Dim sum, a collection of bite-sized delights, is a culinary experience beloved in Chinese restaurants worldwide. From dishes like steamed dumplings to exotic offers like sour chicken, wagyu beef, and king crab, dim sum is an experience you don’t want to miss.
But where’s the best place to enjoy it? Well, we can name a few – which is exactly what we’re about to do in this guide to the best dim sum spots in the UAE. Keep reading and find out how to satisfy your craving.
The Top 5 Dim Sum Spots in the UAE
- Din Tai Fung – Dubai
- Mekong at Anantara – Ras Al Khaimah
- Dai Pai Dong – Abu Dhabi
- Dragon’s Place – Ajman
- China Bistro – Sharjah
Price range indicator (AED):
- A – Budget
- AA – Moderate
- AAA – Expensive
1. Din Tai Fung – Dubai
Location: The Dubai Mall, Financial Center Rd, Dubai
Operating hours: 11 AM – 12 AM (Monday – Thursday), 11 AM – 1 AM (Friday – Sunday)
Constantly ranked among the world’s top restaurants by the New York Times, Din Tai Fung in Dubai is pure culinary heaven. Known for its tasty dim sum, this Chinese restaurant offers a harmonious blend of flavors, using the freshest ingredients. It’s located a mere 10-minute drive from Business Bay, so it’s perfect for grabbing something tasty to eat on your lunch break.
Vietnamese Foodies and Royal China are great alternatives, the latter of which has a wide range of both fried and steamed dim sum, as well as some super tasty chicken buns.
Highlights:
- Award-winning restaurant with roots in Taiwan
- Conveniently located near Business Bay
Price range: AA – AAA
2. Mekong at Anantara – Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah
Operating hours: 6 PM – 11:30 PM
Mekong at Anantara offers a truly exquisite dining experience with flavors from Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Set by the water’s edge, this restaurant is renowned for serving up some of the best dim sum in Ras Al Khaimah. This says a lot, because Ras Al Khaimah’s culinary experiences are nothing short of plentiful.
The menu at Mekong features a well-balanced blend of traditional and modern dishes, creating a culinary journey that’s hard to forget.
Highlights:
- Beautiful waterfront dining experience
- Diverse menu with Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese dishes
Price range: AA – AAA
3. Dai Pai Dong – Abu Dhabi
Location: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Level B3, Galleria Shopping Mall, Abu Dhabi
Operating hours: 12 PM – 11 PM (Monday – Thursday, and Sunday), 12 PM – 12 AM (Friday – Saturday)
If you’re in or around the Rosewood Hotel, do yourself a favor and check out Dai Pai Dong. It offers an authentic Cantonese dining experience in Abu Dhabi. Although it’s mainly known for its homemade noodles and traditional soups, this restaurant also offers some delicious dim sum that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine.
We should also mention that the relaxing atmosphere and elegant Chinese-inspired decor make it a perfect spot for both casual and special occasions.
Highlights:
- All-you-can-eat dim sum lunch
- Located in the glamorous Al Maryah Island
Price range: AA – AAA
4. Dragon’s Place – Ajman
Location: Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, Ajman
Operating hours: 5 PM – 11 PM (closed on Mondays)
For those seeking dim sum and an elegant dining experience, Dragon’s Place is your answer. They offer a relaxing atmosphere in addition to a menu that fuses the best of Asian cuisine. The menu has a variety of dim sum, sushi, and other Asian delicacies that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
Another great thing about this restaurant is how attentive and welcoming the staff are, which can be very helpful for those who are new to dim sum and Asian cuisine in general.
Highlights:
- Diverse menu featuring dishes from various Asian countries
- Renowned for its dim sum and sushi
- Located at the luxurious Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel
Price range: AA – AAA
5. China Bistro – Sharjah
Location: Shop no 2&3, Bahwan Tower, Sharjah, King Faisl Rd, Jumbo (Sony) 1, King Faisal St, Bu Shaghara, Sharjah
Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
China Bistro in Sharjah is a popular dining spot that mainly serves up Chinese and Thai delicacies but also offers an array of dishes from other Asian nations. Known for its flavorful food and excellent service, some must-try dishes from this restaurant include Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice), the Eight Treasure soup, and the Ginger Chicken Jiaozi.
Highlights:
- Well known for its dumplings and soups
- Excellent food presentation and service
- Wide range of Chinese and Thai dishes
Price range: A – AA
FAQs
What are some of the must-try dim sum dishes?
If you’re unsure of what to try at a dim sum spot, look out for the following dishes: Xiao long bao, scallop and prawn garlic wontons (in chili oil), abalone and chicken shui mai (with caviar), and steamed chicken and mushroom siu mai.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a dim sum spot?
Consider factors like reputation, menu variety, quality of ingredients, ambiance, service, and value for money. Look for eateries with positive reviews, a diverse selection of dim sum dishes, and authentic flavors. Inviting decor, attentive staff, and reasonable pricing should also be taken into consideration.
Are there any etiquette considerations for dim sum?
Yes, there are some dim sum etiquette pointers to be aware of. Some common etiquette practices for eating dim sum include sharing your dish with your companions, using chopsticks or the provided utensils respectfully, not wasting food, and showing appreciation to the staff for their service.
Also, it’s customary to pour tea for others before yourself as a sign of courtesy and respect.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve gotten your taste buds all worked up, it’s time for you to go out and explore the top dim sum spots in the UAE. Whether it’s an authentic Chinese restaurant or a fusion of Asian cuisines, each of these eateries has something to offer that’s both unique and delightful. Savor the best dim sum and indulge in the rich flavors these top spots have to offer.
