Introduction
On 28th July, I was heading towards Sharjah after office hours. The machine was delayed, and since Ibn Battuta Mall was hard, I was allowed to explore it for a while. The boardwalk had plenty of apparel shops, and I indeed bought a T- shirt which felt relatively affordable.
Since it was after work, naturally I was empty. Being a savorer who loves exploring different cookeries, I decided to try a new commodity at the boardwalk. That’s when I noticed Hawker Chan Café, a Michelin- starred brand from Singapore. The menu looked intriguing, and I ordered the Mapo Tofu Rice.
In this blog, I’m sharing my real experience about the taste, presentation, price, and overall feel of the dish.
Where can I eat Mapo Tofu Rice in Dubai?
If you search for the best Mapo Tofu Rice in Dubai, Hawker Chan Café in Ibn Battuta Mall is a must-try. It’s located in the China Court section of the mall, making it easy to find if you are exploring restaurants there.
About Hawker Chan Café Dubai
Hawker Chan firstly started as a notorious Singapore road food brand, known worldwide as the first Michelin- starred peddler cube. Its Dubai outlet is located in Ibn Battuta Mall’s China Court section.
The interior is ultramodern yet simple, with a clean terrain. I noticed that the Bangladeshi staff there were veritably attentive and kept the seating area tidy. The eatery was n’t too crowded, although service felt a little slow in my case.
Is the food at Hawker Chan Café halal?
Yes, Hawker Chan in Dubai is halal certified, making it suitable for Muslim bakeries.
What is Mapo Tofu Rice?
Mapo Tofu, a well-known dish from China’s Sichuan region, is composed of soft tofu, minced meat, onion, Sichuan-type black bean + spicy chili bean paste, sichuan-style peppercorns and a sauce with a lot of flavor. You can expect spicy, umami taste and a slight numbing undertone. It can be served with rice to make it a complete meal.
My Experience with Mapo Tofu Rice at Hawker Chan Café
When I placed my order, it took some time to be served. The tofu was veritably soft and well- carpeted with sauce. The diced meat amalgamated nicely with the tofu. The rice was fumed and slightly sticky, but actually, I did n’t enjoy the odd smell that came from it.
As a Bangladeshi who grew up on rice and fish, I’ve tried numerous kinds of rice before, but this particular aroma felt unusual and putrefied both the taste and my mood.
Spicy Level: I did n’t find it racy at all.
Portion Size: Enough for one person.
Price: Around AED 23.50.
Value for Money: Reasonable, but since I prefer South Asian flavors and gamy dishes, it did n’t meet my prospects.
Is Hawker Chan Café in Dubai affordable?
Yes . Compared to numerous other Asian cafes in Dubai, Hawker Chan offers budget-friendly reflections. The Mapo Tofu Rice at AED 23.50 is relatively reasonable for a boardwalk eatery.
What’s the air like in Ibn Battuta Mall’s Hawker Chan?
The air is casual and cozy, perfect for a quick mess. Since it’s inside Ibn Battuta Mall, you also get the convenience of shopping and dining together.
How does it compare with other Chinese/ Asian cafes in Dubai?
Pros:
Authentic Sichuan- style flavors
Michelin-starred food brand
Affordable compared to many Dubai restaurants
Cons:
Spice level felt too mild
The rice had an unusual aroma
Service was a bit slow
Hawker Chan is known worldwide for affordable Michelin- starred food. In Dubai, it stands out for its balance of price, portion, and taste. Numerous cafes in Dubai serve Mapo Tofu, but Hawker Chan’s interpretation is both authentic and portmanteau-friendly.
Is Mapo Tofu Rice racy?
Actually, it was n’t racy for me. The spice position is relatively low, making it suitable for those who prefer mild flavors.
Would I recommend it to others?
Still, this may not satisfy you, If you are a biryani nut or someone who enjoys strongly spiced South Asian food. But if you like trying new dishes and exploring Asian cookery, you can also give it a pass.
tête-à-tête, my first experience was n’t great because of the rice aroma, so I would n’t recommend it explosively. But I do plan to try again if it turns out better, I’ll update this blog.
Final Verdict
My Rating: 2.5/5
Still, you can try Mapo Tofu Rice at Hawker Chan Café in Ibn Battuta Mall, If you want to explore a commodity different from the usual South Asian food.
Would love to hear your experience too — partake in the commentary below if you’ve tried it!
Useful Info
Location: China Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai, UAE
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Average Price: AED 23–50
