Winner
Dai Pai Dong
After bagging the Highly Commended gong last year, we decided that this year it certainly deserved to take the title of Best Chinese. The high-quality Cantonese plates are simply better than ever, in particular the huge range of dim sum, grilled meats and legendary hot pot brunch. Year after year it continues to stand out as one of the best spots for food on Al Maryah Island.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Highly commended
Hakkasan
Found in the most glamorous of all the hotels in Abu Dhabi, Hakkasan is one of the finest high-end restaurants in the capital. We’d happily come here just for the views over Etihad Towers alone, but really it’s in the creative and striking Chinese dishes that it really shines. Here you can enjoy elaborate dim sum, noodles, soups and more, all made with the very best ingredients.
Emirates Palace, Corniche Road West (02 690 7739).
Shang Palace
With the outline of the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque standing proudly in the background, this Chinese restaurant offers some of the best views of any venue in the capital. The plates it serves are all exceptional too, with the Beijing duck standing out as one of the most popular recipes. Periodical pop-ups from visiting chefs add further variety to an already incredible range of dishes.
Shangri La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8555).
Nominees
Beijing Restaurant
Naming yourself aster the Chinese capital is a bold move but luckily this cosy venue can pull off having such a title with its authentic food. Decked out in Chinese-inpsired décor this small venue isn’t exactly fine dining but with a menu packed full of Chinese classics you can expect to get a great meal and practice those chopstick skills.
Daily 7.30am-midnight. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, behind Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre (02 621 0708).
Chinese Restaurant
You’d win no points for guessing what’s on the menu at this vibrantly decorated restaurant based on the name but at least you’ll know what to expect when you visit. With the food it’s all about the flavor rather than the presentation but we don’t mind tucking in when Asian specialties taste this good. Pass us the chopsticks.
Daily 11.30am-3pm, 6.30pm-11pm. Novoel Hotel City Centre, Hamdan Street (02 633 3555).
Dragon Bao Bao
This tiny restaurant doesn’t look lie much from the outside but don’t let first glances fool you. Find your space at this five-table restaurant and you can feast on amazing hand pulled noodle dishes, Chinse specialties and the freshest bao buns we’ve found in the city. Baos so good they put in their name twice.
Daily 10am-10pm. Next door to National Cinema, Al Markaziyah (02 674 2235).
Noodle Bowl
Ok, Zayed Sports City isn’t near the top of most people’s list for finding a great meal but that’s where you’d be wrong. Away from the cross fit classes and team sports outside, this authentic Chinese Restaurant, overlooking the bowling alley, is a top place to enjoy some authentic Chinese food and has a massive menu meaning you’re spoiled for choice.
Daily 11am-11pm. Noodle Bowl, Zayed Sports City (02 447 2405).
Oasis Chinese Restaurant
This smallish Chinese restaurant is decked out in all the décor you’d expect and with lanterns hanging overhead and dim lighting it’s a chilled place for a bite to eat. The menu is big and varied covering all the classics from starters, soups, dim sum and dumplings, to noodles, fried dishes and more. There’s a lot to tuck into here.
Daily 11.30am-11.45pm. Oasis Chinese Restaurant, Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street, Al Zahiya (02 446 6077).
Panda Bao Bao
If you’re going to have a themed restaurant and are going all in then Panda Bao Bao is the template to follow. Decked out in panda everything from wall décor to plates and chopstick holders, this really is a different restaurant to what you’ll find elsewhere. Away from the wildlife there’s loads of great food to enjoy too and luckily there’s no panda on the menu.
Daily 11am-midnight. Panda Bao Bao, Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street (055 512 7461).
Seven Hotpot
This casual Chinese restaurant is all about the food and the great thing about that is you can cook it yourself. There’s something immensely satisfying about cooking a meal in a bubbling hotpot and the social occasion, experimenting with flavors and theatre of it all makes for a great night and a delicious meal too.
Daily 11am-1am. Seven Hotpot, Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street (02 443 0771).
