Clearly, not all Chinese restaurants are created equal

Tàn Chá is the intersection of contemporary Hong Kong and provincial China.

Promising a unique adventure into the world of Chinese cuisine, Tàn Chá has opened its doors at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, merging the flavours of modern-day Hong Kong and provincial China. The brainchild of restaurateur Alberto Barbieri, the highly sensory dining experience is the result of authentic contemporary Chinese dishes complemented by signature cocktails, live music and art installations. Tàn Chá is spread across two floors and five unique rooms, each with a Chinese name: Bā (eight), Lǎohǔ (tiger), Húlí (fox), Tùzî (rabbit), Yángtái (terrace).

Diners are invited to immerse themselves in the theatrics of a labyrinth-like journey of discovery, starting with a comprehensive menu that spans yu sheng, dim sum, wok and siu mei, to name a few of its categories. Plant-based diners will be delighted by the extensive number of vegan dishes crafted with plant-based Omni. Speaking of the menu highlights, Barbieri says, “Special attention should be given to the Tàn Chá Signature Peking Duck served with sweet bean paste, truffle foie gras and yu sang sauce, as well as the triple-cooked Honey Nut Crispy Beef sprinkled with Huang Fei Hong peanuts.”

Meanwhile, the gastronomic journey is heightened by sounds meticulously curated by Tony Mendes, Music Director of Tàn Chá. “Bob Dylan stated that the purpose of art is to stop time; that’s what we’re doing at Tàn Chá,” he says. Having entertained crowds in clubs like Bagatelle, XOXO, Kiss & Fly, Greystone and Emerson Theatre over the past 26 years, Mendes has accumulated a vast catalogue of music that he will be mixing with modern traits, alongside French DJ Rodolphe Cuvelier (a.k.a. Rawdolff). Together, this power duo will be stirring up the sound at Tàn Chá – but we’re told that the sensory experience doesn’t stop there.

Award-winning artist Grégoire A. Meyer has elevated the restaurant’s ambience with his awe-inspiring digital artworks, which light up the five rooms. The juxtaposition of exquisite wallpaper, personalised chopsticks, internationally renowned resident DJs, bespoke art, and low lighting makes for a contemporary Chinese eatery unlike any other in the city. “The result of the great synergy behind Tàn Chá’s dream team is an irrepressible and eccentric feast,” adds Barbieri.

GO: Visit https://tanchadubai.com or follow @tanchadubai on Instagram for more information.