Mexico City's Chinatown Celebrates Chinese New Year with Authentic Flavors and Fusion Dishes
Mexico City's Chinatown is buzzing with culinary traditions ahead of the 2026 Chinese New Year. Restaurants like Hong King, El Dragón, and Dong Zi Gongfu Te are drawing crowds with authentic dishes and festive preparations. The celebrations will include dragons, fireworks, and the customary red envelopes.
Hong King has stood in the heart of Mexico City's Chinatown for over 60 years. Known for its Peking duck, Kung Pao chicken, and delicate dumplings, the restaurant remains a staple for traditional Chinese flavours. Nearby, El Dragón specialises in Peking duck roasted over an open fire for at least eight hours, served in generous portions that encourage group dining.
Dong Zi Gongfu Te, a dim sum favourite in Colonia Narvarte, attracts mostly Chinese-speaking customers with its Mandarin-only menu. Regulars praise the sweet and sour chicken, while weekends feature a popular dim sum buffet. Meanwhile, Cantón Mexicali offers a different take, blending coastal Mexican ingredients with Chinese spices in dishes meant for sharing.
The fusion of Chinese and Mexican cuisine traces back to early 20th-century immigration. In Mexicali, Cantonese cooking merged with local tastes, creating unique dishes like machaca con camarones secos. Similar blends now appear in Mexico City's Chinatown, as well as in Ensenada and Tijuana, where Chinese-Mexican communities continue to shape the food scene.
The upcoming Chinese New Year will highlight the city's rich culinary ties to China. Restaurants are preparing for celebrations with traditional dishes and festive customs. The event also reflects the lasting influence of Chinese-Mexican fusion in local food culture.
