Executive Chef Simon Wu on preserving China Tang’s standards, sourcing ingredients, and staying true to Cantonese roots
How do you make sure China Tang maintains its high standards even when supply chains or the market is unpredictable?
Consistency at China Tang Dubai is anchored in a very clear legacy – one established by Sir David Tang when the first restaurant opened in 2005 inside The Dorchester in London. The original vision – to deliver authentic, uncompromising Cantonese cuisine – remains our benchmark.
That means we don’t just source ingredients – we curate them. We maintain long-standing relationships with trusted suppliers for key imports, while also adapting intelligently to local sourcing when needed. Dishes like our Signature Beijing Duck or dim sum rely on precision and consistency, so we build contingency into stock planning for those core items. We also take great pride in our custom-built duck oven, one of a kind in the Gulf region, which allows us to deliver the signature quality and authenticity the dish is known for. This approach ensures we remain agile, without ever compromising the standards the restaurant was built on.
When running promotions or discounts, how do you keep the menu both profitable and true to the restaurant’s premium image?
In Dubai, where the dining landscape is highly competitive and promotion-driven, it’s even more important to protect the integrity of the brand. China Tang has always been about experience – not just dining but stepping into a world inspired by 1930s Shanghai glamour. That sense of occasion is part of the brand’s DNA, and it cannot be diluted.
So, when we introduce promotions, they are carefully positioned as an entry point into that world, not a change to it. The dishes remain the same – whether it’s our lobster noodles, char siu, or handcrafted dim sum, all prepared using time-honoured Cantonese techniques. Behind the scenes, we manage margins through operational efficiencies, but for the guest, the experience remains exactly as intended: refined, consistent, and unmistakably China Tang.
What do you look for when sourcing ingredients to ensure quality and authenticity, especially in uncertain times?
Authenticity at China Tang is rooted in Cantonese culinary discipline. Many of our dishes are based on centuries-old techniques, where the quality of the ingredient is everything – there’s nowhere to hide.
We assess every ingredient for freshness, texture, and visual quality, but also for how it performs in traditional preparation – whether that’s steaming, roasting, or wok cooking. Shelf life is tightly controlled, particularly for seafood and dim sum components, which are central to Cantonese cuisine.
We also work only with suppliers who understand these standards. Over time, these relationships become part of the ecosystem that protects the integrity of the food, which is essential when operating at the level China Tang is known for.
How do you innovate on the menu while staying rooted in traditional Cantonese techniques?
China Tang was never designed to be a modern reinterpretation of Chinese cuisine – it was created to celebrate it. The menu is intentionally grounded in classic Cantonese dishes, from dim sum to roasted meats, reflecting recipes that have been refined over generations.
Innovation, for us, is about refinement rather than reinvention. We may adjust balance, presentation, or technique – for example, enhancing sauces or elevating plating – but always within the framework of tradition with a promise to honour the original flavours and spirit of Cantonese cuisine while keeping it relevant to today’s guest.
What approaches do you use to keep your team motivated and deliver consistently under pressure?
There’s a strong sense of theatre and discipline at China Tang – from the Art Deco dining room to the precision of the kitchen. That environment naturally sets a high standard.
In practical terms, consistency comes from structure. Every dish is clearly defined, often down to exact preparation methods that reflect traditional Cantonese techniques. Service is equally considered – from family-style sharing dishes to tableside elements that are part of the experience.
But beyond process, it’s about pride. China Tang is a brand with history, with a loyal following that includes global names and long-standing guests. When the team understands they are part of that legacy – not just executing dishes, but upholding a reputation built over decades – it creates a level of ownership and motivation that carries through even the busiest of services.
