Yummy Hot Pot is an authentic, Chinese restaurant in Cluster H of JLT. What it lacks in ambience and décor, it makes up for (in abundance) with some of the best Dongbei (or Manchurian)-style food in Dubai. You can either go hot pot or for individual dishes. We chose the latter. But be forewarned, in-order to communicate, you’ll either need to speak Chinese or seek out the only English-speaking staff there, a young (always smiling) Filipino boy. Everyone else only speaks Chinese. Do not let this dissuade you from visiting this restaurant – the food is unbelievable.
We tried many dishes, of which I particularly enjoyed the Fried Potatoes, Eggplant and Pepper, Japanese Tofu, and Cumin Lamb. I recommend all three.
If you are feeling a little adventurous, try the Beef Stomach Hot Pot to start. It’s basically, skewered bite-sized pieces of tripe brought to the table in a pot of bubbling, spiced beef broth. I’m not big on tripe, but I found this surprisingly good.
We also ordered the Braised Chicken and Vermicelli, a dish indigenous to Manchuria (where pork is used instead of chicken), but I found the chopped, bone-in chicken difficult to handle with chopsticks (…and I was too arrogant to ask for a fork).
Once the hurdle of ordering is overcome, the rest is a super-fast affair. Two amazing chefs (also Manchurian) work the kitchen woks with a symphony orchestra of clanks and clatter; the only music played in the small dining area. I love the fact that you smell the food before it arrives; that intoxicating wok-sear smell releasing your appetite. Due to the language barrier interaction with the staff is limited to hand, eye and eye-brow gestures, and lots of nodding. Thankfully, they’re a friendly enough bunch of guys. Remember, if you don’t speak Chinese, find the Filipino.
All in all, this is a fantastic little restaurant where you can enjoy a thoroughly authentic Dongbei (东北, dōngběi)-style meal…and maybe even learn a little Chinese.
I have no reservations in recommending it.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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