Royal China Restaurant — Restaurant in Dubai

A close friend (vegetarian) visiting me in Dubai wanted to experience Chinese cuisine. We considered other options such as Hakkasan, Maiden Shanghai and Shanghai Me, but based on previous experiences and recommendations from friends that the menu had better choices for vegetarians, we decided on Royal China.  Having set the background behind our choice, let me quite clear from the get go that there was nothing “Royal” about it!

The only thing good about this restaurant was the food.  For appetizers, if only to appease the palate of my friend, we chose to go fully veg and ordered Veg Dumplings, Veg Spring Rolls, and Onion Pancakes.  The dumplings were steaming hot (when served) and tasty; the spring rolls were straight out of the pan and crispy and hot; and the pancakes were just perfect!  For the mains we chose to order the Stir Fried Mushrooms with Oyster Sauce on Seasonal Vegetables, sautéed string bean vegetables, and finally, to cater to my craving for non-veg, the sautéed beef with seasonal vegetables.  The mushrooms were delectable although, I found it quite surprising that they found “Pak-choi” to be the only vegetable in season; the string beans were nicely cooked and just al dente packed with a lot of flavor; the beef was succulent and the sauce kept you diving in for more though I did feel slightly on the oily side.  So, overall, lets give them an A for the food.

Now, the service – well that, if anything, was atrocious!  Despite the fact that the restaurant was not entirely full, and that we had around 4 different persons attending to our order, we had a reached a point where I was almost ready to walk out were it not for my wife’s pacifying gestures and my friend’s calm demeanor!  Let me dissect this for you.  After being seated at the table, it must have taken almost 8 – 10 minutes before anyone even attended to us.  Then started the saga of disservice….that we had two waitresses come at different points to take the same order leading me to believe there was an obvious confusion in the ranks, that one of the waitresses turned her back on my wife while she was mid-sentence violates the basics of communication etiquette, that despite requests to get the drinks served first, we got the dumplings and sadly without any dipping sauces, that eventually when the Chilean Merlot did get served, it was without the bucket of ice which we had originally requested to bring the wine to European temperatures, and that, in between being seated and getting our appetizers we had a total of 4 persons running pillar to post without actually bringing anything to the table – that all of this happened was reason enough to stomp out of the restaurant!  And then, to add fuel to the fire, they served 2 of the 3 dishes but being enraptured in conversation, this fact slipped our attention until we were more than halfway through the meal.  In response to our query, the waiter’s clichéd response of it being under preparation was not acceptable so we pushed back – we, in fact, told him that if it were to take so long he should have brought all the food together or at least informed us that there would be a delay in the mushrooms and that it is being served towards the end of our meal was quite perturbing.  He had the gall to, quite rudely if I must say, and quite unapologetically, turn around and ask us whether he should cancel that order!  The lethargic attitude of all, the dismissive and discourteous behavior of the one waiter whose name I unfortunately did not catch, the inability to understand or advise, the indifference to our rantings led to us making a quick exit after eating with not even a dirham in tips!  I wish restaurant reviews allowed for negative scores and tips could be paid in negatives for I would most definitely do so.

This was most definitely not the expectation from a high caliber restaurant and it will be a long time before I visit or even recommend a friend to visit.  The saving grace is the food so points to the chefs who were behind the scenes! ps - I should add that air conditioning in the...

Title: A Culinary Masterpiece with Unmatched Hospitality – Royal China DIFC Shines

Royal China in DIFC isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an unforgettable experience that redefines luxury Chinese dining in Dubai. From the moment you step into its sleek, art-deco-inspired space—where contemporary elegance meets timeless tradition—you’re enveloped in an ambiance that promises sophistication and warmth. But what truly sets Royal China apart are two crowning jewels: their legendary Peking duck and the extraordinary hospitality of manager Anna, whose grace and attentiveness elevate every visit into something truly special.

The Best Peking Duck in Dubai – A Symphony of Flavors If there’s one dish that deserves a standing ovation, it’s Royal China’s Peking duck. Renowned as the finest in the city, this masterpiece is a ritual of culinary perfection. The duck arrives with skin so flawlessly crispy it glistens like amber, paired with succulent, melt-in-the-mouth meat that’s been meticulously roasted to achieve a harmony of smoky sweetness and rich umami. Served with delicate pancakes, tangy hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions, each bite is a celebration of texture and tradition. The chefs carve it tableside with precision, turning the meal into both theater and art. For Peking duck aficionados, this is not just a dish—it’s a pilgrimage.

Anna: The Heartbeat of Royal China’s Exceptional Service While the food dazzles, manager Anna ensures the experience lingers in your memory long after the last bite. Anna is the epitome of warmth and professionalism, greeting guests like old friends and anticipating needs with an almost intuitive sense of care. Whether she’s recommending the perfect wine pairing, checking in with genuine concern, or sharing a cheerful anecdote, her presence radiates kindness and expertise. She remembers regulars by name, celebrates special occasions with heartfelt gestures, and transforms a meal into a personalized journey. Under her stewardship, Royal China doesn’t just serve food—it crafts moments of joy.

Ambiance and Beyond The restaurant’s chic interiors—think plush seating, soft lighting, and subtle Chinese motifs—strike a balance between cosmopolitan flair and intimate charm. It’s ideal for everything from power lunches to romantic dinners. Beyond the Peking duck, the menu is a treasure trove of Cantonese classics: silky dim sum, wok-tossed lobster with ginger and spring onion, and decadent black pepper beef tenderloin all shine. Yet, it’s the attention to detail—spotless service, artful plating, and a curated tea selection—that cements Royal China’s status as a Dubai icon.

Final Verdict: A Must-Visit Destination Royal China isn’t merely a meal; it’s a testament to culinary excellence and heartfelt hospitality. For the best Peking duck in Dubai and an experience warmed by Anna’s unparalleled dedication, this DIFC gem is in a league of its own. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a dinner here is not just recommended—it’s essential. Bravo to the team for creating magic, one duck and one smile at a time.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Pro tip: Book ahead and let Anna know you’re there for the Peking duck—it’s worth...

Restaurant Review: Royal China, Dubai

Overview: Having been a loyal patron of Royal China in London for over 15 years, I was thrilled to discover their branch in Dubai, located in the prestigious DIFC. My family and I have been frequenting Royal China since I was five years old, and it has always been our go-to spot for exceptional Chinese cuisine. However, the Dubai branch falls significantly short of the high standards set by its London counterpart.

Food Quality: The disparity in food quality between the two locations is stark. Several of my favorite dishes, which are consistently delightful in London, are unfortunately disappointing in Dubai.

Specific Dishes:

Smoke Shredded Chicken: London: Golden, crispy fried, with extra garnishes that elevate the dish to perfection. Dubai: Undercooked and soft, lacking the crispiness. Despite multiple requests for improvement, the dish remains subpar (see pictures for comparison).

Deep Fried Prawns with Salad Sauce: London: Large pieces, fried to golden perfection, accompanied by a delicious salad sauce. Dubai: Smaller pieces, missing an essential ingredient, and served with mayonnaise instead of the proper salad sauce.

Sweet and Sour Prawns: London: One of my top dishes, perfectly balanced in flavor. Dubai: The taste is unpleasant and not comparable to the London version. The ingredients and preparation seem significantly different.

Sesame Prawn on Toast: London: Crispy and flavorful. Dubai: Soft and lacking in flavor.

Recommendations: As a loyal customer for 24 years, I am deeply invested in the success and quality of Royal China. I highly recommend that the Dubai management consider sending their chefs to London for comprehensive training. This step could help in aligning the Dubai branch’s food quality with the exceptional standards set by the London location.

Conclusion: While I will continue to dine at Royal China, hoping for improvements, I am currently disheartened by the significant gap in food quality between the Dubai and London branches. The Dubai location has great potential, and with proper adjustments, it can meet the high expectations of long-time Royal China patrons...