In the few short months since it opened its doors China Bistro has established itself as one of the best Indo-Chinese (or Chindian as I like to refer to them) restaurants in Dubai. Located on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, a stone’s throw from the Park Regis Hotel, but more importantly, a couple of doors down from recently relocated Gypsy Chinese of Mumbai, China Bistro rubs shoulders with one of its main competitors. With plenty of RTA parking outside, I found its interior bright, modern and a delight to spend time in.
A view from the street 
Interior 
Interior
China Bistro’s menu is unashamedly Indo-Chinese and as such covers as many veg items as non-veg. It also includes a family favourite of ours – Khow Suey, best described as the Burmese version of Laksa. Although not nearly as pungent or savoury as authentic Khow Suey (China Bistro’s version is placid and sweet) it is served with all the right condiments (and much fanfare).
My litmus test of Chindian is my daughter who, having grown up in Dubai, has been weaned off Indo-Chinese – if she likes it, everyone will like it. She loved everything from the Eight Treasure Soup (must try) to the Wok Tossed Hakka Noodles with Chicken.
Fried Rice 
Wok Fried Hakka Noodles 
Wok Tossed Greens & Garlic with Chicken 
Eight Treasure Soup 
Chicken in Soy & Ginger Sauce 
Ice Cream
The staff at China Bistro are incredible – friendly and infinitely attentive. My table was attended by a smiley young man from Calcutta named Deb who looked after me as if I was his long-lost uncle. He asked me how I liked my Wok Tossed Greens & Garlic with Chicken (against his recommendation). When I said I didn’t think much of it, he quickly replaced it with a Chicken in Soy & Ginger Sauce which was really good. I was equally impressed by restaurant manager, Bishen, also from Cal. Together they really made me feel special.
In the context of Indo-Chinese restaurants, China Bistro’s ballistically high rating is 100% justified. Against authentic and/or fine dining Chinese restaurants, however, 4.5+ doesn’t makes since. But if you’re looking for an excellent Indo-Chinese meal in a clean-cut restaurant with five-star service at reasonable prices, look no further than China Bistro. In that context this restaurant is well worth a detour.
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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.