Lunar New Year began on Wednesday, and in the spirit of the Year of the Snake, which is said to symbolize positive new beginnings, it’s time to get out and try some new food. Countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year include, but are not limited to, China with the Chinese New Year, Korea with Seollal, Vietnam with Tết Nguyên Đán and Taiwan with the Taiwanese Lunar New Year. As one of the great cultural meccas of the United States, Los Angeles offers many restaurants to expand your culinary and cultural horizons — the only real question is: Which one should you pick?

Genghis Cohen in West Hollywood
Serving up dishes like Cantonese Style Chow Fun and Szechuan Scallops since 1983, Genghis Cohen is perfect for a night out with friends.

Genghis Cohen’s cuisine reflects founder Allan Rinde’s love for “NYC-style Chinese food,” and dishes like the Egg Drop Chicken Corn Chowder soup seamlessly blend Chinese and American tastes. The restaurant also has inventive drink options, such as the Szechuan Margarita, which features a kick to the drink with the addition of Szechuan peppercorns, and the Crystal Shiso Mojito with the unusual twist of shiso, a mint-like leaf with smoky undertones.

Patrons can also enjoy live music, and the restaurant has recently hosted a benefit concert for wildfire relief, alongside providing free meals to over 1,000 first responders and wildfire victims.

Pine & Crane in Silver Lake
Situated in a quaint triangle of businesses in the funky neighborhood of Silver Lake, Pine & Crane serves customers delicious Taiwanese food with staples like the Three Cup Chicken and Beef Noodle Soup. As dumplings symbolize wealth and fortune, grabbing an order of pork or kabocha potstickers is a perfect way to celebrate the New Year.

For vegans and vegetarians, the scallion pancakes — exclusive to their Silver Lake location — and mapo tofu form a hearty meal bursting with flavor, so make sure to order some! From sea salt cream to tTaro milk tea, boba lovers will be pleased to know that they offer many options while also featuring an interesting drink known as the “Passionfruit Shandy,” a mix of Taiwan lLager and passionfruit green tea.

Sun Nong Dan in Koreatown
For patrons who need a late-night fix, Sun Nong Dan is the perfect destination. The restaurant is open 24/7, making it a perfect stop after a night out, so beef- lovers can get their fix whenever they want.

Sun Nong Dan’s menu also includes other classic Korean comfort dishes like Yuk Gae Jang, a spicy beef and vegetable soup; Tong Do Ga Ni Tang, an ox-knee soup; and Tta Roh Guk Bap, a beef brisket and dried cabbage soup. The real highlight of the menu, though, is their Galbi Jjim, a stew made of tender, braised short rib. The stew is made with mushrooms, garlic, ginger, carrots, and more, and it is cooked until the meat falls off the bone. It’s a perfect dish to share with friends after dancing the night away in Koreatown.

Saigon Dish in Lawndale
Opened in 2003, Saigon Dish has been providing residents of the South Bay with authentic Vietnamese food for over 20 years. The restaurant is located in a strip mall and offers very reasonable prices alongside free parking.

After a day at the beach, pull up to its unassuming storefront to enjoy dishes like their Pho Filet Mignon and Bun Bo Hue Dac Biet, a spicy rice noodle soup with beef and pork. Their shrimp and pork spring rolls are a popular dish, and they also serve pork, beef and chicken banh mi sandwiches. For drinks, try something new, like their iced egg yolk or salty plum sodas.

Northern Cafe in University Park
Located just blocks from campus, Northern Cafe is a great choice for students who are not looking to travel far for good food. Walk there on a school night and enjoy the extensive menu with dishes designed to be split between friends.

Some particular standouts are their cold cucumbers and the spicy sour noodle with pork. They also have an extensive list of wok entrees like the vegan mapo tofu and the jalapeno shredded pork. Make sure to order something from their handmade dumplings list, and with 8-10 dumplings in each order, there will definitely be enough to go around.