Din Tai Fung Announces Exciting Lunar New Year Collaboration with Artist James Jean for 2025
In a delightful blend of culture and culinary excellence, Din Tai Fung®, the renowned restaurant chain known for its delicate Xiao Long Bao dumplings, is gearing up for an exciting Lunar New Year celebration in 2025. This year marks a unique collaboration with Japanese American artist James Jean, whose stunning creations will honor the Year of the Snake while embodying the spirit of togetherness for the festival.
James Jean, celebrated for his engaging and symbolic artwork, expressed the significance of this partnership. As he seeks to further connect with his Taiwanese heritage, Jean reflects on the shared cultural roots and traditions that resonate during the Lunar New Year. He has intricately designed artwork that features two animated characters holding an auspicious fish—a representation of abundance—paired with a lion dance puppet, a symbol of cultural tradition. Surrounding these characters are beautiful floral elements, including flowers that resemble snakes, aptly named after their form, and other whimsical flora. Notably, the artwork incorporates Xiao Long Bao dumplings in the center, as a nod to Din Tai Fung’s signature dish.
To celebrate this collaboration, Din Tai Fung will distribute red envelopes—known as hóngbāo—beginning January 21, 2025, at all U.S. locations, barring Las Vegas. These crimson envelopes, designed by Jean, will contain a special gift: a Seaweed and Beancurd Salad, a cherished family recipe from the restaurant's matriarch, Pen-Mei Lai. Each envelope will also include a guide highlighting traditional lucky dishes that embody prosperity and good fortune specified for the Lunar New Year. As a special surprise, five fortunate guests at each participating restaurant will discover a Golden Ticket inside their envelope, granting them access to exclusive VIP Reservation Concierge service for easier booking of future visits.
This initiative emphasizes Din Tai Fung's commitment not just to great food, but to fostering a vibrant community through shared meals and cultural celebrations. Jessica Chao, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications for Din Tai Fung North America, underscored the importance of the Lunar New Year. "For us, it's not only a time of honoring heritage but of building connections and creating a communal sense of joy through sharing meals. This partnership with James Jean encapsulates the poignant meaning of the festival and showcases the artistry that underpins Din Tai Fung’s culinary craft."
In addition to the red envelopes, Din Tai Fung will also introduce a limited-edition reusable takeout tote bag featuring Jean's artwork, available for orders of $175 or more of takeout items. This promotion will run at U.S. locations, excluding New York City and Las Vegas, while supplies last. To enhance the festive atmosphere further, select Din Tai Fung locations will showcase grand art installations from James Jean outside their establishments, immersing guests in the rich experience of the Lunar New Year. Locations in Bellevue (Seattle, WA), Costa Mesa (CA), and New York City will notably feature these grand displays.
Within the red envelopes, diners will also find a curated selection of symbolic dishes specifically chosen for their auspicious meanings, encapsulating the themes of prosperity, longevity, and abundance that are central to Lunar New Year festivities. Din Tai Fung remains committed to providing exquisite dining experiences rooted in family tradition and cultural celebration.
Founded in 1958 as a cooking oil business in Taiwan, Din Tai Fung has evolved into a culinary phenomenon celebrated for its meticulous preparation of dumplings and noodles. The restaurant brand, which started as a humble shop, now boasts over 165 locations across 13 countries, continuing to be a family-owned and operated entity. Din Tai Fung’s North American journey began in 2000, with its first U.S. location opening in Arcadia, California, and has since expanded to 16 locations, each offering a harmonious blend of upscale dining and cultural representation. Each bite and every visit aims to celebrate diverse cultures while building community connections around shared meals. This Lunar New Year, Din Tai Fung invites guests to partake in a unique celebration that honors history, art, and culinary delights, creating memorable experiences amid the spirit of unity and festivity.