Indulging in Cantonese Elegance: The Hakkasan Dubai Review
Dubai, a shining jewel in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, is known worldwide for its architectural grandeur, stunning skyline, and extravagant lifestyle.
Equally impressive is its vibrant food scene, with an array of eateries serving cuisines from around the globe. Nestled amidst this culinary paradise is Hakkasan, a name synonymous with sophisticated dining and modern Cantonese cuisine. This blog post comprehensively reviews my unforgettable dining experience at Hakkasan Dubai, where we indulged in their specially curated Pearl set menu.
Whether you are a seasoned food connoisseur, a fan of Cantonese cuisine, or planning a trip to Dubai from the USA, UK, or Europe, this review will offer an insider's perspective on one of Dubai's finest restaurants.
We'll walk you through the ambiance, guest service, and, most importantly, the mouth-watering food at Hakkasan Dubai. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and enter a world of culinary luxury as we explore this culinary gem in the heart of Dubai."
Hakkasan: A Global Culinary Icon
Founded in London, Hakkasan has transcended its humble beginnings to establish itself as a global culinary icon. It's celebrated for combining traditional Cantonese cuisine with contemporary flair. Today, Hakkasan's reputation precedes it, boasting numerous locations from the heart of the USA to the vibrant Middle East, each offering diners a truly world-class experience.
Discovering Hakkasan Dubai
Embodying this esteemed legacy, Hakkasan Dubai shines brightly as a culinary beacon within the lavish Atlantis, The Palm. True to Hakkasan's distinctive design, the Dubai location features an intricate layout of dark oak lattice dividers, creating intimate dining spaces within the grand venue.
Hakkasan Dubai
With its 2022 Michelin star award, Hakkasan Dubai is a crowned jewel of the city's fine dining scene. Its combination of exquisite cuisine, stunning ambiance, and impeccable service promises an unrivaled dining experience. For celebrations or memorable meals, Hakkasan Dubai stands as an unrivaled destination.
As it's a popular choice among both locals and tourists, it's advisable to reserve a table via their website well ahead of your planned visit.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the enchanting world of Hakkasan Dubai, and discover why it's a must-visit for any gourmet traveler venturing into the UAE.
The Pearl Set Menu: A Symphony of Flavors at Hakkasan Dubai
Our journey into Hakkasan's culinary prowess was through the Pearl set menu, a handpicked selection of dishes embodying the restaurant's dedication to elevated Cantonese cuisine. The menu was a tapestry of flavors, each dish thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented. It wasn't just about dining - it was a gastronomic performance from start to finish.
A Toast to Begin and the Arrival of Starters
To commence our gastronomic adventure, we selected a bottle of fine Prosecco, its lively bubbles and crisp taste offering the perfect accompaniment to the tantalizing dishes ahead.
Our first encounter with Hakkasan's Pearl set menu was a duo of entrancing starters.
Fried Soft Shell Crab with Chili and Curry Leaf:
This aromatic delight presented itself as a masterclass in texture and flavor. The soft shell crab, delicately fried, balanced its crunchy exterior with a succulent interior.
The curry leaves, and buttermilk crumble added an unexpected twist, their distinctive flavors elevating the crab to new gastronomic heights.
Dim Sum Platter:
Next, we were treated to a medley of steamed dim sum, each bite transporting us to the bustling streets of Canton.
The skillful presentation was matched only by the assortment of flavors waiting to be discovered within each parcel.
The Highlight of the Meal: Hakkasan's Signature Pekin Duck
Following our enticing starters, we were presented with the pièce de résistance, the Hakkasan Signature Pekin Duck. This dish was an exemplar of Cantonese culinary tradition, prepared through a meticulous process of roasting and frying.
The resulting Pekin duck boasted a brilliantly crispy skin, effortlessly giving way to the succulent meat beneath. This delightful contrast between the crunch of the skin and the tenderness of the meat was a sensory delight, embodying the meticulous skill employed by Hakkasan's chefs.
The duck was served with soft, flat pancakes, a perfect canvas to host the rich meat. Accompaniments of refreshing cucumber and finely shredded leek provided a crisp counterbalance to the richness of the duck.
This dish's heart was the Hoisin sauce, a quintessential component in Chinese cuisine. It offered a sweet and salty depth to the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the duck and harmonizing all the elements together.
As we built our own pancake parcels, layering the duck, cucumber, leek, and a drizzle of Hoisin sauce, it was clear that this dish was not merely food but a culinary experience that indulged all the senses.
The Signature Pekin Duck was a testament to Hakkasan's expertise in delivering authentic, yet modernized, Cantonese flavors, making it an unforgettable part of the Pearl set menu.
The Seafood Extravaganza: Grilled Black Cod and Wok-fry Canadian Scallops
Our culinary journey through the Pearl set menu at Hakkasan continued with a duo of seafood delights that paid homage to the ocean's bounty.
Grilled Black Cod with Truffle Sauce:
The Black Cod, grilled to perfection, was a symphony of delicate textures and nuanced flavors. The cod was marinated in a truffle sauce, a rich, earthy elixir accentuating the fish's natural sweetness.
The dish was finished with a sprinkling of fresh truffle and a touch of ginger, both served atop a bed of cauliflower. The truffle elevated the dish with its unique aroma and taste, while the ginger cut through the richness with its piquant zest, creating a harmony of flavors that was nothing short of enchanting.
Wok-fry Canadian Scallops with XO Sauce:
Our second seafood dish was a plate of Canadian scallops prepared using a popular Chinese cooking method known as wok-frying. This method ensures a quick, intense heat that seals in the scallop's flavor while lending a slightly smoky note to the dish.
The scallops were served with XO sauce, a condiment originating from Hong Kong known for its savory, slightly spicy, and deeply umami character. Made from dried seafood, chili peppers, and a medley of other ingredients, XO sauce is often called the "caviar of the East," a testament to its rich and complex flavor profile.
The combination of the scallops' tender flesh, the smoky hints from the wok-frying, and the bold flavors of the XO sauce resulted in a dish that was both exciting and comforting, a celebration of classic Cantonese flavors reimagined with Hakkasan's innovative flair.
The Meat and Veggie Medley: Stir-fry Osmanthus Wagyu Beef Rib Eye and Wild Mushrooms with Gai Lan Lily Bulb and Macadamia Nuts
After the seafood delights, our taste buds were treated to a sumptuous meat dish and an exotic vegetable ensemble, demonstrating Hakkasan's commitment to culinary diversity.
Stir-fry Osmanthus Wagyu Beef Rib Eye:
The star of this dish was undoubtedly the Wagyu rib eye, prized for its superior marbling and tender texture. The beef was cut into cubes and cooked using the stir-fry method, a quick, high-heat cooking technique that locks in flavor and retains the meat's tenderness.
The beef was enveloped in an Osmanthus sauce, a soy, fish, and tomato sauce blend, delivering a savory profile layered with umami. Complementing this rich meat preparation were Baiyu mushrooms, their earthy taste providing a counterpoint to the beef’s robust flavors.
Wild Mushrooms with Gai Lan, Lily Bulb, and Macadamia Nuts:
To accompany the rib eye, we were served a medley of wild Asian mushrooms, nutritious Gai Lan (Chinese broccoli), lily bulb, and macadamia nuts.
Lily bulb, an ingredient frequently used in Chinese cooking, is known for its subtly sweet taste and texture reminiscent of crisp pear. Its unique crunch and flavor made it a standout ingredient in this dish. With their buttery flavor and crunchy texture, the macadamia nuts added an extra layer of depth to the dish, tying the various components together in a pleasing harmony.
This vegetable dish, though simple, was far from ordinary. Each ingredient, carefully selected and cooked to perfection, contributed to an overall composition that was an ode to the harmony of nature's flavors. It served as a fitting accompaniment to the indulgent Wagyu beef, balancing the rich meat with its vibrant, earthy flavors.
A Sweet Finale: Surprise Desserts from Hakkasan's Pastry Chefs
The climax of our exquisite dining experience arrived in a duo of surprising desserts, each meticulously crafted by Hakkasan's talented pastry chefs.
Spikey Lemon:
The first dessert was playful, with vibrant flavors and textures. The centerpiece, a yuzu cremeux, was a delightful surprise with its tangy citrus notes encased within a delicate, spikey exterior. This was complemented by a punchy calamansi gel, a citrusy explosion that added a unique twist to the dessert. The ensemble was rounded off with a light and airy white chocolate mousse, its sweetness balancing the tartness of the yuzu and calamansi beautifully.
Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Parfait:
Our final sweet treat was a decadent Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Parfait. The indulgence of creamy milk chocolate was harmoniously paired with the rich, nutty taste of hazelnuts, creating a classic combination that never fails to delight. A hint of salted caramel added a sophisticated layer of flavor.
At the same time, the warm chocolate praline sauce enveloped the parfait in a velvety, chocolatey hug, adding a comforting warmth to the dish.
Both desserts were a delightful surprise, a sweet testament to the creativity and finesse of Hakkasan's culinary team. As we savored each bite, we found ourselves not just eating, but indulging in an experience – a true celebration of the pastry arts.
These surprise desserts concluded our culinary journey through Hakkasan's Pearl set menu. Each dish we sampled painted a picture of Hakkasan's commitment to refining and innovating Cantonese cuisine, presenting it in a context that is both modern and wonderfully surprising.
Exceptional Service: The People Behind the Experience
It would be remiss not to mention the exceptional service that elevated our dining experience at Hakkasan Dubai. The team, led by Head Waiter Sagar, Sommelier Nathan, and Assistant General Manager Tamer, ensured our evening was perfect.
From the moment we entered Hakkasan, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism. Each team member was knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate about delivering an unforgettable dining experience. They guided us through the menu, sharing their insights and recommendations, and their enthusiasm for the food was infectious.
Sagar, our Head Waiter, was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition between courses. Nathan, the sommelier, captivated us with his extensive knowledge of the wine list, suggesting perfect pairings for each course that complemented the flavors beautifully. And overseeing it all was Assistant General Manager Tamer, who effortlessly managed the floor while ensuring all guests enjoyed their experience.
Their seamless service and dedication to hospitality transformed our visit into a memorable culinary journey, setting Hakkasan Dubai apart through its food and people. Their team doesn't simply serve meals - they curate experiences, making each guest feel special and appreciated.
“From the starters to the sweet finale, the Pearl set menu was an immersive and delightful gastronomic experience. For anyone seeking to explore the culinary landscape of Dubai, Hakkasan stands as an unmissable stop on your culinary journey.”
A visit to Hakkasan Dubai isn't just about the food. It's about the people who make it, the people who serve it, and the passion that's evident in every detail. This blend of culinary expertise and heartfelt hospitality makes Hakkasan Dubai truly exceptional.
In Conclusion: An Unforgettable Experience at Hakkasan Dubai
To sum up, our visit to Hakkasan Dubai was an unforgettable culinary journey. From the flavorful starters to the richly satisfying main courses and, finally, the sweet and inventive desserts, the Pearl set menu delivered an outstanding dining experience that both surprised and delighted us at every turn.
The exceptional service, led by Sagar, Nathan, and Tamer, made us feel welcomed and valued as guests, transforming our visit into more than just a meal but an immersive experience marked by warmth and personal attention.
The Pearl set menu costs approximately $380 USD for two people, exclusive of beverages. While this price point may be higher compared to other dining options, the quality of the food, the expertise of the staff, the restaurant's beautiful setting, and the overall dining experience certainly justify the cost. It's an investment in a memorable and delightful experience, a taste of the best Dubai's culinary scene offers.
Hakkasan Dubai, with its enticing blend of refined Cantonese cuisine, innovative culinary techniques, a welcoming atmosphere, and outstanding service, is more than just a meal – it's a must-visit gastronomic destination for food enthusiasts exploring Dubai.
It's an experience worth savoring and a place you'll look forward to visiting again.
