Generous portions
Several dishes are filling: one diner finished the Yang chow rice but packed the remaining prawn siumai to go.
Cho Gao
Al Garhoud
Cho Gao is an Asian airport restaurant in Al Garhoud, useful when a layover leaves you wanting more than bread or wraps. Reviews highlight generous plates such as laksa and Yang chow rice, along with seating suited to a quiet meal between flights.
Reputation Score
4.0
★★★★☆
437 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Strong laksa
The laksa is repeatedly praised, with one review noting a properly thick broth and another describing a creamy, slightly spicy prawn version.
Transit-friendly
The seats are directly outside gate A4-7, making Cho Gao convenient for a meal before boarding.
Late opening
It stays open until 3 AM Dubai time, which is useful for red-eye layovers.
Quiet setting
Reviews describe a quieter part of the airport with plentiful seating and a universal power outlet.
Friendly service
Many diners found the service attentive, quick and welcoming, including during late-night visits.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check the gate. If you are near A4-7, the seats are right outside the gate, making this especially convenient before boarding.
Use late hours. For a red-eye layover, the reported 3 AM closing time may make Cho Gao useful when other options are closed.
Order carefully. Portions can be large, so consider sharing or ordering less initially rather than over-ordering.
Clarify extras. Ask about the hot-water refill policy before ordering, as one customer said it was not clearly explained.
Check availability. Before settling on a dish, confirm it is available because a review found several menu items were out of stock.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3
Dubai Int'l Airport, Dubai
Common Concerns
Service inconsistency
Some visits involved slow or dismissive service, including unclear communication about the hot-water refill policy.
High prices
Some customers felt the airport pricing was high, even when they thought the food quality justified it.
Mixed portions
Portions are often generous, but one diner found the wonton noodle soup noodles too scant.
Menu gaps
A customer reported that several menu items were unavailable during their visit.
Food concern
One diner reported vomiting two hours after eating the steamed dim sum and bun.
DXB
LOCAL
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The Bottom Line
Cho Gao is an Asian airport restaurant in Al Garhoud, useful when a layover leaves you wanting more than bread or wraps. Reviews specifically mention laksa, Yang chow rice, chicken satay and dim sum; the menu also suits diners looking for curries or breakfast. Its strongest case is a filling meal in a terminal setting rather than a destination restaurant.
Portions are a recurring highlight. One traveller could not finish the Yang chow rice and took the remaining prawn siumai as a parcel, while another called the laksa broth properly thick. The restaurant also has seating outside gate A4-7, a universal power outlet, and reported opening hours until 3 AM—handy details for a long or late connection.
The experience is not completely consistent. Many reviews describe quick, welcoming service, but others mention slow responses, rude interactions and unclear communication about hot-water refills. Prices are higher than usual for some diners, as expected in an airport, and one review reported several unavailable menu items.
Check availability and clarify extras before ordering. If you are hungry, the generous portions make sharing or starting with fewer dishes a sensible move.