Food & Drink
Feast on the best Chinese food in Dubai
Tue, May 17, 2022
From spicy Sichuan flavours to steamed dim sum, discover authentic plates and fusion fare at these popular restaurants.
From spicy Sichuan flavours to steamed dim sum, discover authentic plates and fusion fare at these popular restaurants.
Savour Cantonese fine dining at Hakkasan
The Dubai outpost of the world-renowned Cantonese restaurant continues its innovative spirit. Located at Atlantis, The Palm the low-lit eatery serves up signature plates like the crispy duck salad, steamed lobster dumplings and Jasmine tea-smoked ribs alongside vegan and vegetarian options. Lattice screens, slate stone and blue accents punctuate the refined interiors, adding to the fine dining feel of Hakkasan.
Feast with the family at Din Tai Fung
Known for their trademark xiao long bao soup dumplings and noodles, Din Tai Fung has become an institution in Dubai with foodies flocking to its branches across the city. Great for families, if you're looking for reasonable prices and Taiwanese favourites in a casual setting, Din Tai Fung should be top of your list. End with a delicious dessert – their fluffy egg yolk custard buns should't be missed.
Sample famous recipes at Demon Duck
Celebrity chef Alvin Leung – nicknamed the 'demon chef' due to his frequent on-screen outbursts – showcases his prowess at this restaurant in Banyan Tree Dubai. There is plenty to satiate those who aren't fans of the signature ingredient, but the stand-out dish is undoubtedly a whole slow-roasted Peking duck teamed with calamansi bao buns. There is even a multi-course 'duck journey' that aficionados can embark on.
Spice up your life at Hutong
If you can handle the heat, then book a table at Hutong which specialises in North Chinese cuisine. Take your seat around the wishing tree at the centre of the main dining room, or opt for the terrace in cooler weather, and feast on spicy delights like wagyu beef in Hunan chilli sauce or their Sichuan chilli prawns. It is also great for those looking for gluten-free options, showcasing the team's culinary versatility.
Dive into Long Teng Seafood
Even though Long Teng's sprawling space spans five floors, it has such a strong reputation for quality that it always requires prior booking. Focusing on seafood, as the name suggests, fresh produce is top of the agenda with aquariums housing hammour, king crabs, lobsters and other catch-of-the-day, each prepared to your liking. Expect niche delicacies and accessible dim sum alike, with return visits practically guaranteed after one bite.
Celebrate regional cuisine at Long Yin
One of the most established Chinese restaurants in the city, Long Yin has cemented its reputation as a well-priced, authentic go-to. The Le Meridien Dubai eatery, helmed by chef George Chee, celebrates diversity with Mongolian beef sitting alongside Sichuan-style chicken and 34 varieties of dim sum. Keep an eye out for weekly dining deals too as there's always something to savour here.
Join the regulars at The China Club
If you're looking for old-school stalwarts, then China Club heads up the list. A long established space in Deira, known for its weekend all-you-can-eat yum cha dim sum, it's a beacon for regulars. Knowledgable staff guide you towards signatures like Nanjing roast duck, while the crimson interiors are comfortable and ideal for hosting large groups. The menu spans Peking, Cantonese, Sichuan and Indo-Chinese cuisines, so there's truly something for everyone.
Take in picturesque views at Zheng He's
Perched on the edge of the Madinat Jumeirah waterways, the tranquil setting of Zheng He's with Burj Al Arab views is just one of the draws. Expect contemporary Chinese flavours served up in decidedly upmarket surroundings. Everything is delicious so you'll have no regrets no matter what you order, but we suggest you try their tasting menu that showcases top dishes. Both the six-course Voyager Menu and eight-course Explorer Menu will leave you more than satisfied.
Share authentic eats at Shang Palace
Given its Asian pedigree, it's not surprising that Shangri-La Hotel's signature restaurant excels when it comes to Chinese food. Located on the first floor balcony of the hotel, overlooking the main lobby, Shang Palace has a comprehensive menu. Choose from popular as well as more niche dishes, including solid vegetarian options, over 30 varieties of dim sum and Cantonese specialities.
Dinner with a view at Chuan
Laidback fare at New Shanghai
Located on the lower ground level of The Dubai Mall, New Shanghai pulls out all the stops to present a modern take on Shanghai-style cuisine. It's the perfect spot to refuel after a day of shopping and sightseeing, with an array of hot pots, rice and noodles, wontons and soup dumplings prepared fresh in the restaurant's 'dumpling theatre'. We keep returning for the duck gua bao, which features tender duck slathered in a sticky, sweet sauce and served in delicate steamed buns.