Is it possible to try a Michelin-starred dish at a bustling food court, paying like you would for regular fast food? In Dubai, yes. This guide is your roadmap to the Hawker Chan phenomenon. Let’s explore what lies behind the loud sign, whether that famous chicken lives up to its reputation, and how to make the most of your visit without ending up disappointed.
Important clarification about the Michelin star: For the record: the Michelin star was awarded in 2016 to the original, tiny Liao Fan Hawker Chan stall in Singapore. The Dubai branch doesn’t have its own star, but it offers the chance to taste that very legendary recipe that won over the guide’s strict inspectors.
Atmosphere
Michelin glory amidst the bustle of a food court
The first thing you need to understand about Hawker Chan in Dubai is its format. Forget white tablecloths and soft background music. You’ll find yourself right in the heart of vibrant life—at the lively Chinatown food court in Dubai Mall.
The atmosphere here is pure food-court intensity. Forget silence: shoppers with bags will be darting around you, families with kids will be chattering loudly, and the air will be filled with the constant hum of dozens of conversations. The design matches the setting—honest and functional: simple tables and chairs, bright digital menus above the counter. No frills—everything is geared toward one goal: speed. And don’t think this format is a drawback. On the contrary, it’s a key part of the concept and a tribute to its roots. Hawker Chan was born from Singapore’s street culture, where brilliant food is prepared in tiny stalls. So the food court at Dubai Mall is a deliberate step aimed at preserving the main thing: making a world-famous recipe accessible to everyone, without unnecessary pomp or restaurant markups.
Service and prices
How the "Michelin for the people" works
Hawker Chan’s business model is built on efficiency and affordability. This defines both the service process and pricing policy.
Attention: this is a food court!: Don’t expect restaurant-style service. Here you order food at the counter and pick up your tray yourself. It’s all fast, simple, and without waiters—this is part of the affordable street food concept.
- Ordering Process: Approach the counter, place your order using the menu on the screen, pay, and collect your tray. Reservations are not available.
- Pricing Policy: One of the main advantages. You get a dish from a world-renowned brand at a price comparable to other establishments in the food court.
Menu
What you must try at Hawker Chan
The menu is concise, but the focus is always on one dish that brought the brand worldwide fame.
That very soy sauce chicken with rice
- Soya sauce chicken rice — the signature dish and an absolute must-try. It’s this very recipe that earned a Michelin star.
- What makes it so special? First, the meat itself: it’s so tender and juicy that it practically melts in your mouth, breaking apart into silky fibers at the slightest touch of a fork. And secondly, the sauce itself. It’s a complex interplay of flavors: deep sweetness and delicate saltiness intertwine with barely perceptible, spicy notes of anise and cinnamon, coating every bite of chicken and infusing the rice beneath. It’s precisely this balance that keeps you coming back for more.
- Special notes: During peak hours, the dish may be served only lukewarm. The portion size might seem modest—emphasis is placed on the quality of the meat rather than the quantity of the side dish.
Visitor verdict What do people praise, and what do they complain about?
Guest opinions about Hawker Chan are usually polarized, and this is easy to understand. Here’s what typically delights guests, and what you should keep in mind to align your expectations with reality:
- What people love: The vast majority rave about the taste of the signature chicken and duck. They highlight their juiciness and authentic Singaporean flavor. Everyone also appreciates the speed of service—the perfect option for a quick lunch while shopping.
- What to watch out for: Some guests find the portions too modest, especially the ratio of meat to rice—remember, this is a tasting experience, not a filling business lunch. Occasionally, there are complaints about the food being served not hot enough (a characteristic of the assembly-line format during peak hours) or about the taste seeming bland. The latter is likely due to expectations of bold, spicy Asian cuisine, whereas Hawker Chan's recipe focuses on subtle balance and nuances rather than an explosion of spices. Some connoisseurs also note that the Dubai version of the sauce might be slightly less intense than the original Singaporean one.
Alternatives
Where else can you enjoy Asian street food in Dubai?
Hawker Chan occupies a unique niche, but if you're looking to explore other facets of Asian cuisine in Dubai, here are a few worthy options:
| Establishment | Highlight / Main Dish | Atmosphere | Average Bill (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawkerboi | Creative street food, an author's perspective | Restaurant-style, stylish | Above average |
| Din Tai Fung | Dim sum, noodles (Taiwanese cuisine) | Spacious hall, family-friendly atmosphere | Average |
| REIF Kushiyaki | Modern Japanese cuisine (kushiyaki) | Casual, relaxed | Above average |
Your visit to Hawker Chan
Everything you need to know
Inspired? Here’s some practical information to help you plan your visit.
How to get there
The restaurant is located in the Chinatown food court on the second floor of Dubai Mall.
- By metro: Station Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (Red Line), then follow the covered walkway (10-15 minutes).
- By taxi: Any of the main entrances to Dubai Mall.
Best time to visit
To avoid long queues, try to visit on weekdays before 13:00 or after 20:00. Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and evening hours are peak visiting times.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Correspond to the Dubai Mall food court hours.
- Dress code: None (Casual).
- Wi-Fi: Free throughout Dubai Mall.
- For families with children: Children are welcome; high chairs are available.
- Accessibility: The food court is fully accessible to people with disabilities.
Check before your visit!: Opening hours and the exact location of food court stalls may change. We recommend checking the latest information on the official Dubai Mall website or in its mobile app.
Who will enjoy Hawker Chan?
So, who should ultimately deviate from their boutique-hopping route to stop by the humble Hawker Chan stall? First and foremost, those for whom food is not just about satisfying hunger, but also about collecting experiences. This is your chance to quickly, affordably, and without unnecessary fanfare, get a taste of a true gastronomic legend.
This place is the perfect choice for:
- Curious tourists who want to tick off the box and try a dish famous all over the world.
- Visitors to Dubai Mall looking for a quick, tasty, and casual lunch option.
- Budget-conscious foodies and “collectors” of gastronomic experiences.
But here’s who might want to look elsewhere:
- Those seeking a calm and intimate atmosphere for a romantic dinner.
- Travelers who value premium service and waiter assistance.
- Those who prefer a diverse menu and large portions.
What makes it unique?: Hawker Chan at Dubai Mall is your fastest and most budget-friendly way to try a Michelin-starred dish while in one of the world's top tourist destinations.
So, if you find yourself at Dubai Mall with the idea of grabbing a quick lunch, remember this place. It might not be the best dinner of your life. But it will certainly be one of the most fascinating culinary stories you can buy for the price of a cup of coffee—a story about how a humble street chef from Singapore conquered the world. And this story will be right on your tray—simple, delicious, and completely affordable.
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