MONDAY marks the beginning of the Year of the Monkey.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, we asked Argus readers for their picks of the best Chinese restaurants in Newport.

Do you agree? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

China Garden, 40 Cardiff Rd, Newport

South Wales Argus:

Picture by Michael William

As a popular choice among Argus readers, China Garden restaurant provides authentic regional dishes to its hordes of regulars, with BBQ ribs and prawn toast remaining the biggest sellers.

After 20 years of doing business in Newport, “the appetite for Chinese food” has never diminished according to owner Daniel Leung, who spices and serves food to each individual customers’ preference.

To celebrate Chinese new year, the eatery will launch a special menu, with a selection of dishes that take “a long time to prepare” such as aromatic duck, lobster soup and sea bass.

Dishes are individually priced, with a party menu available for £10 per head and a three course party menu at £14.95 per head.

Phoenix Garden, Caerleon

South Wales Argus:

Photo by Michael Williams

Around 169 menu choices and a all-you-can-eat buffet for £16.90? Yes, you read that correctly.

For over a decade, family business The Phoenix Garden, has been essential in introducing Newporters to the tastes and textures of Chinese cuisine.

Owner Danny Wong runs the restaurant with his wife and with only ten tables in the venue, you have to book to have a chance at feasting on some of the venue’s delicious regional delicacies.

Popular dishes include, Szechuan chilli squid, satay chicken on skewer and smoked chicken with garlic flakes.

Chinatown, Rogerstone

South Wales Argus:

Photo by Michael Williams 

Last year this local eatery was voted Best Chinese Restaurant, by The Argus sister publication Voice Magazine.

Although not technically a restaurant, its authentic dishes, speedy service and reasonable prices make it a worthy choice to celebrate Chinese New Year with.

The takeaway is a favourite haunt of Cllr Chris Evans, of Rogerstone Ward, who won't stop banging on about their signature dishes and chilli chips.

He said: “Lam and the girls are so friendly and know most of the customers by their first names, plus the food is an amazing authentic taste of China.”

New Moon, Commercial Street Newport

South Wales Argus:

Photo by Michael Williams 

This historic takeaway/ restaurant has received rave reviews from Argus readers — “best Chinese in the port” and “great service, excellent food” and “excellent stop off in town while shopping.”

Having recently relocated the restaurant from the ground floor to the first floor in its base in Commercial Street, the eatery offers an impressive range of individual traditional dishes and set meals.

For the most popular options try the signature New Moon special fried rice and sweet & sour chicken balls.

New World, Newport, Cardiff Road

South Wales Argus:

As a small, ambient restaurant in the heart of Newport, The New World offers customers set menus of Cantonese Szechuan, Singapore and Malaysian food.

Open between 5pm and late evening throughout the week, the restaurant takes celebratory Chinese banquets to intimidating new levels.

The restaurant has been serving customers for over ten years and prides itself on its 169 “cooked to order” special menu for £11.95 at lunch and £13.95 in the evening.

Duck and lamb dishes cost and extra £2 per person and the venue also offers takeaway —and don’t forget to try the dim sum.