“Donal’s Festival Kitchen” is a six-part series hosted by TV cook and award-winning food writer Donal Skehan. This exciting show will explore the delicious food and rich traditions of some of the most fascinating and joyful occasions celebrated in Ireland today.
From Eid al-Fitr and Vaisakhi to Orthodox Easter, Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, and Lunar New Year, Donal will uncover the mouthwatering dishes at the heart of each celebration. In every episode, he’ll welcome talented chefs and passionate individuals who will share their festival traditions and the meaning and significance behind these special occasions.
Viewers can expect a delightful mix of culinary demonstrations, cultural insights, and personal stories. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or simply curious about different cultures, “Donal’s Festival Kitchen” promises to be an uplifting celebration full of delicious flavour!
Donal says:
“I’ve always been fascinated by the different cultures that make Ireland such a special place. In ‘Donal’s Feasts, Fasts and Festivals’ I started exploring the connection between faith and food, now ‘Donal’s Festival Kitchen’ is an opportunity to continue that conversation while learning how to make some of the incredible dishes associated with these festivals.”
EPISODE 6 – LUNAR NEW YEAR FRIDAY 13th FEBRUARY 2026 at 8PM, RTÉ One
Logline:
Donal Skehan is joined by chefs Kwanghi Chan, Gunmoo Kim and some special guests as they whip up a delicious Lunar New Year feast.
Synopsis:
Donal is joined in studio by Michelin-trained TV Chef Chef Kwanghi Chan of ‘Bites By Kwanghi’ to make a dish full of symbolism to celebrate Lunar New Year, a sizzling white fish with soy, ginger and spring onion, while Chef Gunmoo Kim from Dublin’s ‘Space Jaru’ makes a traditional Korean Beef Soup called Tteokguk.
Donal’s guests this week are Buddhist Teacher, Mary O’Connor and Artist Chun Zhu Wang and who share their own Lunar New Year traditions and the significance of the festival.
We also pay a visit to a Thai Buddhist Temple in Mitchelstown Co Cork, to see a beautiful New Year ceremony.
Donal’s Festival Kitchen Episode 6 LUNAR NEW YEAR PHOTOS Photographer: Tristan Hutchinson
Donal’s Festival Kitchen is produced by Appetite Media and made with the support of RTÉ and Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound & Vision Scheme.
