The only time I remember visiting Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai was for their popular nightspot, Diablo. However, having heard much about the delectable cuisine offered at the five-star hotel, we at deluxmiddleeast.com decided it was now time to review one of their restaurants. And so we gave Shanghai Chic a shot.  

Offering a dark and romantic decor, my friend and I were greeted by lovely Chinese staff and guided to a private booth. The menu – presented promptly – looked impressive, offering a wide range of Shanghainese and Cantonese dishes.

We decided to start with steamed dumplings of seafood and chicken. Although they looked rather exciting – complete with their soft succulent texture and scrumptious presentation – surprisingly, they tasted just about average. 

Next came the hot and sour soup. I have to say, without any exaggeration, this was the best hot and sour soup I have had in Dubai. A big soup fan, this spicy little bowl made my day and I was ready to order more – until I realised I might not have room for the main course and dessert that were to follow later.

My main course, sweet and sour chicken, arrived in a bowl of deep-fried noodles, accompanied by sticky white rice. Instantly won over by the creative presentation, I crossed my fingers and hoped it tastes just as good as it looks.

And it did.

The chicken was soft and cooked to perfection. The sweetness was just right and the sourness couldn’t have been better.  My dining partner’s crispy chicken with dry chilli and Szechuan pepper was also satisfying and well-liked by her.

Our desserts arrived – my favourite part – and as I rubbed my hands together with happiness, the friendly Chinese waiter smiled and placed my herbal Chinese jelly on the table with a grand swoop. My grin slowly faded. The dessert looked rather ‘odd’ – gooey green with a black centre – and tasted pretty odd too. As I swallowed the pungent jelly, I couldn’t help but feel utterly betrayed and dissatisfied.

If you like cardamom , this dessert is for you. Those who don’t, steer clear of this one – it killed a picture-perfect dinner for me!

My dining partner’s mango pudding was ‘safe’ – there was nothing exciting about the taste or the presentation.

With not many authentic five-star Chinese restaurants in town, Shanghai Chic has the potential of ranking among the best ones – only if it pays a little more attention to their dessert and dim sum menu.

I am definitely going back for the hot and sour soup, though.

Ruba Siddiqui