Dubai’s food scene is a rich fabric embroidered with global flavors. At the top of its most renown offerings is Asian cuisine, and it has come to call within the city’s multicultural and rich food scene. As a local or a visitor, Dubai boasts a variety of Asian dining to suit every taste.
A Melting Pot of Asian Flavors
Dubai’s position as a global hub has drawn chefs and restaurateurs from all over Asia, leading to a diverse and rich Asian food scene. From the crowded streets of Deira to the high-end resorts of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s Asian restaurants provide authentic cuisine that takes diners to the heart of their home country.
Best Asian Restaurants in Dubai
Here are a few notable Asian restaurants that have earned recognition for their fine cuisine and atmosphere:
Jun’s – A Fusion of Cultures
Situated on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Jun’s is the creation of chef Kelvin Cheung. The restaurant provides a blend of Asian and North American flavors, with lobster pani puri and Jamaican-Chinese lamb neck among the dishes on offer. The lively ambiance and Burj Khalifa views make the dining experience all the better.
Hawkerboi – Street Food with a Twist
Located at The Park in JLT, Hawkerboi originated as a supper club and developed into a proper restaurant. The restaurant offers street food-style eats like chicken satay, fried squid, and duck gyoza. Its tasting menu is a carefully designed experience of such flavors.
Dragonfly – Japanese Elegance
Situated in The Lana Promenade, Business Bay, Dragonfly by chef Reif Othman is a sophisticated place with offerings such as sashimi, maki, and Kagoshima wagyu udon. The theatrical interiors and terrace views make it a memorable dining experience.
Hoe Lee Kow – Modern Korean Dining
Also by chef Reif Othman, Hoe Lee Kow in Dubai Hills Business Park reimagines Korean cuisine with offerings such as tteokbokki with beef bacon and Manchego cheese. The vibrant interiors and playful menu give a modern turn to heritage flavors.
Ling Ling – A Nightlife Dining Experience
Situated on the 23rd floor of Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah, Ling Ling is noisier with a more festive vibe and dishes such as prawn satay and kung pao chicken. It’s half-eatery, half-nightlife, so be prepared for late-night dining .
Where to Find Asian Street Food
For those looking for real street food experiences, Dubai has some places that bring Asia to life:
Meena Bazaar (Al Souk Al Kabir): Nicknamed “Little India,” it is a South Asian cultural neighborhood with a mix of food outlets that provide traditional fare.
Global Village: A seasonal cultural and entertainment complex with pavilions representing different countries, including Asian nations, each with authentic food and crafts.
Dubai Spice Souk: Situated in Deira, the traditional market provides a vast selection of spices and herbs utilized in Arabic and South Asian cuisine, offering a fragrant odyssey through Asian gastronomic traditions .
Asian Dishes Must-Try in Dubai
In trying Asian food in Dubai, try the following signature dishes
Sushi and Sashimi: Freshly made and skillfully prepared, found in many Japanese restaurants.
Dim Sum: Small portions of Chinese treats, ideal for sharing.
Pho: A delicious Vietnamese noodle soup, frequently served as a filling breakfast.
Pad Thai: A Thai stir-fried noodle dish with a balance of sweet, sour, and salty tastes.
Biryani: A scented rice dish stacked with marinated meat, found in Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
Where to Find Asian Cuisine in Dubai
Asian restaurants are found all over Dubai, serving different tastes and budgets. Some of the best places to visit include
Downtown Dubai: Where there are high-end restaurants with panoramic views of the city.
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT): A casual dining hub with a range of Asian restaurants.
Dubai Marina: Has waterfront restaurants with a range of Asian cuisines.
Business Bay: Has a number of high-end restaurants serving creative Asian cuisine.
Enjoy Asian Food Festivals in Dubai
There are a number of food festivals in Dubai that celebrate Asian cuisine throughout the year:
Dubai Food Festival: An annual event showcasing the city’s diverse culinary scene, including Asian food.
Taste of Dubai: Features a variety of international cuisines, with a strong representation of Asian dishes.
Asian Food Festival: A themed event focusing exclusively on Asian culinary traditions.
Ready to Embark on a Culinary Adventure?
Dubai’s Asian culinary landscape is a multicultural, multi-chromatic patchwork of flavors, experience, and culture, just waiting to be sampled. Whether you are an Asian food aficionado or simply a gastronomic wanderer, the city is full of possibilities that will delight your taste buds.
Learn More: Uncover Dubai’s Asian dining variety and start planning your next Asian dining at best asian restaurant in Dubai.
