Restaurant opening: Royal China in the DIFC sets a new standard

When one hedge fund manager moved from Hong Kong to Dubai he found the Chinese restaurants of the city ‘quite disgusting’ so he decided to open one himself in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Last night the doors of Royal China officially opened with a traditional Chinese party, the sort of nightclubbish mayhem that you would find in the packed streets of Hong Kong. But there was no denying that the star of this show is the food.

This is undoubtedly the best place in Dubai for aromatic crispy duck pancakes, prawn dim sum, crispy shredded beef and lobster noodles. It’s actually part of a chain that has six restaurants in London as well as Singapore and China.

Dim sum derivatives

The owner is originally from Pakistan and describes himself modestly as a derivatives trader. But he is said to be an example of a self-made, super-rich hedge fund manager who has made Dubai his tax-free home.

Dubai cuisine is certainly all the richer for his arrival. We can see the restaurant becoming very popular in the DIFC with the 20-30 somethings celebrating their latest deal into the night or for long client lunches.

It’s cool and funky rather than a sedate traditional Chinese, albeit the DJ last night was probably not a permanent fixture. Even the red, black and gold decor is in minimalist style.

Royal China menus are standard across the chain and the seven-course tasting menu is its take on the Chinese banquet formula. ArabianMoney got to try most of the dishes and they are very tasty, if more the Western version of Chinese food found in London than genuine Cantonese from Hong Kong.

We think Royal China has set a new standard for Chinese food in Dubai though admittedly the competition is not strong.