A-listers, including Adele, Bella Hadid, and Justin Bieber, have all been spotted at Mr Chow.
It’s no secret that Indochine was my favourite restaurant in Dubai. An effortlessly hip venue that successfully balanced dining and nightlife, while bringing some seriously slick vibes in the process. Its departure was a blow to the Dubai dining scene, yet several years later, another international import has taken over the space formerly occupied by the French-Vietnamese concept. Now, Mr Chow Dubai steps into the spotlight — and it’s making quite the entrance.
I manage to secure a reservation during opening week and enter a packed restaurant that feels sleek yet chic. Mr Chow’s signature logo glows above double glass doors, opening into a dining room that channels the clean lines of a luxury cruise liner.
Gone is the moody glamour and banana palm printed wallpaper of Indochine; in its place, a monochrome palette, pressed white linens, and glittering glassware anchor the space with a sense of formality. The layout has been flipped — literally. With the kitchen repositioned and floor-to-ceiling windows now exposed, the space feels brighter and more expansive. Cream-suited staff move with ceremony, delivering dishes on silver platters, while the music gradually swells to match the room’s energy.
The marvellous menu showcases American-Chinese cuisine that often veers into surprisingly sweet territory. Signature dishes, such as the Mr Chow Noodles (AED 154) and Water Dumplings (AED 142), are executed with flair. Yet it’s the tableside theatrics, including a nightly hand-pulled noodle show, that elevate the experience from fine dining to performance.
We begin with the house special of Chicken Satay (AED 92 per piece), where the poultry has been tenderised and skewered on a stick before being slathered with a rich, addictive peanut sauce. It’s a viral hit and deservedly so — we spot it on nearly every table! The Glazed Prawns with Walnuts (AED 164), laced with wasabi, are massive, sweet, and offer a near-perfect plate.
With a dim sum selection that ranges from Jade Har Gow (SAR 110) to the soup-filled Shanghai Little Dragon (AED 118), we’d suggest the voluptuous Pot Stickers (AED 142), a generously stuffed yet decadent delight.
Mains cover land and sea and range from Fresh Live Stone Crab (AED 251), Green Prawns (AED 251), Velvet Chicken (AED 226) and Crispy Beef (AED 253). The latter boasts tendrils of beautiful beef in a gloriously sticky, sweet and slightly fiery sauce. It’s an addictive dish, elevated far beyond the tired renditions seen elsewhere in the city.
The Beijing Duck (AED 516 per person) is Mr Chow’s pièce de résistance. The same poultry supplier is used for all Mr Chow’s worldwide restaurants, ensuring quality and consistency across the portfolio. Carved tableside and presented with pancakes, hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumber, the duck is roasted to order, offering crisp skin and a distinct, aromatic flavour. Elsewhere, the Ma Mignon (AED 297) is another popular choice, presenting a chunky yet tender beef fillet that utilises the same recipe established in 1975.
Desserts at Mr Chow Dubai forgo traditional Chinese delicacies in favour of classic choices, including a luscious Lemon tart topped with Italian meringue, a Vanilla Cheesecake, and a refreshing mix of mango served in an ice bowl.
Founded in London in 1968 by Michael Chow, the restaurant has long attracted stars from the worlds of entertainment, music, sports, politics, and fashion. With outposts in Beverly Hills, New York, Miami, and Riyadh, it’s a brand rooted in luxury and legacy. The hip hangout has attracted the likes of Adele, Andy Warhol, Bella Hadid, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Justin Bieber. During our meal at the newly minted Dubai location, we shared the dining room with Dubai Bling star and Virgin Radio host, Kirs Fade
Joining DIFC heavyweights like Amazónico, Bar des Prés, Sexy Fish and Zuma, Mr Chow Dubai feels right at home. Anchored around solid service, a lively ambience and marvellous mixology, we’d suggest you come for the duck and stay for the captivating hand-pulled noodle presentation.
It may not be Indochine, but it’s a worthy replacement.
GO: Visit www.mrchow.com for reservations and more information.