A Guide to the Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Did you know that there are 35 Chinatowns in 19 countries around the world? But in true Dubai fashion, the city’s own Chinatown isn’t anything like the others.
In fact, it’s in the middle of town inside one of the biggest malls in the world. But what exactly does Chinatown Dubai Mall have to offer? Let’s explore it, shall we?
What is Chinatown in Dubai Mall?
Chinatown Dubai Mall is a section of the city’s largest mall dedicated solely to everything that’s related to Chinese culture.
Located right across the Dubai Ice Rink, Chinatown offers retail, dining and entertainment options for an immersive Chinese cultural experience right in the middle of Dubai.
Chinatown Dubai mall is also one of the most Instagrammable parts of the mall, thanks to its bright red and gold decorative elements including those beautiful lanterns.
While most of Chinatown is still in development, you can expect more shops, restaurants and other offerings once it’s fully completed.
Best Time to Go
Since Chinatown Dubai Mall is located inside a mall, you can visit it any time of the year. But if you want to avoid the crowd, it’s best to go on the weekdays when it’s easier to take photos and explore Chinatown.
How to Get Around
Where to Stay Near Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai
Address: Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 561 8888
Pricing: $$$
Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai is a luxury five-star hotel right in the heart of Downtown Dubai and just a few minutes away from Chinatown Dubai Mall.
In true Kempinski style, you can expect nothing but luxury and sophistication with each of its 196 rooms and suites meticulously designed to make you feel like a true VIP.
And what’s a VIP treatment without the world-class amenities? At Kempinski, you can swim laps at the infinity pool with views of the skyline, relax at the revitalizing spa and break a sweat at the fitness center.
Of course, you also get direct access to the Dubai Mall, making it easier to visit Chinatown and explore the rest of the mall.
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown
Address: Marasi Drive – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 210 2222
Pricing: $$
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a chic boutique hotel located between the Design District and Dubai Mall.
Being in the creative side of town, the hotel blends in perfectly with its beautiful design elements and stunning city views.
Each room and suite is also carefully designed to exceed your standards and amenities like the 25-meter infinity pool, fitness center, restaurant and bars are at your disposal.
The best part is; Chinatown Dubai Mall is just five minutes away if you’re craving for good dim sum or you want some shopping done.
Swissotel Al Murooj Dubai
Address: Al Mustaqbal Street opposite the Dubai Mall – Trade Center – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 321 1111
Pricing: $$$
Swissotel Al Murooj Dubai is a resort-style hotel that combines beautiful Arabian design with the signature Swiss hospitality.
Being directly opposite the Dubai Mall, you have easy access to Chinatown and other landmarks in the area including Burj Khalifa andthe Dubai Fountain Show.
But what makes this accommodation unique is its combination of hotel and apartment-style suites with over 251 options to choose from.
Where to Eat in Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Ying Ji Dim Sum Restaurant
Address: Chinatown Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 280 3990
Pricing: $$
Ying Ji Dim Sum Restaurant is where you go in Chinatown Dubai mall if you want to sample the best hand-pulled noodles in town.
Specializing in traditional Cantonese cuisine, the restaurant serves classic favorites like dim sum, ribs and of course, their famous noodles.
Impression of Xibei
Address: Chinatown Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Pricing: $$
Another popular spot for hand-pulled noodles in Chinatown Dubai Mall is Impression of Xibei, only this time it specailizes in the hand-pulled beef noodles of Lanzhou.
This famous bowl of stewed beef noodles is topped with scallions, coriander and chili oil to balance out the flavors, making it a favorite among those craving for a warm bowl of soup.
Hawker Chan
Address: Chinatown Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 529 9301
Pricing: $$
Hawker Chan is an institution in Singapore for being the “world’s most affordable Michelin meal.” So, a lot of foodies rejoiced when the restaurant finally opened at Chinatown Dubai Mall.
Chef Chan Hong Meng’s signature dishes are ready to wow with their flavors and price being some of the cheapest meals you’ll ever buy in Chinatown.
Hawker Chan’s soya sauce chicken rice has always been the star of the show. But you also need to try their roasted duck.
Nine Squares Restaurant
Address: Chinatown Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 88 8999
Pricing: $$
Nine Squares Restaurant already has a home in Jumeirah specailizing in delicious hot pot.
But its new place in Chinatown Dubai Mall is all about serving delicious pan-fried classics like spring rolls, beef buns, and prawn and chicken dumplings.
So, if you’re craving for these snacks, make sure to stop by the Nine Squares Restaurant food kiosk.
Haidilao Hot Pot
Address: Chinatown Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 221 7445
Pricing: $$
Haidilao Hot Pot is one of the oldest and most renowned Chinese restaurants around the world with over 1,497 branches spread across four continents.
Its branch in Chinatown Dubai Mall may not be its biggest, but it promsies to offer you the same hotpot experience in all its other restaurants.
Here, you have a wide selection of ingredients to help you build your ideal hot pot. This includes the usual choices like squid, fish balls, fish slices and rolled beef.
But if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can go for a cow stomach, pig’s brain and chicken feet for that extra boost of collagen.
Of course, you also have instant noodles, vegetables, mushrooms and even kelp. Combine all those ingredients with your own choice of spicy or split pot and you’re good to go.
What to Do in Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Get a massage at the Yinyang Connection Platinum Spa
Address: Chinatown Tea Room – Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 329 9666
Aside from its food, China is known for its traditional Chinese medicinal practices that help to restore balance in the body and support healthy energy.
Now, if you badly need to restore your yin and yang, there’s a place with the same name in Chinatown Dubai Mall.
Yinyang Connection Platinum Spa will treat you with the most luxurious treatments including its aromatherpay hot stone massage and lymphatic drain massage.
Learn about NFT at ftNFT
Address: Shop No. FF332 – Chinatown – Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +9971 4 254 1177
If you’ve ever heard about non-fungible tokens or NFTs, then you should check out the first phygital NFT space and art gallery in the MENA region at Chinatown Dubai Mall.
This unique art gallery brings an entirely new experience where you don’t only get to learn about NFTs but even buy your first NFT art.
Where to Shop in Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Xiaomi
Address: Chinatown – Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 286 1320
If you’re looking for high quality but budget-friendly smartphones, smart hardware and consumer electronics, you need to check out Xiaomi’s store at Chinatown Dubai Mall.
Here, you can shop for a new phone, a vacuum cleaner, some home appliances and other amazing gadgets that China’s tech giant has to offer.
Apps to Download When Visiting Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Visit Dubai: Explore Dubai’s top attractions with useful information from this app
Uber: Book a ride to take you to the Dubai Mall to visit Chinatown
Careem: Dubai’s local version of Uber for booking a ride
RTA Dubai Drive: The best app for navigating your way around Dubai because of its detailed maps and parking suggestions
S’hail: The best tool for learning the city’s public transport system including the tram, metro, bus, taxi and water taxi