Best Chinese restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Craving dumplings or dreaming of sizzling Szechuan spice? Abu Dhabi’s dining scene doesn’t hold back when it comes to bold, regional Chinese flavors. From high-end icons to low-key favorites, each spot brings something different to the table. Whether it’s handmade noodles, expertly folded dim sum, or charcoal-roasted duck, these places don’t disappoint. Here’s a closer look at some of the best Chinese restaurants in Abu Dhabi—each with its own rhythm, style, and flavor story.

HAKKASAN ABU DHABI

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi sits inside the luxurious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and delivers an exquisite dining experience. This Michelin-starred restaurant showcases contemporary Cantonese cuisine with style and precision. Guests step into a refined space filled with soft lighting and intricate wooden lattices that set the tone.

The kitchen prepares standout dishes like Peking duck topped with caviar and beautifully arranged dim sum platters. Chefs use traditional techniques with a modern twist to bring bold, layered flavors to life. Bartenders mix creative cocktails while sommeliers recommend wines that enhance each dish.

Diners unwind on the outdoor terrace, soaking in sweeping views of the city skyline. Staff offer attentive, personalized service throughout the evening. The restaurant maintains a smart casual dress code and refreshes its menu seasonally—so booking ahead, especially on weekends, makes a smart move.

DAI PAI DONG

Tucked away in Abu Dhabi’s financial district, Dai Pai Dong offers a culinary journey through Chinese street food traditions. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the open-air food stalls once popular in Hong Kong. Its industrial chic interior mixed with traditional Chinese details creates a vibrant, energetic vibe.

Diners can indulge in a variety of dim sum, homemade noodles, and perfectly glazed barbecue meats. An open kitchen lets guests witness chefs at work, while a curated tea selection and creative Asian-inspired cocktails round out the meal.

Seating ranges from intimate booths to communal tables. Themed nights provide a fresh experience for repeat visitors. Dress code is smart casual, service is informed, and a reservation is highly recommended, especially during busy evenings.

SHANG PALACE

Nestled within the opulent Shangri-La Hotel, Shang Palace offers an immersive journey into the heart of Cantonese cuisine. Traditional Chinese artistry blends with refined modernity in the décor—wood carvings, silk lanterns, and hushed elegance define the space.

Dim sum selections shine here, alongside standout dishes like the expertly roasted Peking duck. A wide variety of seafood plates are crafted with precision, and live cooking stations offer diners a closer look at the preparation process.

An extensive tea menu features rare blends from China, while private rooms allow for a more secluded experience. The staff’s attention to detail enhances every meal. For weekend visits or special occasions, early reservations and smart attire are encouraged.

LI JIANG

Located inside The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Li Jiang blends Southeast Asian influences with Chinese culinary foundations. Its name means “beautiful river,” and it sits facing the shimmering waters with views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Guests can watch chefs prepare dim sum, rice, and noodles in the open kitchen. Standout plates include Szechuan chili lamb loin and wok-fried scallops, each dish revealing strong, confident flavors and thoughtful presentation.

The restaurant regularly hosts special nights, including Dim Sum Mondays and weekend Street Food Brunches. With its serene outdoor terrace, extensive tea program, and polished service, Li Jiang is a refined yet approachable destination. Reservations are highly advised.

DIN TAI FUNG

Nestled within Abu Dhabi’s Galleria Mall, Din Tai Fung offers a Taiwanese culinary journey centered around craftsmanship and precision. Renowned for its xiao long bao—delicate soup dumplings filled with rich, savory broth—the restaurant invites diners to watch the preparation process in an open kitchen. Beyond dumplings, the menu features crowd favorites like chili noodles and a variety of thoughtfully prepared vegetarian dishes. The minimalist, modern interior shifts focus to what really matters: flavor.

Service is attentive, with staff eager to guide guests through the menu. While pricing reflects the brand’s global reputation for quality, the experience rarely disappoints. Reservations are strongly encouraged during busy hours. For an Abu Dhabi interpretation of Taiwan’s most beloved dishes, Din Tai Fung holds a steady place among the city’s standout culinary stops.

NEW SHANGHAI

Located in Al Reem Mall, New Shanghai brings the energy of China’s urban dining culture into a stylish, Abu Dhabi setting. The design fuses modern elements with traditional Chinese motifs, setting the tone for a meal that blends familiarity with flair. Guests can explore a menu filled with pan-fried dumplings, aromatic noodle soups, and a show-stealing Peking duck with crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.

The open kitchen adds a performative dimension, while well-executed vegetarian options ensure no one’s left out. Service is friendly and fast-paced, and prices remain reasonable given the quality and range of dishes offered. To guarantee a table, especially on weekends, booking ahead is recommended. New Shanghai makes a strong case for contemporary Chinese cuisine done right.

KAWLOON CHINESE RESTAURANT

Hidden along Zayed The First Street, Kawloon Chinese Restaurant may not catch your eye at first glance—but the menu tells a different story. Inside, it’s all about straightforward, flavor-driven Chinese fare like sweet and sour lamb, chicken chow mein, and the comforting embrace of chicken mushroom soup. The space is modest, unpretentious, and focused entirely on food.

Portions are generous, prices are kind, and the service is efficient and accommodating. Regulars appreciate the consistency and the option to take meals home. Kawloon skips theatrics, but what it delivers is honest, satisfying, and quietly reliable—qualities that have kept locals coming back for years.

MONGOLIAN CHINESE RESTAURANT

With branches in both the Tourist Club area and Airport Road, Mongolian Chinese Restaurant offers a mix of northern Chinese and Mongolian-inspired dishes. Expect robust plates like sizzling chicken, saucy noodle combinations, and Mongolian beef with a spicy-sweet kick. It’s a place where bold flavors and casual dining collide.

While some find the egg fried rice hit-or-miss, most dishes win over guests with hearty portions and straightforward execution. Prices are low, and delivery extends the experience beyond the dining room. Service is generally quick, though it may vary from visit to visit. For those in search of flavor over frills, this place hits the spot.