Dragon Fest, an annual outdoor Chinese food festival, has returned to New York City with even more delicious foods to offer this season. April 6 was the first day they kicked it off, making April 20 and April 21 the only weekend within the school term for University students to attend. This vibrant food festival includes Chinese cuisines through vendors such as Pecking House, Lady Wong, Mochi Doki and Na Tart, amongst many others. The festival, which is free to all attendees, takes place in several locations: On April 20 it will be on 6th Avenue from 29th Street to 31st Street, and on April 2 on 2nd Avenue from 9th Street to 10th Street.
Dragon Festival is a cultural event that is an important aspect of New York City’s community. Providing opportunities to socialize, eat and inspire, this event promotes cultural diversity and preserves and celebrates Chinese cultural heritage.
The name of the festival has a deep meaning for the Chinese community. In China, the dragon symbolizes courage, confidence and adventurousness. It is the fifth element in the Chinese zodiac representing strength and health, as well as the male element Yang.
The festival is the only food festival in New York City that focuses on Chinese cooking. This in itself encourages people to explore cuisine in a remarkable experience that connects New York to Chinese restaurants, food vendors, and local communities. Due to the colorful variety within Chinese culinary culture, many food enthusiasts will enjoy the authentic and delicious cuisine presented there.
The festival not only has incredible Chinese dishes, but also includes music, art, clothing and jewelry for event goers to enjoy. Han-style clothing, Miao embroidery and jewelry are available for attendees to browse. Of course, there are knick-knacks and small items up for sale, including pins, crystals, pendants and small statues of the Buddha. Another interesting immersion activity is the infamous Chinese sugar painting which is as interesting to watch as it is tasty to eat. If Chinese cuisine isn’t your favorite, there are other piques of interest that involve you in Chinese culture at Dragon Fest.
Biubiu Xu, the founder of Dragon Fest, also founded The Egg House, the first-ever sensory egg-themed pop-up restaurant that has made its way through New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Xu hopes to expand “Dragon Festˮ across the nation, in major cities like Washington D.C., Boston, and Los Angeles.
Xu emphasizes his mission of uplifting NYC Chinese businesses and having them integrate the culture into food tastings, art, music, and clothing.
Dragon Fest boasts a huge range of culinary delights, ranging from savory dumplings and fluffy bao to crepe cones, meat skewers, slurp-worthy noodles and shumai. With over 100 dishes to sample from their vendors, attendees are sure to fall in love with the cuisine. Despite the event being free, securing reservations is highly recommended, given the overwhelming turnout this event has had each time, ensuring guests can have a true, flavor-packed experience.
