CNY Reunion Dinner - When was the last time you met your big family at the same time? Well, if your answer is “quite a long time ago”, then brace yourself, as the Chinese New Year is coming and you will greet your big family during the CNY dinner reunion!

This will be the finest time of the year. Nothing beats sitting together with your family, sharing stories while enjoying the tasty feasts, and wishing for the auspicious year ahead. Mark your calendars, this year’s Chinese New Year will be on February 17, 2026.

There will be no fun gathering without food and drinks, especially during CNY reunion dinner! If you haven’t heard yet, there are 7 essential foods that are usually available in every CNY eve dinner, and they are also considered as lucky foods as well! Here’s the list of those lucky foods:

Each of those lucky foods will have a different meaning. Fish are to increase prosperity for the new year, while dumplings, spring rolls, and good fortune fruits are for wealth.

As for drinks, the family usually prepares some alcoholic beverages. But, some might like it fresh, like plum juice or many kinds of teas.

Other than eating all the delicious CNY reunion dinner feasts, the one activity to wait for during the reunion is the Red Envelope time! Some of you might know the Red Envelope as ang pao. It’s when the family will give or exchange the lucky money to each other. Even children will love this moment!

To complete the night, the family would gather and make fireworks and firecrackers, just like the new year is often celebrated. At midnight, the temples usually ring a bell. It is believed that if you hear the bell ring, you will embrace good fortune this year.

When most people celebrate the CNY reunion dinner at their own house (mostly the elderly’s house), sometimes they also want to have a new experience by visiting a great restaurant and get comfortable being served. Well, it is actually a great idea. There are many recommended hotel restaurants that will be the best host for your CNY reunion dinner. All you have to do is pick your nicest clothes and enjoy the whole reunion night.

So, here are the best hotel restaurants to spend the most unforgettable CNY Reunion Dinner:

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is a perennial favorite for its grand atmosphere. For 2026, festive dining typically begins in early January and continues through the 15 days of the New Year. You can choose between the extensive international and local buffet at Lemon Garden or a traditional set menu at Shang Palace.

Shang Palace is well-known for its curated 8 and 9-course reunion sets which emphasize classic Cantonese luxury. A highlight of visiting this hotel is the traditional lion dance performance usually held at the main lobby during the first days of the festival; please contact the hotel directly for the 2026 performance schedule.

For those who prefer a more relaxed yet authentic feast, the Putrajaya Marriott offers a strong focus on traditional Chinese favorites. Zest Restaurant typically sets up a dedicated Yee Sang station during the season, allowing families to enjoy the prosperity toss before their meal. Their culinary team is highly regarded for local Chinese specialties, making it a reliable choice for families in the Putrajaya and Cyberjaya areas.

Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur offers slightly more contemporary take on the reunion dinner through their restaurant, Latest Recipe. For the 2026 Reunion Dinner on February 16, they usually offer a specialized buffet featuring a variety of Yee Sang options, including salmon and jellyfish. They often provide a Chinese New Year staycation package which includes the buffet dinner and breakfast, making it a convenient option for those hosting family from out of town.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur is elevating the dining experience at Chynna. Chynna is one of the most prestigious spots for a Cantonese reunion. Known for its sophisticated decor and premium ingredients, the restaurant offers several set menus—typically categorized by themes of "Wealth" and "Prosperity." For the Year of the Fire Horse, you can expect their signature Yee Sang to feature premium seafood. As Chynna is a boutique-style restaurant, reservations for the CNY Eve sittings (Feb 16) are highly sought after.

Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel celebrates through its restaurant, Yue, which focuses on "Heritage of Canton" flavors. Their Lunar Set Menus usually run from early January through mid-February, offering both 7 and 9-course options. They are also a great choice for "Reunion at Home" services, offering high-quality takeaways and festive gift boxes containing traditional treats like pineapple tarts.

For a more contemporary and stylish celebration, Yen at W Kuala Lumpur offers a modern take on Cantonese cuisine. Their 2026 offerings include specialized Yee Sang platters and a "Lunar New Year Specialties" menu featuring premium dim sum. They offer private dining rooms for groups of 10 to 16, which are ideal for large family reunions looking for an exclusive environment.

Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur is known for hosting large-scale, traditional reunions. Their CNY Eve dinner, scheduled for February 16, 2026, typically features a range of set menus that cater to different group sizes, from small families to tables of ten. Their menus usually highlight auspicious ingredients like sea moss, dried oysters, and premium fish.

Another great hotel CNY dinner is Element Kuala Lumpur by Westin. Gather your family at TRACE Restaurant & Bar for a reunion with a view of the city skyline. They traditionally offer "Auspicious" and "Prosperity" set menus for tables of ten. A staple of their CNY offering is the Abundance Treasure Pot (Poon Choy), which is available for both dine-in and takeaway, usually up until the end of the Chap Goh Mei period.

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur offers a complete festive experience, from the Oriental Afternoon Tea to the grand feasts at Lai Po Heen. For 2026, Lai Po Heen will offer its signature Yee Sang and several festive set menus. The hotel is also famous for its lion dance performance at the entrance to mark the new year. For those celebrating at home, the Mandarin Cake Shop provides a variety of premium CNY snacks and signature sauces.

So, now it’s time for you to decide which hotel that you will choose to celebrate the CNY eve dinner with the whole family. You can also plan it as a big family staycation and book the rooms with Traveloka.

Lastly, whenever you want to spend the CNY reunion dinner, we wish you the best of luck for this Year of the Horse. May the new year bring you and your family the most prosperity and happiness! Happy Chinese New Year!