Well-known for being a melting pot of cultures, Dubai is home to some of the best Chinese restaurants in the world. It's no wonder this complex and diverse cuisine is so highly regarded. From dim sum and noodles through to soups, stews and stir-frys, Chinese restaurants cater for everyone. From the fussiest child through to the adventurous foody, or even to the eco-minded veggie, the best Chinese restaurants in Dubai make a go-to choice for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Due to China's expansive geographical location, there's large variety in the food depending on its region; after all, seafood is always better by the sea. With influences ranging from the produce available in the area altering what’s available to cook with through to the influence of different dynasties, the variety of Chinese food makes it so exciting. So, if you’re going to a Cantonese restaurant, expect a very different experience from a Szechwan restaurant.
Thanks to ingredients and kit that can be tricky to source, we aren’t often able to make authentic Chinese food in our own kitchens. This - we think - makes it an excellent excuse to treat ourselves for dinner out, and where better to do that other than in Dubai? Dubai is one of the best cities outside of China to explore this exciting and diverse cuisine, with a range of restaurants waiting to tickle your fancy. Who says everything has to be authentic? There is a never-ending list of opportunities with fusion restaurants and modern twists on the classics. With all the drama you’d expect from Dubai in the views and decorations of the restaurants, and all the techniques you’d expect in the flavour of Chinese food, our pick of the top Chinese restaurants in Dubai has something for everyone. There are lots of factors to consider when choosing which spot you want to go to, and so we’ve created a list of 10 of the best in Dubai, ranging from glamourous nights out to family-friendly places.
Royal China
Why: Royal China Dubai is the perfect place to explore Hong Kong's Chinese dishes through its menu of award-winning dishes. The brand has outposts across the world, and is a favourite of regular jetsetters looking for comforting classics like crispy duck, special fried rice and Singapore noodles. The Oriental Dining Room provides an immersive experience perfect for a cosy family meal. Each dish manifests health, happiness, and prosperity, which may be the secret to their freshly handmade dim-sum tasting so good…
Where: 4L2-011 The balcony, Precinct Building. 4, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Book now: Royal China
Hakkasan
Why: Founded in 2001 and awarded a range of accolades since then, Hakkasan celebrates Chinese cuisine through traditional techniques coupled with modern twists. You can expect an intimate Cantonese dinner partnered with an impressive wine selection or perhaps a well-crafted cocktail with a contemporary approach. The Sanpei Chicken Clay pot or the Hakka steamed dim sum platter are a welcome feast in the warmly decorated restaurant.
Where: Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, Crescent Road, The Palm, Dubai, UAE
Book now: Hakkasan
Long Yin
Why: Chef George Chee brings a wealth of experience to Long Yin, showcasing an authentic Cantonese and Schezwan menu. This restaurant is famous for its Mongolian beef tinged by black pepper and garlic. Other highlights include being able to select your choice of crabs, lobsters, or other crustaceans from their live tanks, which are thencooked to your preference to make the night truly special. Focusing intensely on gastronomic traditions, at Long Yin, you can be sure to experience classical Chinese food at its finest.
Where: Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre Airport Road, Dubai UAE
Hutong
Why: Want an experience to pack a punch? You’ll definitely be satisfied at Hutong, with their fiery northern Chinese cuisine delighting all five senses. Having made noise in London for their restaurant in The Shard, Hutong has withheld the same standard in Dubai. The beautiful outdoor terrace is a perfect setting for a cocktail or perhaps unlimited dim sum; and we're confident that their modern cuisine will leave you impressed.
Where: Gate Building 6, Ground floor, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Book Now: Hutong
Little Lamb Restaurant
Why: Previously known as Xiao Wei Yang, Little Lamb Restaurant is known for its delightful hotpot, taking inspiration from both Chinese and Mongolian cultures. With homemade sauces and farm-sourced ingredients, you can guarantee that this is the place to go for a hot pot in Dubai.
Where: Marina JBR, Opp: The Royal Meridian Hotel-Dubai UAE
Book Now: Little Lamb Restaurant
Maiden Shanghai
Why: Award-winning, and with the best skyline view in Dubai, Chef Luo Bing provides food that rivals the setting for diners' attentions. The menu features organic and MSG-Free Chinese dishes inspired by the food of Canton, Sichuan, Beijing, and (as the name might suggest) Shanghai. Immerse yourself in the 1920’s inspired interiors and enjoy the restaurant's signature Mediterranean Sea Bream In Chilli Bean Sauce, or explore the many vegetarian options. Whatever you eat, be sure to leave space for pudding, as Two Michelin Starred dessrt chef Chef René Frank will delight in his beautiful creations.
Where: No.1, Palm Jumeirah FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Book Now: Maiden Shanghai
New Shanghai
Why: As the name might suggest, New Shanghai focuses on authentic Shanghai-style cuisine. You certainly can’t say that they’re short on drama, as you can watch them make their famous soup dumplings in their dumpling theatre. Other popular options include bubbling hot pots, noodles or pan-fried buns, it’s hard not to be transported to the colourful streets of Shanghai here, so make sure to take your time over your meal and enjoy the setting.
Where: Lower ground floor, The Dubai Mall
Chuan
Why: With views of the sea on three sides of Chuan, it’s no surprise that its menu is inspired by the rivers and streams of China. The menu is driven by authenticity, with not a westernised meal on their menu: think dim sum, warming soups, and seafood to die for. This sister restaurant of Long Teng, headed up by chef Yonghe Sun does not disappoint.
Where: The Pointe(west), Plam, Dubai
Book Now: Chuan
Han Cuisine Restaurant
Why: Established in 2016, it’s no wonder that Han Cuisine opened a second branch due to popular demand in 2018. With the chefs making the dumplings and buns fresh each day, the quality is evident in the flavour of the food. Han Cuisine is perfect if you want the taste of Wasabi prawns, spring rolls or Peking duck under the helpful guide of the waiters or in the comfort of your new home, thanks to their user-friendly website which allows you to dine in or out.
Where: FF-17, The Springs Souk, Al Afnan Street, Dubai UA
The Monk
Why: Why choose one good thing when you can have two? This hidden gem allows you to explore a fusion of Chinese and Indian food such as Vegetable Mongolian Pot Noodle or Dae Vils chicken. The Monk promises casual dining with excellent service and flavours that’ll make you want to visit again and again.
Where: Shop 3, Ground level, SIT Tower, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai
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