30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Demon Duck in Dubai
When there's a celebrity chef involved, expectations are high. Mix in a prime dining spot at Bluewaters Dubai and you know you're in for a treat.
Coming from the self-professed Demon Chef Alvin Leung, Demon Duck stands up to the heights you'd hope for, from ingredients to presentation. They go big and bold.
And standing literally tall is a giant duck statue you'll encounter on arrival. It's a quirky, fun touch that makes for a picture-perfect Insta shot and the ideal intro to your meal out.
Nestled at the far reaches of Banyan Tree Dubai, the expansive terrace boasts an outdoor bar, comfy booths and plenty of room between tables and is the place to sit in cooler months , while inside the vibe is dark and moody with pops of colour. A revamp in late 2024 further elevated the dining space, refining it and upping the sophistication. Think velvet drapes, 12-metre AI art and other high-end touches like softened lightening and natural woods. That new outdoor bar was also introduced.
(Credit: Demon Duck)
It's still very cool, as you'd expect from Leung, who's known for his own type of 'X-Treme Chinese' food – a bold mash-up of techniques and influences. The self-taught chef is also famed for his time on MasterChef Canada, as well as restaurants in Hong Kong and Toronto.
As the name implies, duck is the order of the day here. From duck soup to duck kibbeh, duck gyoza to duck salad, minced duck wrap and more, there's heaps to try. Opt for a mish-mash of cuisines and for the crispy duck with 'Alvin's special hummus' for a fun fusion start to your meal, packed full of contrasting textures and tastes.
Whatever you do, don't miss the slow-roasted Peking duck. Aged for 14 days, it's a top iteration of a classic and one of the best around. Crisp skin, tender, juicy meat and bursting with flavour, it's a dish you'll be dreaming of for days. Snuggle it into the classic pancakes, or try the homemade steamed calamansi buns with a slick of house duck sauce for a unique take on the plate.
Another highlight is the sweet and sour chicken. A far cry from what you might expect, this is lifted by lychee and Turkish delight. Sounds like a dessert? Kind of looks like one too with a cloud of pink rose-petalled foam atop the chicken, but fret not, it's just sweet enough and is a standout plate.
(Credit: Demon Duck)
If poultry isn't your vibe, there are plenty of other options, notably the tempura cauliflower with chilli sauce, which is a sweet-savoury mouthful and the 'must-have' crispy ginger beef, which is as moreish as its moniker suggests. Pair it all with the Demon fried rice, and you'll be a happy diner.
It's premium dining, so expect the bill to match, but for boundary pushing dishes and fun takes on tried-and-tested plates, plus a cool aesthetic, this is a top date night spot. Our advice? Order the duck.
