafood and fresh ingredients celebrating the anticipation and joyful expectation for the New Year," he says.

Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Il Ristorante's Niko Romito has devised a holiday menu of dishes to enhance the festive atmosphere.

His panettone is a major treat. The sweet Italian bread is fragrant and airy, and is traditionally served at Christmas.

For Chinese New Year, chef Li Qiang from Michelin-starred Cai Yi Xuan has prepared a classic poon choi using premium ingredients.

According to Li Qiang, this traditional dish is a symbol of unity and abundance, and is a staple of Cantonese New Year celebrations. Made of a variety of ingredient, its layers represent prosperity, good fortune and family harmony.