“Hakkasan was always more than a restaurant; it was an immersive experience.” Neil Moffitt, CEO
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, located in the majestic Emirates Palace, is in my opinion the shiniest jewel in the hotel’s golden crown. This dark and mysterious restaurant is the embodiment of sheer elegance and sophistication with its discreet dining area filled with dark wood carved lattice screens backlit with blue glass, sumptuous outdoor terrace (amazing fire-lit place to dine weather permitting), trendy bar, relaxing lounge and of course the intensely flavoured modern Cantonese cuisine and accomplished service.
The other half and I were invited to sample a Taste of Hakkasan, an early evening four-course seasonal menu that offers a selection of individually served starters, soups, main courses and desserts devised by Chef de Cuisine Andy Toh. The menu also includes a cocktail designed to revitalise diners during the hot summer months and of course equally refreshing non-alcoholic mocktails are also available.
Our waitress then gave us the option to rest awhile to enjoy the ambiance and digest the first two courses or carry straight on with the mains, if you have ever been to dinner with the other half you know he was not going to wait for food! Surprisingly he had opted for more duck and his stir-fryed kung po roasted duck arrived in synch with my tofu and aubergine clay-pot in black bean sauce with shiitake mushrooms, both served with steamed jasmine rice. The aroma from the intense flavours of both dishes was hard to resist and we tucked in immediately and I can throughly recommend my dish, the rich sauce and the melt in the mouth aubergine were cooked to perfection. The other half was full having polished off all his own dishes and the remnants of all mine too!
Hakkasan has embraced the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang, using the concept of opposite forces complementing each other in both its food and decor. Bitter, salty and sour Yin foods feature on the innovative menu alongside the sweet and pungent Yang variety and the whole interior is awash with dark and light elements that give an extra air of elegance and mystery. The award-winning concept (the Hanway Place venue in London was the first Chinese to receive a Michelin star) has eleven other locations around the world including one in nearby Dubai, celebrates its fifth anniversary in Abu Dhabi this month offering signature Hakkasan dishes and those specially created for the region. Over the last five years the venue has firmly become the benchmark of Asian cuisine here in the capital and won a plethora of awards in its own right. On first glance it may seem pretentious and pricey but it’s not pompous at all and there are many affordable options such as the Taste of Hakkasan menu and an early evening cocktail and dim sum option. For those like to flash their cash there is the whole Peking duck with Royal Beluga caviar option from the Supreme Special Dishes section of the full menu at a whopping AED1900 (approx £340).
Location: Emirates Palace
Telephone: 02 690 7999
E-mail: hakkasan@emiratespalace.ae
Website: www.hakkasan.com
A Taste of Hakkasan menu is daily from 6pm – 7:30pm
Price: From AED 165++ per person
Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2015. All rights reserved. Fourth photo used courtesy of www.hakkasan.com