Review: MiMi Mei Fair

MiMi Mei Fair in Downtown Dubai transports diners to 1920s Shanghai, capturing the essence of the era with cinematic detail. The interiors feature silk walls, velvet seating, and chinoiserie that recreate the imagined world of a Chinese empress. Each space, from The Parlour to the Garden Terrace with its Burj Khalifa views, offers its own character while maintaining a sense of intimacy.

The menu reflects Empress MiMi’s journey through Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, showcasing traditional dishes alongside refined interpretations meant for sharing. Don’t miss the Moon Bar at the end with its art deco setting and creative beverages.

Culinary highlights

After settling in and scanning the menu, we started with an array of special appetisers. The Crispy duck salad delivered tender slices of duck that came layered with crisp daikon, bright pomelo, and sharp bursts of pomegranate. The Lantern chicken brought contrast. Golden and crisp, the pieces had just enough Sichuan peppercorn to tingle without taking over. Dried chilli, spring onion, and cashew rounded out a dish that leans into heat and crunch, and does it well.

From the dim sum section, the Har gau was classically done: thin wrappers, clean folds, and sweet prawn filling. The Imperial soup dumpling was a comforting favourite with its delicate skin encasing a rich chicken broth.

The Sanpei chicken arrived bubbling, with tender pieces coated in a soy, garlic and basil sauce. The Beef short rib followed, rich and sticky in a char siu glaze, served on the bone and finished with micro herbs. The Hakka noodles, stir-fried with shiitake mushrooms, red pepper and bean sprouts, were light, offering a nice complement to the richer mains.

After the hearty mains, the Passion fruit cheesecake was the perfect counterpoint: cool, bright, and delicately tart, offering a satisfying end to our dinner.

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