Michelin Recommended · DIFC

Hakkasan Dubai Review: Modern Cantonese Institution

Modern Cantonese flagship at Emirates Towers Boulevard. The original 2009 outpost still leads Dubai's Cantonese fine-dining 17 years on.

9.0 / 10 AED 400-750pppp Modern Cantonese DIFC
CuisineModern Cantonese
LocationEmirates Towers Boulevard
PriceAED 400-750pp
Best ForCantonese fine-dining, dates
HoursMon-Sun 12:30-late
Book Ahead1-2 weeks Fri/Sat

Hakkasan opened its Dubai outpost in 2009 — the first international expansion of London's Michelin-starred original. Seventeen years later, it remains Dubai's defining Cantonese fine-dining experience. The Emirates Towers Boulevard space (re-located from Jumeirah Emirates Towers in 2018) is dramatic, dim-lit, and consistently busy.

What makes Hakkasan endure when most 2009-vintage Dubai restaurants are long dead is the unbroken consistency of the kitchen. The signature Peking duck, the dim sum platters, the crispy-soft-shell crab, and the cocktail program are all execute at a level Dubai's other Cantonese venues mostly aspire to.

It's MICHELIN-recommended in the 2026 Guide. Pricing sits in premium territory (AED 400-750pp typical, with peking duck and signature dishes pushing it higher), but for the consistency, room theatrics, and 17-year track record, it's earned the right.

Must Order

  • Peking Duck (whole) AED 985 for 4
    Three-course service: skin with pancakes, breast with vegetables, leg congee. Dubai's benchmark Peking duck.
  • Signature Dim Sum Platter AED 285
    8 pieces, the Hakkasan dim sum spectrum — har gow, siu mai, char siu bao.
  • Crispy Soft-Shell Crab AED 175
    Dragon-spice salt-pepper finish. Cult-favorite Hakkasan dish.
  • Wagyu Beef with Black Pepper AED 380
    A5 wagyu wok-fried with green peppercorns and pearl shallots.

Pros

  • 17-year track record of consistency
  • Michelin-recommended (2024-26)
  • Peking duck is Dubai's benchmark
  • Cocktail program is genuinely exceptional
  • Dramatic dim-lit room — date-night classic

Things to Know

  • Pricing has crept up — modest 6-dish dinner can hit AED 600pp
  • Books 1-2 weeks ahead Fri/Sat
  • Set-menu lunches discontinued in 2024
  • High decibels — not a quiet date

Final Verdict

Hakkasan remains Dubai's Cantonese benchmark in 2026. The Peking duck, dim sum, and cocktail program execute at a level the city's other Cantonese venues mostly chase. AED 400-750pp pricing reflects pedigree and consistency — both delivered.

9.0 / 10

FAQs

Is Hakkasan Dubai Michelin-starred?

Hakkasan Dubai is MICHELIN-recommended (in the 2024-2026 Dubai Guides) but does not currently hold a star. The London original held 1 star for many years.

How much does Hakkasan Dubai cost?

Average AED 400-750pp depending on order. A four-person Peking duck dinner with a dim sum starter and one main typically lands around AED 550-700pp all-in.

How far ahead should I book?

1-2 weeks for Friday/Saturday. Weekday seats often within 3-5 days. Group bookings (8+) need 2-3 weeks.

Is Hakkasan Dubai halal?

Yes — all meats including Peking duck are halal-certified. The cocktail program serves alcohol; non-alcoholic mocktail program is well-developed.

What's the best dish at Hakkasan?

The Peking Duck (AED 985 for four) is the canonical order. After that: signature dim sum platter, crispy soft-shell crab, and wagyu black pepper.