Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – “We the Chinese conquered the world through our food,” said Lin Yutang, a literary Chinese figure (My Country and My People) Hakkasan stepped in to prove him right. A sense of liberating discernment welcomes you into a bold sanctuary set in a zealous contemporary Chinese substructure. Hakkasan made Cantonese classy in 2001 when it opened in London. An Abu Dhabi-based investment company now owns the Hakkasan brand with its seven prime locations around the world. Aesthetically a classist, the place resembles a set that boasts of romanticism and is fragmented into discrete areas by beautiful silhouettes and carefully curated dim lighting with dark wood that seemed calibrated to reinforce the use of mahogany. Dining at Hakkasan Dubai, is like eating out with Morgan Freeman. Not just because he was one of the celebrities to have visited the UAE branches, but also because it is somehow an intimidating experience. Settle down with Hakka steamed dim sum platter, which is an assortment of scallop shumai, har gau, prawn Chinese chive and black pepper duck dumplings. The crispy duck salad served with pomelo, pine nut and shallot is your one-way ticket to wonderland. The crisp texture of fine cooked duck mixed with unraveling flavors, make it a Hakkasan favorite. You are bound to find menu options that are far from the usual but the fact you are seated in the safe haven, gives you the freedom of adventure. If you prefer the finer side of life and are ready for a steak entrée, try their stir-fry rib eye beef with black pepper sauce, which marries the Chinese menu with Western tastes. Bound to amaze your senses, this delicacy provides a frisson of thrill. Try their crispy Thai chicken with chili mango salad and spicy roast chicken with szechuan sauce. Among other specialties are the Peking duck with royal beluga caviar is a whole duck with cucumber, spring onion and royal beluga caviar and braised emperor's seafood. To complement your meal opt for Singapore vermicelli noodles with prawn and squid, dried scallop and crab meat fried rice or steamed jasmine rice. Among a few favorites in the seafood category are charcoal grilled silver cod, Chilean seabass and steamed red snapper with Assam sauce. Hakkasan chefs merge the distinctive flavors of sweet and sour chicken with pomegranate, an unusual delicious assortment of French beans with minced chicken and turnip. They offer delightful delicacies like black truffle roasted duck and crispy bean curd wrap in spicy lemongrass sauce, Australian lobster in black bean sauce and black pepper Norwegian king crab. But don't leave without dessert. Be it strawberries with cream, a pot of simmering chocolate and orange, or the Jivara bomb, a hazelnut chocolate assortment with ice cream it is all worth the treat with a warm shot of espresso. Their popular dim sum brunch on Fridays offers ten types of Hakkasan's finest dim sum and exceptional delights on the menu with drinks. Hakkasan accommodates more than 200 guests and their lunch deal worth AED 120 features a variety of spicy prawn, stir-fried rib-eye beef and homemade sorbets, among other dishes every afternoon from Sunday to Thursday. Make sure to enjoy the beautiful weather at their terrace and treat yourself to world-class cigars, on a night you want to spoil yourself.
