Nine Squares is the best Chinese hot pot in Dubai. It was the best from the day it opened its first branch in International City and with this highly impressive new branch on Jumeirah Road, it has taken the concept to a whole new level. This time they’ve converted a full two-story villa, plus soon to open rooftop, into a handsomely decorated restaurant – Euro Jumeirah friendly I think I called it (when you see it, you’ll understand). Trust me, there’s nothing else out there which comes close.
A view from the street. Parking available. 
Upstairs 
Upstairs 
Interior 
Condiments Island 
Downstairs
Hot pot is not easy to get right. The broth needs to be good, the condiments for the sauce need to have variety (and to be fresh), and finally – all the ingredients you’re going to cook in the broth need to be fresh and good quality. Nine Squares ticks all those boxes and how. Our Asian food guru, Nicky insisted we try their mushroom broth, claiming it was the best in the business. He was right. We also ordered a spicy meat broth which was also delicious.
I am hopeless at mixing the dipping sauce and invariably have one of the staff mix a concoction for me. One of the eager waitresses made me two, one with a distinct peanut bias and the other more chilli and coriander – both we good enough to eat on its own. Everything from the meats we started with to the seafood, and finally the greens and noodles were super fresh – we finished everything leaving no room for dessert.
Mini Spring rolls 
Friendly staff helping with our sauce 
That’s condensed milk in the middle…
Service is friendly and infinitely accommodating. Although it’s not cheap where hot pot goes, as I said at the beginning of this review, Nine Squares is without doubt the best Chinese hot pot restaurant in Dubai and worth every penny. It should be your first port of call if you like hot pot. Note, they have a menu full of Chinese favourites should hot pot not be your thing. This is a restaurant well worth a detour.
#1 Blogger on Zomato Dubai in 2018 and 2019 and beyond…
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.