Long Teng is one of the most popular Chinese spots in town, famed for its authentic, creative dishes. And now the spot is setting up shop in Time Out Market Dubai. Director of F&B Operations Starry Mao explains why seasonality is vital.
Why do Dubai diners love Long Teng?
We’ve gained loyalty by offering fresh and authentic Chinese flavours. We have a huge selection of dim sum freshly made daily, plus the ‘from tank-to-table’ seafood selection is popular. And, of course, the Peking duck, which is prepared tableside by our chef.
Talk Peking duck to us…
The first part of the Peking duck experience is called one bite crisps. The tiny, oval shape of skin from the duck chest is gently sliced into small pieces and served with a dash of sugar. I burst into tears when I tried them for the first time – the buttery taste and the rich aroma are enhanced by a hint of sweetness.
Who are your culinary influences?
My grandparents kept their own rice fields, fruit and vegetable gardens, tea gardens, bamboo fields and cattle, so I saw how people planned their lives around the Chinese lunar calendar, and enjoyed everything we harvested fresh from the field. There is an old Chinese saying: “You do not eat what is not in season”. Seasonality is everything.
What’s the golden rule in Long Teng’s kitchen?
Authenticity and freshness. We are a team of Chinese chefs cooking Chinese food – the official language in our kitchen is Mandarin.
What’s your single favourite thing to eat in the whole world?
A bowl of properly steamed rice. Believe it or not, for Chinese, rice cooking is an art.
How does the team come up with recipes?
Chinese people believe that good food emphasises three factors – taste, aroma, and presentation. The team work around this. Creating a new dish is like creating a theatre show – there are actors (ingredients), and our chefs think of a story (dish) they would like to make. Rounds of rehearsals (food tasting) will be carried out until we are sure the taste is convincing, especially for Chinese guests. Only then we consider the stage (plating) and other facts.
Whet your appetite? For everything you need to know about Time Out Market Dubai, click here.
