Here are Dubai’s best Chinese restaurants, as revealed by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2022
How often do you crave Chinese food? At least once, probably twice a week? Join the club. Everything you need to satisfy those cravings is right here, with our list of the best Chinese restaurants in Dubai.
From high end Chinese restaurants to the most authentic Chinese cuisine in town, we present the very finest Chinese restaurants in the city.
Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
Best Chinese restaurants in Dubai:
WINNER
Long Teng
They say books should not be judged by their covers, and nowhere is that more true than this superb Chinese restaurant tucked away in an unremarkable office-like building in Business Bay. An aquarium filled with lobster, crab and king prawns dominates the light and airy room, which should prove a hit with little ones, although it performs the much more serious function of allowing you to pick your own food. The menu is extensive and authentically Chinese.
Unlicensed. U-bora Towers, Business Bay, longtengseafood.co (04 241 1666).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Hutong
It would be easy to make a series of pun-laden jokes about Hutong being a real hotspot, but we would not stoop to that level. The chilli infused dishes do make this a destination for spice-lovers intent on challenging their ability to withstand the heat, however. The menu is modern Northern Chinese and when the restaurant was originally launched in Hong Kong ten years ago, it was one of the first to be awarded a Michelin star.
Licensed. Gate Building 6, DIFC, hutong-dubai.com (04 220 0868).
Maiden Shanghai
Spread over three floors and with an organic, MSG-free menu that draws influence from four regions – Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai and Beijing – this hotspot clearly does not do things by halves. It boasts one of the best outdoor terraces in Dubai where you are guaranteed a sea or marina view from every table, and there’s also a private karaoke room. Famed chef Luo Bing runs the kitchen, while the 1920s-inspired décor adds even more to the wow factor.
Licensed. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com (04 455 9989).
SHORTLISTED
Chuan
We all know that many popular takeaways and restaurants serve Westernised versions of dishes that would look unfamiliar to diners living in the actual countries. But if you want to try authentic Chinese cuisine, albeit with a modern twist, this is the place for you. Chuan has some of the best dim sum you will find outside of Guangdong, and sun seekers will love the outdoor lounge area overlooking the waters of Palm Island.
Licensed. The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, chuanseafood.com (04 564 3888).
Din Tai Fung
This popular Chinese restaurant chain is so highly regarded by foodies that queues can stretch to 45 minutes outside its busiest branches. Hopefully your wait won’t be quite so long at Mall of Emirates, where dim sum devotees can be found tucking into baskets of steamed dumplings. Other staples include mountainous plates of noodles and meaty soups, and this branch has a family friendly vibe and a relaxed atmosphere.
Unlicensed. Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd, malloftheemirates.com/dining/dining-restaurants/din-tai-fung (04 362 7500).
Hakkasan
The Cantonese powerhouse has set the benchmark for Asian fine dining all over the world and, following a total refurb over the summer of 2021, its Atlantis The Palm restaurant lives up to those high expectations. Complete with refreshed interiors, and a reimagined food and drinks menu, expect delicious mixed drinks and mountains of indulgent food, while the energetic atmosphere makes this a great launching pad for a night out.
Licensed. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, hakkasan.com/locations/hakkasan-dubai (04 426 2626).
New Shanghai
With an elaborately decorated interior and a ‘live dumpling making theatre,’ this is not your typical mid-shopping pitstop. It does have everything you would expect from a mall restaurant, however, including a good children’s menu and a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if you see exotic offerings like camel amid the more traditional stir-fried dishes, and keep in mind they serve sharing portions and indulgent deserts – you don’t want to be too full to splurge.
Unlicensed. The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, newshanghaime.com (04 224 6819).
Royal China
An enduring stalwart of the restaurant scene, locals have been returning to Royal China for years to enjoy comforting, classic dishes that are consistently good. Walking through the doors is like stepping inside a Chinese lantern: all warm, golden hues and red tassels, and despite being one of the older restaurants in Dubai, the menu has aged well. Remaining an impressive all-rounder, it’s just as apt for a business lunch as it is for a romantic date, and the slightly higher than average prices reflect the quality of the food.
Licensed. The Balcony, Precinct Building, DIFC, royalchinadubai.ae (04 354 5543).
The China Club
If you are all about the food and care little for the presentation, this unpretentious restaurant has a reassuringly detailed menu with a vast array of health-conscious dishes and chef’s recommendations. Carpeted walls make for a quirky, old world interior, and the service is exceptional. What’s more, there are also a large number of vegetarian options, showing the China Club is not completely out of kilter with modern trends. Just what we like to hear.
Licensed. Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek, radissonhotels.com (04 550 9202).
Zheng He’s
Serving up classic Chinese cuisine with a modern twist, it’s hard to find fault with this consistently pleasing restaurant. Stunning views of the Madinat Jumeirah waterways and the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah? Yep. Attentive staff? Definitely. Excellent food? Absolutely! The dimly lit, cosy interior that comes filled with dark wood and oriental touches is another draw, and your only regret will be that you didn’t find it sooner.
Licensed. Mina A’ Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, jumeirah.com (04 432 3232).
