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“Chinese cuisine is sometimes described as the Mother of Asian Cuisine.” Hakkasan

Hakkasan is a globally renowned concept founded in London in 2001 that now has thirteen venues delighting diners worldwide, this upscale restaurant offers consistency in its cuisine, service and gorgeous dimly-lit moody interiors. It’s always an absolute pleasure to dine at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi located in the East Wing of the majestic Emirates Palace. Remarkable cuisine, consummate service, elegant decor and ambiance all come together to offer guests a memorable experience on each and every visit.

Hakkasan is hands down the best place to go in the capital for high-end Chinese food, we were lucky to be invited back last week to dine alfresco on the beautiful fire-lit outdoor terrace which has recently re-opened for the winter season. The intensely flavoured modern Cantonese inspired cuisine is always delicious and beautifully presented, we were sampling the four-course Taste of Hakkasan menu that is available early evening and includes a seasonal Hakkasan cocktail.

I started with my favourite steamed dim sum vegetarian platter served in a traditional bamboo steamer, three varieties of the traditional steamed buns oozing with tangy flavours. The other half opted for the tried and tested zingy crispy duck salad followed by a flavoursome hot and sour chicken soup. Mains of melt in the mouth tofu and aubergine clay-pot in a rich black bean sauce with shiitake mushrooms and crispy wagyu beef with mooil in a sweet osmanthus sauce were served with my special request of egg fried rice with edamame. Even though we are more than capable of serving ourselves more water or dishing up extra rice the attentive staff are receptive to your every need, glasses are discreetly refilled and rice appears on your plate as if by magic.

We finished up with a Hakkasan favourite, chocolate fondant with its gooey centre paired with banana ice cream and a trio of homemade ice-cream, delicate flavours of peanut, praline and vanilla. I can thoroughly endorse the signature cocktails from the creative Hakkasan mixologists, The Hakka which combines Ketel One vodka, kome to mizu sake, lychee juice, lime, coconut and passion fruit and the Hakkatini a potent mix of premium Grey Goose L’Orange vodka, Campari, Grand Marnier, grapefruit bitters and apple juice.

This dark and mysterious restaurant is the embodiment of sheer elegance and sophistication whether you are having a drink at the chic bar, afternoon tea, dinner or brunch (trust me I’ve tried them all) you just can’t help but be impressed with every aspect of your visit. The aesthetics are showstopping, guests can choose to be seated either indoors, outdoors, at the bar or lounge. The classy interior space is separated by dark wood carved lattice screens backlit with blue glass that reflects the design of the London flagship restaurant.

The humidity free winter months are the perfect time to dine on the stunning terrace that offers comfy seating within oak lattice pavilions surrounded by water lined walk ways, decorated with greenery and all lit up by floating fire bowls. It has an intimate area with a romantic aura, its elevated viewpoint provides exceptional views of the Abu Dhabi cityscape.

There are many options to satisfy every guest whatever they desire. Personally as much as the bar is my favourite indoor venue in the city and I love the discreet dining area with its intimate banquettes, my preference, weather permitting is the outdoor terrace. Quite simply, amazing food that comes highly recommended.