Pork and chive are one of the most traditional Chinese dumpling fillings - they’re also my all-time favorite comfort food. Growing up in a northern city in China, I learned how to wrap dumplings from watching my mom when I was just a little girl. In my house growing up, she was always the one that made the fillings, that is until I moved to America and took her recipe with me. Fresh chives add a burst of savory flavor to the filling, and when they’re served with vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil, the dumplings are super satisfying.

One of the most popular restaurants among Chowbus customers is Four Seasons Dumpling Chinese Restaurant (“Four Seasons”). After a recent interview with co-owner Zhao, it’s easy to see why: the passion Zhao and her husband have poured into their restaurant since it opened a few years ago can be tasted with each bite of food. In our conversation, Zhao offered an inside look into what it’s like to start a business as a Chinese immigrant, what she’s learning from working with her husband every day, and what her favorite customs (and foods!) are for Chinese New Year celebrations. 

It’s a familiar scene for many Asian families. Firecrackers detonating. Spring Festival Gala live on TV. Red envelopes given out by elders. Every family member gathered in my grandfather’s house to celebrate the Lunar New Year. And the one special tradition towards the end of the night - no matter how full you are after a sumptuous feast on New Year’s Eve, you’re asked to take at least one bite of the eight-treasure rice pudding, a dessert that symbolizes happiness and prosperity for the upcoming year.

With safety this year’s priority for the Lunar New Year holiday, we want to bring a celebratory, taste of home to you. No matter what you want to celebrate with - from Peking Duck to Japanese BBQ - there’s something for everyone (and every New Year meal) on Chowbus. We’ve rounded up our top 7 Spring Festival dish recommendations in Los Angeles.

Chinese New Year kicks off on 2/12 and while this year’s celebration might look different - momentarily gone are the days of parades or large gatherings - you can still commemorate the occasion with all your favorite holiday dishes. Whether you’re looking for dumplings for 2 or a hot pot combo meal for the whole family, Chowbus is delivering all the dishes that remind you of home from the most authentic Asian restaurants in Chicago.