Gung Haggis Fat Choy 2013

Gung Haggis Fat Choy is the annual celebration of Chinese New Year mixed with Robbie Burns Day that epitomizes the sense of community and collaborative spirit that thrives in Vancouver.

Celebrating BC Scottish and Chinese pioneer culture, history through music, poetry and culinary fusion, Gung Haggis Fat Choy will take place Sunday, January 27, 2013 starting at 5:00pm at Floata Restaurant (180 Keefer St).

Photo by Deb Martin

Single tickets are $65 and group tickets are $625 for a table of 10. Each ticket includes a $5 service charge. Purchase online in advance or by calling Kristin Cheung at Ricepaper magazine at (604) 872-3464.

Founded by Toddish McWong (Todd Wong) in 1998, Gung Haggis Fat Choy events have sprouted up across the Pacific Northwest and on Vancouver Island. In 2005, the dinner moved to the largest Chinese Restaurant in North America at the time (Floata) and has since been attended by Mayors, MLAs, and celebrities.

Menu highlights have included deep-fried haggis wonton and haggis pork dumpling (su-mei) along with appetizer courses. “Neeps” served Chinese style in the form of pan-fried turnip cake, dim sum style. Traditional haggis is served with Chinese lettuce wrap. Toss in poetry, music, and sing-along tunes like My Chow Mein (Bonny) Lies Over the Ocean and When Asian Eyes Are Smiling and you’ve got yourself a party. There is also a wide selection of prizes to be won at the event.

The theme for this year’s dinner is to celebrate Sir James Douglas, the father of BC and first governor in 1858.