China Club

The last time we reviewed the Club, we were less than impressed, feeling that it had lost ground since the glory days of its opening 2 Reviews

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The last time we reviewed the Club, we were less than impressed, feeling that it had lost ground since the glory days of its opening. Happily, it seems, we were just unlucky on our previous trip – a recent visit saw a return to form which cheered us enormously and from the welcome cups of green tea and excellent prawn dim sum onwards, we were back in love with the place. Having polished off the light seafood pockets we moved to duck spring rolls, which were light, crisp and remarkably un-fatty; the contents meaty, fresh and mouth-fillingly full of flavour. An auspicious start that left us waiting eagerly for the mains: double cooked duck, chilli prawns and chicken noodles.

The duck came unadorned and simply sliced on a plate and was an absolute treat. The two cooking methods employed means that the duck is first braised and then fried which leaves the meat wonderfully tender, while the edges are slightly crispy. An absolute treat, and yet it was trumped by the chili prawns. Big, juicy fat shrimps in a light, slighty sticky chilli sauce made from dried chillis that added great colour and texture to the dish.

The chicken noodles while not stunning were fine and made a decent companion to the duck and prawns. China Club continues to be an excellent choice for a sophisticated, upmarket meal. It does, however, remain quite a chilly restaurant unless you’re in a sheltered side booth: ask for a complementary pashmina if you’re feeling the cold.

• Previous reviews
  • 17 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 31 October,2007- reviewed by TimeOut Dubai Staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 07 February,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 29 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 29 December,2005- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 01 February,2004- reviewed by Rob Orchard
  • 01 July,2003- reviewed by Rob Orchard

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