Food Review: Dubai's China Tang offers a new take on old-school Cantonese
Upon arrival at China Tang, we were greeted with the sort of warmth and polished efficiency that would make even the Swiss blush. Nadine showed us to our table, delivered a flawless briefing on the restaurant's philosophy, and managed to make us feel like visiting royalty without a hint of pretension.
The Lana Promenade itself surprised me. It's been some time since I ventured to this neck of the woods, but what I found was a rather splendid scene — gleaming buildings, a pristine marina, and this little jewel of a restaurant tucked elegantly into its surroundings.
Inside, the décor is exactly what you hope for: tasteful, spacious, with light streaming in through vast floor-to-ceiling windows. The sort of place where you could linger far longer than you intended.
Our server, Rina, took command of the culinary journey, explaining that this was elevated Chinese cuisine — a modern, creative take. A bold claim. But as it turned out, entirely justified.
We kicked off proceedings with the vegetarian Sir David's hot and sour soup — quite frankly, a masterclass in balance and depth. Then came the crispy duck salad, prepared at the table with surgical precision, reminiscent of how we used to prepare Caesar salad back in my hotel school days, albeit far more artfully executed.
Next arrived a flurry of small plates — spinach dressed in sesame and peanut (utterly addictive), Lamb shaomai that were little flavour bombs, and some exquisitely crafted vegetable dumplings. Each dish arrived with such elegance that I almost felt guilty destroying their visual perfection. Almost.
Then came the main event. Half-braised black cod with pickled cabbage — served differently to any black cod I've had before, moist in its broth, rich, and utterly magnificent. Braised lamb in red sauce arrived like a heavyweight boxer: bold, intense, and impossible to ignore. A sizzling stone platter of green beans offered a punchy, spicy kick, while the grilled radish with black truffle was, frankly, a revelation. Who knew radish could be like this? I'm still thinking about it.
By this stage, stomach capacity was running dangerously low. Yet, Rina, with a glint in her eye, persuaded us to sample a few desserts. The chilled sichuan jelly and the mango pomelo sago were both beautifully presented, delicately balanced, and precisely served at just the right temperature. Though, like many acquired tastes, your mileage may vary.
China Tang has performed the near impossible: it has changed my perception of Chinese cuisine. Exceptional food, pitch-perfect service, and a setting that invites you to stay far longer than you should. Highly recommended.
Hero dish:
I'm always torn… If forced to choose, black cod — 10/10
VIBES:
Lunchtime was quiet. I would like to try dining here in the evening — 9/10
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
3 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Read Your Daily Chinese Horoscope July 5th, 2025⭐
Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao (/shnng-sshyao/ 'born resembling'), unlike the general zodiac, is represented by 12 zodiac animals. In order, they are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. OX DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 People may accuse you of being too serious. It's not that you're forsaking fun, it's just that you have clear and decisive goals that you want to achieve. Don't let others deter you. SHEEP DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 Today, let logic and reason, not emotion and feeling, be your guide. Don't let anxiety hold you back from making a reasonable and intuitive decision regarding your career or finances. RAT DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 You may have the chance to meet with some old friends or colleagues. Spend tonight with people who make you laugh. You could use some positive interactions in your life right now. SNAKE DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 You may be able to see issues or problems with new clarity today. You may discover some new approaches to everyday tasks, or a lifestyle change could be in the works. DRAGON DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 You might find that mothers, aunts, or sisters are especially soothing and calming today. A strong woman in your life may be of great help to you at this time. Be open and receptive. TIGER DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 Beautiful objects help you feel calm. A walk in a nearby park could be just what you need to fill your senses with pleasurable sights and sounds. Bring a journal so you can remember it all. RABBIT DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 Don't let your imagination dictate how today plays out. Remind yourself to keep your feet on the ground, though reality won't be as colorful as your thoughts and dreams. HORSE DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 You could be anxious today. You might have to roll with the punches. If you can learn to lighten up a bit, you might be surprised to find how much better you feel without all the stress. MONKEY DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 You may be hesitant to go with a change that someone is pressuring you to make. Though the suggestion could prove positive, make sure you agree only if you're truly ready. ROOSTER DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 Resist the urge to make a scene at work or a social event. You may come off as arrogant or self-absorbed if you spend too much time talking about yourself. Leave the limelight to someone else. More: How The Fall Equinox Will Impact Your Zodiac Sign DOG DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 This period may be very active for you. Your schedule could be filling up with dates and parties. Make sure you're getting enough rest, as this influence could be rather draining on you physically. PIG DAILY CHINESE HOROSCOPES JULY 5, 2025 All your tasks and errands may seem mundane and boring at this time. Perhaps you should start to think about how you can spice up your social life and make your routine livelier.
UAE Moments
11 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Diljit Dosanjh to Remain in Border 2 Despite Backlash
Indian film industry bodies have rescinded their earlier boycott of Diljit Dosanjh's role in the upcoming war drama Border 2, allowing the film's release with his participation. This reversal followed multiple meetings between T‑Series, co-producers of Border 2, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). According to FWICE president BN Tiwari, the producers told the film body that 'the film is nearing completion' and Diljit has only 'two-three days of work left.' Since the project contains no Pakistani artists and is patriotic in tone, FWICE lifted their opposition. Director-body head Ashoke Pandit also explained that recasting would cause major logistical and financial setbacks—and FWICE withdrew their demands to revoke NDA shoot permissions. But Future Films Featuring Diljit are Blocked FWICE president BN Tiwari has made it clear that while Border 2 proceeds, any new projects starring Diljit, where recasting is feasible, will face opposition. This includes Imtiaz Ali's untitled film featuring the actor. The Background: Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy This controversy stems from Diljit's role in Sardaar Ji 3, which featured Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Industry unions, led by FWICE, condemned the casting amid escalating India–Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. They accused the collaboration of undermining national sentiment, demanded boycotts and urged removal from Border 2. Despite this vocal backlash, Border 2's producers stood firm, citing that half the film was already shot and recasting Diljit would be impractical. This article was previously published on bahrainmoments. To see the original article, click here
UAE Moments
16 hours ago
- UAE Moments
How to Spot Fake Labubu Figures: A Clear Comparison Guide
Collecting Labubu and Lafufu figures brings joy to collectors worldwide, but the rise of counterfeits makes it easy to get scammed if you aren't careful. This clear guide shows you exactly how to spot fake Labubu and Lafufu figures by comparing packaging, paint quality, materials, and hidden details, ensuring you protect your collection and your money. 1- Check the Packaging Genuine Labubu: Box printing is sharp, with vibrant colors. Pop Mart or Ziqi logos are clear, not blurry. QR codes and barcodes are printed cleanly. The plastic bag inside is neatly sealed. Fake Labubu often has: Faded or off-color printing. Misaligned logos or blurry text. Missing holographic sticker (older versions may lack this, so check your specific release). Cheap, thin box material. 2- Examine the Paint Quality Authentic Labubu has: Clean paint lines, no smudges or bleeding. Consistent coloring across ears, eyes, and clothing. No overpainting on the teeth or eyes. Fakes often show: Uneven paint, sloppy lines. Incorrect colors (e.g., wrong shade on fur). Paint chips or sticky surfaces. 3- Feel the Material Real Labubu: Made of quality vinyl, solid but not too heavy. Surface feels smooth with a slight matte finish. Joints (if applicable) are firm and do not pop off easily. Fake Labubu: Feels too light or oddly heavy. Feels oily or overly shiny. Parts may fall off easily. 4- Inspect the Details Original Labubu: Teeth, eyes, ears are finely detailed. Text on the bottom of the feet (if applicable) is sharp and clear. Accessories (if included) fit perfectly. Fakes: Teeth are uneven or melted looking. Missing or poorly printed foot text. Accessories may be warped or not fit properly. 5- Check Seller Credibility Buy from: Official Pop Mart stores. Authorized online retailers (like Pop Mart AliExpress Official, Tmall Official, etc.). Trusted resellers with solid reviews. Avoid: Very low prices ("too good to be true"). Sellers with no track record or reviews. 6- Use Pop Mart App to Scan QR (if applicable) Newer releases may include a QR code you can scan using the Pop Mart app to verify authenticity. Note that not all series have this feature, but if it's there: - App confirms the item. - If the app says 'invalid' or 'already scanned many times,' it's likely fake. 7- Compare with Official Photos Summary: Buy from reputable sources. Check packaging quality, paint lines, and feel. Look for Pop Mart authenticity stickers. Use the Pop Mart app if available. Compare carefully with official photos.
