HWKR Chinese New Year

Overview

Melbourne's Asian rotating market HWKR is celebrating its one year anniversary with a four-day Chinese New Year blowout, featuring DJ sets, lion dances and a whole lot of food.

It's happening from Thursday, February 7 through Sunday, February 10, when HWKR will offer a Chinese-inspired banquet, which has been curated by all its latest pop-ups. The collaboration dinner features five-to-six courses for, a rather reasonable, $50 per person.

For mains, there's thit kho (pork belly casserole) by Ms Kim Vietnamese eatery, which is run by 2018 My Kitchen Rules grand finalist; Peking pork tacos and tofu 'dominos' by Kung Fu Burger; a poke bowl by Aburi sushi stall The Modern Eatery; and chilli prawns by Malaysian kitchen Junior Tan. For dessert, there's also a taro bingsu (Korean shaved iced) from Scoopy Milk Bar.

Groups of four or more have the option to add a serve of traditional yee sang ($80), too — it's a vibrant 'prosperity salad' which is a staple at the family table during Chinese New Year, promising a successful year in the form of shredded vegetables, raw fish and sauces.

Apart from the banquet, sponge dessert specialist HS Cakes will sell a special creation throughout the weekend, and not-for-profit bar Manymore is offering a specialty cocktail menu inspired by Asian flavours.

Alongside the meal will be entertainment aplenty, including DJs on from 6–10pm each night, traditional lion dancers offering four performances (7pm Thursday, 1.15pm Friday, 1pm Saturday and 7pm Sunday) and a free photo booth to boot.

Bookings and walk-ins are welcomed. For the full menu and to book, head to the website.