Dubai rings in Chinese new year

Hakkasan

Dubai; On the eve of Chinese new year, FooDiva would like to wish friends and fans celebrating a very happy 2012, as we ring in the year of the legendary water dragon. But more importantly who doesn’t love a good Chinese…meal that is? So with this top of mind, I have pulled together a round-up of FooDiva’s favourite Chinese dining experiences over the last year (yes FooDiva’s nearly one year old!) – whilst also sifling through the minefield of Chinese new year F&B promotions in Dubai. Here’s my top five picks. Note; click on the header links for FooDiva’s reviews and restaurant contact details.

Ping Pong at Dubai Mall

Unlimited dim sum from the a la carte menu from Sunday to Thursday until February 15th for only AED 108 per person.

Chi’Zen at Dubai Festival City and Mall of the Emirates

Specially crafted five-course celebratory menu until February 4th priced at AED 129 per person. Click here to download the menu.

Saffron at Atlantis The Palm Dubai

Chinese dinner buffet until January 28th – AED 220 for adults, and AED 110 for kids aged between 4 to 11. Expect symbolic dishes with names like ‘Buddha Jump Over The Wall Soup’ featuring abalone, scallops, sea cucumber and fish maw in a rich chicken stock and lucky steamed ‘Jiaozi’ dumplings pictured here, filled with ground beef and mushrooms dipped in a soya vinegar sauce. And for sweet tooths, the soft ‘Niangao’ new year cake, made of glutinous rice flour and sugar. Food aside, a ‘Lion Dance’ performance symbolising joy and happiness will weave its way through the red lanterns on January 22nd to 24th from 7:30pm until 7:45pm.

Hakkasan Dubai at Jumeirah Emirates Towers

If you feel like splashing out, try the special festive menu until January 28th at AED 388 per person with a selection of small eats, sharing dishes and dessert including Emperor’s oyster wrap, lunar cake with garlic shoots and shimeji mushrooms, and chilled mango soup. And Abu Dhabi residents, here’s my capital review.

Royal China at DIFC

If you’re not a fan of set menus or all-you-can-eat deals, Royal China has created a number of dishes traditionally eaten over Chinese new year – all individually priced. FooDiva loves the sound of braised sea moss with dried oyster and seasonal greens, and the roasted duck with barbeque sauce.

Do you have a favourite Chinese in town? Or any other new year promotions that deserve a mention?

Here’s to a healthy, prosperous and food-filled new year :).

A bientôt.

FooDiva. x

2 Responses to “Dubai rings in Chinese new year”

D January 23, 2012 at 9:45 am

Happy Chinese New Year 🙂 Love PingPong and Hakkasan. Have you tried Zheng He? Also divine.. xx

- FooDiva January 23, 2012 at 9:36 pm
  
  Hi Dalia. Yes I do love Zheng He’s especially the black pepper beef 🙂 It’s so tricky when you have to pick the top five – when it comes to Chinese/ Cantonese cuisine the list here is endless! x

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