Chinese connection

Alicia Buller fills up on authentic Chinese cuisine with a difference at Hukama, The Address Hotel’s new upbeat eatery.

Dubai is already cluttered with architectural wonders, so the fact that the interior of Hukama still manages to prompt a sharp breath on entry says a lot for its immaculate, pristine design.

The restaurant's moody blue décor and opulent crystal chandeliers complement the brooding silhouette of the Burj Dubai lurking beyond the floor to ceiling windows.

Dressed in dazzling silk from head to toe, the smiling waitresses float around like living works of art.

This Chinese fine dining establishment at the Address hotel is awash with diners: a positive sign for a brand new restaurant. The diners are well dressed professionals between the ages of 35 to 50 years, which adds to the upscale, hip atmosphere in the eatery.

When you're in Hukama, looking around, it looks like you've found the place where everyone wants to be tonight. So that's great, but what about the food?

The menu is extensive and aims to blend ‘provincial China' with contemporary cooking.

There's the option of eight course and 11 course tasting menus (AED 488 and 588) but because my date and I are pushed for time tonight we choose a selection of appetisers and mains based on the recommendations of the manager.

She highly recommends the ‘drunken chicken' - this is an interesting dish. The meat comes ensconced in an ice soup, laced with Shao Xing wine. It's a great sensation as the cold numbs your mouth and the flavours seep through.

Very inventive. We also sample the crispy beef fillet flavoured with pickled orange in spiced soy infused crushed ice. It's the same principle as the ‘drunken chicken' but doesn't taste quite as flavoursome or spectacular.

However, next up, the deep fried wasabi coated king prawns with crispy prawn flakes are remarkably tangy and full of fresh texture.

READERS' COMMENTS

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM