Chef David Pang on how Tàn Chá became the best Chinese restaurant in Dubai
The culinary industry might be one where head chefs make the headlines and teamwork often goes unnoticed, but for chef David, teamwork is what has made Tàn Chá, located on Sheikh Zayed road, a top fine dining restaurant in Dubai.
Pang also acknowledges that proper leadership goes a long way when it comes to the morale of the team. “When a person achieves a goal, personal or work-related, they feel a rush of achievement, and that good feeling is only amplified when others recognize and acknowledge the achievement as well.”
Pang believes that a supportive working environment is what has allowed the Tàn Chá kitchen, arguably the best Asian cuisine in Dubai, to gain quite a reputation since its opening this spring.
Regarding Gault&Millau he says, “To be recognized by such a prestigious international guide in a relatively short space of time showcases the hard work and dedication the team commit to each day and is an honor to all of us. It means that we are doing something right and it’s a recognition that goes a long way – the kind of recognition that can only be tied to more than just performance. It is a celebration of the effort made by my team and will motivate us to go above and beyond and to create a stronger emotional connection with the brand.”
The UAE’s plethora of significant international awards bodies allows for higher standards across the region after Pang arrived at Tàn Chá with an abundance of international fine dining experience at his belt.
However, Tàn Chá’s head chef is not so concerned about winning awards as much as raising the standards and exceeding the expectations of diners while inspiring his team towards reaching greater heights, allowing them to achieve Michelin-Guide-restaurant status.
For Pang, it is about the happiness of preparing a beautiful, delicious dish; not for the fame, not for social media recognition, but for giving people something they would love and cherish.
In his opinion, being a chef is not only about cooking abilities and techniques; it’s about tapping into traditions and turning every single ingredient into edible works of art. And the possibilities are copious. This has been Pang’s philosophy for a long time.
The History Behind Tàn Chá Dubai’s Cocktail Menu
Avinda Ranganath is the bar manager at Michelin Guide Dubai restaurant, Tàn Chá, located in Business Bay, and the mixologist behind the fine dining restaurant’s reputable cocktail menu. The cocktails at Tàn Chá are inspired by flight and the crane bird, as well as other myths and parables that represent each drink.
Ranganath talked about the inspiration behind the menu, the Tàn Chá logo, which displays a crane, and from there this Chinese venue’s cocktail menu was created based on the story of a flight of the bird on a journey of discovery and adventure. “Each spirit selected for our drinks is matched with a Chinese mythological creature or deity and created into a fable,” he added. “On our menu, all drinks are inspired by classics or modern classics cocktails. The Meeting the Golden Ox is an improved, modernised version of a drink based on the classic paloma.”
Meeting the Golden Ox is a customer favorite at Tàn Chá because of the grapefruit flavour and the tequila base, an exquisite and refreshing combination of sweet and sour and effervescence smock that inspires Avinda to create more of his mouthwatering concoctions.
The origins of the paloma are unknown. It is one of the most popular tequila-based drinks in Mexico and it is named after La Paloma (the dove) a popular folk song. The paloma wasn’y created until 1938 in Phoenix, Mexico, later than the usual classics. It gained quite some popularity across the US when a restaurant in Orange County, California introduced it to its menu.
The drink’s original flavour profile impressed customers and its transparent hue was visually appealing to them. Some guests particularly enjoyed drinking different versions of paloma while discussing the complexity of the drink and comparing it to other cocktails. Then there are guests who discover the drink for the first time and get inspired by the combination of its flavours and immediately request another.
According to Ranganath, Meeting the Golden Ox stands out from other options on the beverage list because of its mix of tequila and mezcal with the addition of sriracha powder blended with maldon salt to balance the drink. He recommends savoring this drink and foregoing the straw, while preferably enjoying it before dinner or as a nightcap.
If you find this as intriguing as we do, join us at top Chinese restaurant Tàn Chá for the best Asian cuisine and a unique and marvelous beverage programme, courtesy of our mixology experts.
Tàn Chá: Your Next Date Night Destination
Looking for somewhere unique, charming, and intimate to take your significant other? There is nothing more special than sharing a fabulous meal with the one you love, but the usual dinner dates can get boring. Break out of the dull monotony of a typical bistro and dive into the innovative world of Tàn Chá. Inspired by the fusion of the spirit of downtown Hong Kong and the traditional natural flavors and textures of provincial China, Tàn Chá brings you exquisite cooking in a charming and vibrant setting that will woo you before you’ve even sat down, making it the perfect choice for your next amorous encounter.
Spectacular views, exceptional food, and stellar service, all set in a sleek and intimate interior where the raw nature of traditional Asian décor contrasts with contemporary sophistication and luxury. Each room manages to ignite and rekindle a spark with its own electrifying character exuding a warm aura of romance, featuring artistic wall designs, romantic lighting and intricate color patterns that beautifully tie the entire place together with an alluring overarching aesthetic. The gorgeous terrace is a prime location boasting pride of place with its stunning panoramic waterfront views over the Dubai canal, perfect for enjoying a couple of delicious drinks while basking in the moon’s soft glow in the cool night air and swaying to the lively tunes of the DJ.
Turn your next date into an adventure. Impress your partner and prepare to be dazzled yourself by a meticulously curated menu and a wide selection of inventive cocktails served alongside a background of breathtaking views of Dubai. Allow yourself to be fully immersed into an unparalleled sensory experience while exploring the new and unseen across a menu of exalted Chinese-inspired dishes that caters to the gastronomically adventurous. Whimsically decorated platters look just as remarkable as they taste, as our seasoned culinary experts make sure to add every bit of their creativity and mastery into their dishes.
Tàn Chá is all about sharing our passion for food. Nestled into the heart of Business Bay, its seamless service is only matched by its fine Chinese cuisine. Let us take you on an unforgettable escapade, a night you and your partner will always remember. Our menu, which features endlessly indulgent dishes from savory and sweet to spicy and sour, reflects our love for and fascination with the art of gastronomy. Our mission as always is to achieve culinary perfection by creating authentic traditional food through the modern angle of fine dining. Be it your anniversary, Valentine’s Day or just because, you’ll always be well attended to at Tàn Chá.
Celebrate The UAE National Day at Dubai’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant
The UAE National Day is a time for all to rejoice. December 2 marks one of the most important days in the nation’s calendar, a day of celebration of the historic moments that define the unification of the seven Emirates under one name and one identity, leading towards a better future. Citizens and expatriates alike welcome the momentous day with joy and excitement to honor the land they call home and pay tribute to not only its cosmopolitan culture of hospitality, unity, and geniality, but also its rapid and exponential progress and its position amongst other countries around the world.
The National Day long weekend is an opportunity to allow yourself to let loose and indulge in the nationwide festivities celebrating the spirit of oneness. This year, marking 51 years since unification, the period of holidays is the perfect time to spend time with family and friends and plan fun trips and activities to do. And we have just the place in mind.
Tàn Chá is the perfect destination for any kind of celebration, especially one as remarkable as this. Bring your loved ones on an exceptional culinary escapade with good food and vibes nestled into a gorgeous and convivial setting. Tucked away in the heart of Business Bay, Tàn Chá is an upscale Asian venue unlike any other in the city, bringing you unmatched service and delectable fare. Tàn Chá is a place where food becomes a common language, bringing together all the very components that make Chinese cuisine internationally acclaimed. Where the spirit of community, innovation and passion thrives, a unique kind of gastronomic experience emerges, one that surpasses tradition.
Tàn Chá’s charming and thoughtful menu parallels the restaurant’s intricately designed interior. Enjoy our elaborate art installations and Chinese-inspired wallpapers that juxtapose with the low lighting of the beautiful interiors, forming an extravagant spectacle to behold. Immerse yourself in a full sensory experience with a lively ambiance featuring in-house tunes curated by our DJ crew inside a captivating and delightful environment abundant in personality.
At night, the terrace undergoes a magical metamorphosis where the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes transport you into a realm that transcends the senses. Pair your meals with our specialty signature cocktails and drink to your heart’s delight while the cool night air caresses your face.
This is your chance to explore dishes prepared our leading culinary masters, a show of expertise that engages the mind and palate alike, inspired by the tastes of the urban side of downtown Hong Kong and the traditional flavours and textures of provincial China. Let us take you on a journey full of intrigue that fuses the traditional and the contemporary and challenges your expectations. From sleek interiors to immaculate food with an innovative flare, Tàn Chá has rightfully earned its reputation as an exceptional restaurant providing unforgettable culinary adventures.