Peking duck
The duck is repeatedly praised, with one diner calling it perfectly cooked, full of flavour and the meal’s highlight.
YU Dubai
Palm Jumeirah
YU Dubai is a modern Chinese restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah in Palm Jumeirah, centred on table-side Peking duck and regional Chinese cooking. Reviews also point to standout Sichuan beef, generous portions and polished occasion-friendly service.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
295 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Authentic flavours
A Chinese customer described the food as highly authentic and tasting just like home.
Sichuan beef
The Sichuan beef was praised for tender meat and balanced aromatic heat rather than overwhelming spice.
Celebrations
Birthday and honeymoon diners received a complimentary cake, song, handwritten card and photos.
Large portions
One couple found the portions large enough to share several appetisers and a main comfortably.
Garden seating
Outdoor tables can offer views across the resort’s central gardens.
Pork-free dim sum
A diner specifically appreciated being able to try dim sum without pork.
What to Eat at YU Dubai How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For YU Dubai, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of YU Dubai, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 1
-
Sushi Net +2
“Service was very attentive and friendly, and the Vietnamese curry and sushi was tasty and fair priced given the quality.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Service was very attentive and friendly, and the Vietnamese curry and sushi was tasty and fair priced given the quality.”June 2019
“Their sushilicious deal on Fridays is well worth is! A large portion of sushi alongside sake cocktails.”April 2024
Honorable mentions (25)
-
Beef rendang Net +1
“The Beef Rendang is OUTSTANDING.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Beef Rendang is OUTSTANDING.”August 2022
-
Bok choi Net +1
“Our choices were the Tom yum goong, octopus and satay chicken for appetisers, and the fried prawns and bok choi for mains. Me and my husband shared all the dishes between us and the portions are quite big. We are both Asian and we really enjoyed our meal here, I haven’t had a nice satisfying meal like this in a long time from eating out! Everything we ordered are dishes I would recommend trying, our favourite was the octopus.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Our choices were the Tom yum goong, octopus and satay chicken for appetisers, and the fried prawns and bok choi for mains. Me and my husband shared all the dishes between us and the portions are quite big. We are both Asian and we really enjoyed our meal here, I haven’t had a nice satisfying meal like this in a long time from eating out! Everything we ordered are dishes I would recommend trying, our favourite was the octopus.”March 2022
-
Chicken satay Net +1
“Tuna tacos should be called iceberg lettuce tacos with tuna topping, Vietnamese spring rolls are filled with lettuce, little mushrooms and carrots (really?). Chicken satay is a small finger size (altho good in taste).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tuna tacos should be called iceberg lettuce tacos with tuna topping, Vietnamese spring rolls are filled with lettuce, little mushrooms and carrots (really?). Chicken satay is a small finger size (altho good in taste).”August 2021
-
Chocolate fondant with green tea ice cream Net +1
“The chocolate fondant with green tea ice cream dessert was to die for !”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chocolate fondant with green tea ice cream dessert was to die for !”July 2022
-
Dim sum Net +1
“Really nice to get to try dim sum finally as these dont contain pork.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Really nice to get to try dim sum finally as these dont contain pork.”September 2025
-
Duck Net +1
“The duck was absolutely exceptional — perfectly cooked, full of flavour, and definitely the highlight of our meal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The duck was absolutely exceptional — perfectly cooked, full of flavour, and definitely the highlight of our meal.”July 2026
-
Fried prawns Net +1
“Our choices were the Tom yum goong, octopus and satay chicken for appetisers, and the fried prawns and bok choi for mains. Me and my husband shared all the dishes between us and the portions are quite big. We are both Asian and we really enjoyed our meal here, I haven’t had a nice satisfying meal like this in a long time from eating out! Everything we ordered are dishes I would recommend trying, our favourite was the octopus.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Our choices were the Tom yum goong, octopus and satay chicken for appetisers, and the fried prawns and bok choi for mains. Me and my husband shared all the dishes between us and the portions are quite big. We are both Asian and we really enjoyed our meal here, I haven’t had a nice satisfying meal like this in a long time from eating out! Everything we ordered are dishes I would recommend trying, our favourite was the octopus.”March 2022
-
Green curry Net +1
“Food was delicious, mesmerizing, we had selection of appetizers which was just sooooo yummy and a seriously fantastic green curry.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was delicious, mesmerizing, we had selection of appetizers which was just sooooo yummy and a seriously fantastic green curry.”May 2022
-
Green mango salad with crab meat Net +1
“Ordered green mango salad with crab meat, Giant prawn red curry , beef tenderloin and also steamed rice. Green mango salad was nice but I wish it had less water and more spicy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Ordered green mango salad with crab meat, Giant prawn red curry , beef tenderloin and also steamed rice. Green mango salad was nice but I wish it had less water and more spicy.”August 2019
-
Hand pulled noodles Net +1
“I highly recommend the massaman curry, kung pao chicken and hand pulled noodles.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend the massaman curry, kung pao chicken and hand pulled noodles.”December 2025
-
Kung pao chicken Net +1
“I highly recommend the massaman curry, kung pao chicken and hand pulled noodles.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend the massaman curry, kung pao chicken and hand pulled noodles.”December 2025
-
Makanan laut mixed indonesian seafood plate Net +1
“The mixed asian appetizers and the Makanan laut mixed Indonesian seafood plate were top.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mixed asian appetizers and the Makanan laut mixed Indonesian seafood plate were top.”December 2021
-
Mango sticky rice Net +1
“My absolute favourite was the PAD THAI and Mango Sticky Rice😍”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My absolute favourite was the PAD THAI and Mango Sticky Rice😍”July 2023
-
Octopus Net +1
“Our choices were the Tom yum goong, octopus and satay chicken for appetisers, and the fried prawns and bok choi for mains. Me and my husband shared all the dishes between us and the portions are quite big. We are both Asian and we really enjoyed our meal here, I haven’t had a nice satisfying meal like this in a long time from eating out! Everything we ordered are dishes I would recommend trying, our favourite was the octopus.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Our choices were the Tom yum goong, octopus and satay chicken for appetisers, and the fried prawns and bok choi for mains. Me and my husband shared all the dishes between us and the portions are quite big. We are both Asian and we really enjoyed our meal here, I haven’t had a nice satisfying meal like this in a long time from eating out! Everything we ordered are dishes I would recommend trying, our favourite was the octopus.”March 2022
-
Royal thai dinner Net +1
“Had a special menu (Royal Thai Dinner) which was the best Thai food I had since years!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Had a special menu (Royal Thai Dinner) which was the best Thai food I had since years!”October 2021
-
Salmon mango salad Net +1
“Our favourite has to be the tuna tacos and salmon mango salad! If you love sushi and raw fish please get it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Our favourite has to be the tuna tacos and salmon mango salad! If you love sushi and raw fish please get it.”April 2024
-
Satay chicken Net +1
“Our choices were the Tom yum goong, octopus and satay chicken for appetisers, and the fried prawns and bok choi for mains. Me and my husband shared all the dishes between us and the portions are quite big. We are both Asian and we really enjoyed our meal here, I haven’t had a nice satisfying meal like this in a long time from eating out! Everything we ordered are dishes I would recommend trying, our favourite was the octopus.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Our choices were the Tom yum goong, octopus and satay chicken for appetisers, and the fried prawns and bok choi for mains. Me and my husband shared all the dishes between us and the portions are quite big. We are both Asian and we really enjoyed our meal here, I haven’t had a nice satisfying meal like this in a long time from eating out! Everything we ordered are dishes I would recommend trying, our favourite was the octopus.”March 2022
-
Spring rolls Net +1
“The spring rolls were nicely cooked but the portion was quite small, and although the dessert was decent, it wasn’t really to our taste.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The spring rolls were nicely cooked but the portion was quite small, and although the dessert was decent, it wasn’t really to our taste.”July 2026
-
Sushilicious deal Net +1
“Their sushilicious deal on Fridays is well worth is! A large portion of sushi alongside sake cocktails.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their sushilicious deal on Fridays is well worth is! A large portion of sushi alongside sake cocktails.”April 2024
-
Taste of asia Net +1
“I had decided to go for their Taste of Asia .. (I’m greedy) Every dish served to me was tastier than the one before.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had decided to go for their Taste of Asia .. (I’m greedy) Every dish served to me was tastier than the one before.”March 2021
-
Thai green curry chicken Net +1
“As I was dining alone I only had her Thai Green Curry Chicken and it was delicious! Authentic, with the curry gravy being a little thicker consistency which I prefer over it being watery.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“As I was dining alone I only had her Thai Green Curry Chicken and it was delicious! Authentic, with the curry gravy being a little thicker consistency which I prefer over it being watery.”June 2024
-
Vietnamese curry Net +1
“Service was very attentive and friendly, and the Vietnamese curry and sushi was tasty and fair priced given the quality.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Service was very attentive and friendly, and the Vietnamese curry and sushi was tasty and fair priced given the quality.”June 2019
-
Wasabi prawns Net +1
“The food was great too, Especially the wasabi prawns.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was great too, Especially the wasabi prawns.”July 2022
-
Wok & roll Net +1
“The first night to an all inclusive food and drinks night (Wok & Roll) which was fantastic value for money.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The first night to an all inclusive food and drinks night (Wok & Roll) which was fantastic value for money.”March 2023
-
Massaman curry Net 0
Mixed feedback
“I highly recommend the massaman curry, kung pao chicken and hand pulled noodles.”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend the massaman curry, kung pao chicken and hand pulled noodles.”December 2025
Drinks 2
-
Passion coconut ice tea Net +1
“Try the passion coconut ice tea- it's delish”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Try the passion coconut ice tea- it's delish”April 2021
-
Pu‑erh tea Net +1
“The highlight of the evening was the Pu‑erh tea, brewed with precision and served with a level of ceremony that showed real respect for the leaf. Smooth, earthy, and deeply calming, it paired beautifully with the star of the night: the Sichuan beef.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The highlight of the evening was the Pu‑erh tea, brewed with precision and served with a level of ceremony that showed real respect for the leaf. Smooth, earthy, and deeply calming, it paired beautifully with the star of the night: the Sichuan beef.”June 2026
What to Avoid (5)
Food 5
-
Giant prawn red curry Net −1
“Ordered green mango salad with crab meat, Giant prawn red curry , beef tenderloin and also steamed rice. Green mango salad was nice but I wish it had less water and more spicy. Prawn curry, I felt prawn was a bit over cooked. There were only 3 pieces of prawns.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Ordered green mango salad with crab meat, Giant prawn red curry , beef tenderloin and also steamed rice. Green mango salad was nice but I wish it had less water and more spicy. Prawn curry, I felt prawn was a bit over cooked. There were only 3 pieces of prawns.”August 2019
-
Mapo tofu Net −1
“Absolutely NO for vegetarians. The server did not advise about the specific peppercorns used in the Mapo Tofu which leave a numbing feeling on the palette. This is after asking Kim the potential vegetarian options at the time of making reservation. Big let down!”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Absolutely NO for vegetarians. The server did not advise about the specific peppercorns used in the Mapo Tofu which leave a numbing feeling on the palette. This is after asking Kim the potential vegetarian options at the time of making reservation. Big let down!”August 2026
-
Pandan creme brulee Net −1
“The dessert, pandan creme brulee actually could be better, not a really particular taste, i suggest to make the nut brittle more tiny so can be more easily eaten by elder/children and mix some pieces of it in the creme brulee to have the soft/crunchy contrast while tasting it.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The dessert, pandan creme brulee actually could be better, not a really particular taste, i suggest to make the nut brittle more tiny so can be more easily eaten by elder/children and mix some pieces of it in the creme brulee to have the soft/crunchy contrast while tasting it.”December 2021
-
Pho Net −1
“The famous Pho was lacking seasoning as well and there was no beef flavour and spices.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The famous Pho was lacking seasoning as well and there was no beef flavour and spices.”August 2019
-
Vietnamese spring rolls Net −1
“Tuna tacos should be called iceberg lettuce tacos with tuna topping, Vietnamese spring rolls are filled with lettuce, little mushrooms and carrots (really?). Chicken satay is a small finger size (altho good in taste).”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Tuna tacos should be called iceberg lettuce tacos with tuna topping, Vietnamese spring rolls are filled with lettuce, little mushrooms and carrots (really?). Chicken satay is a small finger size (altho good in taste).”August 2021
Tips for a Better Visit
Ask first. If you are vegetarian or sensitive to numbing spice, ask specifically about the peppercorns in the Mapo Tofu.
Come hungry. The set menu can be substantial, so arrive hungry rather than assuming it is a light tasting menu.
Share dishes. Consider sharing: one couple found the portions large and comfortably moved from appetisers to one shared main.
Use valet. Parking is easier than at many Palm venues because free valet parking is available at the Waldorf Astoria.
Check specials. If booking during Restaurant Week, check the menu beforehand; one diner found that version basic and chicken-heavy.
Plan the visit
Practical details
East - Crescent Rd
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
| Mon | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Tue | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Wed | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Thu | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Fri | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Sat | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Sun | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM |
Common Concerns
Vegetarian caution
A vegetarian diner was not warned that Mapo Tofu’s peppercorns cause a numbing sensation, despite asking about options.
Menu mismatch
The Dubai Summer Restaurant Week menu was described as basic, chicken-heavy and not filling enough.
Inconsistent service
One visit involved poor follow-up and a long wait for food, even with only a few tables occupied.
Bright lighting
An otherwise elegant dining room was considered too bright for an evening meal.
High prices
Some diners felt the pricing was too high for the style of Asian food served.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
about 500AED
starters and mains for 2
“Starters and mains for 2 came to about 500AED, which was fair value”Google review · June 2019
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
YU Dubai is a modern Chinese restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah in Palm Jumeirah, with table-side Peking duck as its signature experience. The reviews make a strong case for ordering duck, Sichuan beef, dim sum and other regional dishes, while one Chinese diner said the food tasted authentically like home. Service is a major part of the appeal, especially for birthdays and anniversaries.
Guests have received a complimentary cake, handwritten card, birthday song and photos, and another couple were given a thoughtful bon voyage dessert after returning several times. Outdoor seating can overlook the resort, while free valet parking makes the Palm location less troublesome to reach. Portions may be larger than expected, so sharing is sensible.
The set menu is worth approaching hungry, although one Dubai Summer Restaurant Week menu was criticised as basic, chicken-heavy and not filling. The dining room was also considered brighter than expected for an evening setting. There are some important caveats.
A vegetarian guest was not warned about the numbing peppercorns in Mapo Tofu, and another visit involved slow food and poor follow-up. Older reviews refer to the venue as LAO, while the current listing is YU Dubai; reported historical prices should not be treated as today’s menu.