I had been told that Hutong was special, but nothing prepared me for this. Inspired by the ancient Silk Route, its interior is nothing less than spectacular. Everything from the wishing tree in the middle of the restaurant to the design of the bricks used on the walls all have special meaning and, more importantly, work to create a harmonious, tranquil environment to dine in. No self-respecting, fine-dining Chinese restaurant is complete without private dining rooms – Hutong has two – complete with private wait staff. It also has a full-size bar on the ground floor and a soon to be enclosed and air-conditioned outdoor dining area.
Restaurant-exclusive valet service 
Main ground floor dining area 
One of two private dining rooms 
The bar and dining area 
Ground floor dining area
Hutong’s menu doesn’t stray far from its Hong Kong roots, offering a treasure chest of Cantonese (and Sichuan) dishes, highlighted by its famous Roasted Peking Duck with Pancakes; rumour has it that it is made to a hundred-year-old recipe created for the Chinese Emperor. The soups and starters, especially the dim sum, are ridiculously good. I particularly liked my Chicken and Matsutake Mushroom Soup while my wife thumb-wrestled me for the last piece of our unique Spring Rolls. For mains, I strongly recommend the cotton tender Wok-Tossed Beef Tenderloin, Crispy Seabass with Leek and Yu Xiang Crispy Eggplant – all are awesome.
Chicken and Matsutake Mushroom Soup 
Wild Mushroom Truffle Bao 
Huton Fried Rice
Service is exemplary, easily one of the best I have experienced in Dubai (and that’s saying a lot). The quality of service and attention to detail starts at the restaurant-exclusive valet. This extends to the elegant hostesses at the entrance who welcome you like a returning regular. Once inside and seated a host of well trained, immaculately groomed wait staff float about you like butterflies, unobstructive yet attentively. Our waiter, John, and his team were simply amazing. I was so impressed that the restaurant manager himself found the time to visit our table – twice. Thank you, Max. Hutong is a very special dining experience and well worth a detour. I can’t wait to go back.
#1 Food Blogger on Zomato Dubai – 2018, 2019 and 2020
Xerxes (pronounced Zûrk’seez) 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 his culinary journey on Instagram: @ravenousxerxes or reach out to him via email on xerxes@dellara.com.