One of Abu Dhabi’s most celebrated Chinese restaurants just made a significant move. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri has appointed Chef Luo Ming Hui as the new Chef de Cuisine at Shang Palace, bringing more than a decade of international culinary experience spanning three continents to one of the UAE capital’s premier fine dining destinations.
The appointment signals a deliberate push to strengthen Shang Palace’s standing in Abu Dhabi’s increasingly competitive luxury dining scene. Chef Hui’s background in both Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines — two of China’s most technically demanding culinary traditions — positions him as a compelling choice to lead a kitchen that has built its reputation on authentic, refined Chinese cooking.
His career has taken him from China to Mauritius to Abu Dhabi, giving him a depth of cross-cultural kitchen experience that few chefs at this level can match.
A Career Built Across Three Continents
Chef Hui’s culinary journey began in China, where he developed his foundational skills and mastered the art of dim sum — one of the most intricate and labour-intensive disciplines in Chinese cuisine. Dim sum requires precision, patience, and an almost obsessive attention to detail, qualities that translate directly into the kind of consistent, high-level execution that fine dining restaurants demand.
From China, his career expanded internationally, taking him through kitchens in Mauritius before landing in Abu Dhabi. That kind of geographic range isn’t just impressive on paper — it shapes a chef’s instincts in real and lasting ways. Cooking for different audiences across different cultures forces adaptation, sharpens technique, and builds a broader understanding of how flavour and presentation land with diverse diners.
His dual expertise in Cantonese and Szechuan cooking is also worth noting. These are not interchangeable styles. Cantonese cuisine is known for its delicate flavours, fresh ingredients, and precise steaming and stir-fry techniques. Szechuan, by contrast, is bolder — built on complex spice profiles, numbing heat from Szechuan peppercorns, and deeply layered sauces. A chef who commands both traditions brings genuine range to a menu.
What Chef Hui’s Appointment Means for Shang Palace
Shang Palace at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri has long been recognised as one of Abu Dhabi’s standout Chinese dining destinations. The restaurant’s identity is rooted in exquisite Chinese culinary offerings, and leadership appointments at the Chef de Cuisine level directly shape everything from menu direction to kitchen culture to the consistency of the guest experience.
Bringing in a chef with Chef Hui’s specific background suggests the restaurant is focused on both preserving its culinary heritage and pushing it forward. His international experience means he understands how to present traditional Chinese cooking in ways that resonate with a globally diverse clientele — exactly the kind of guest mix that a luxury hotel restaurant in Abu Dhabi attracts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Role | Chef de Cuisine, Shang Palace |
| Property | Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi |
| Years of Experience | More than a decade |
| Cuisine Specialisations | Cantonese and Szechuan |
| Countries Worked In | China, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi (UAE) |
| Notable Skill | Dim sum mastery |
Why This Matters for Abu Dhabi Diners
Abu Dhabi’s fine dining landscape has grown substantially in recent years, with luxury hotels competing fiercely for a share of both the resident and tourism markets. Chinese cuisine holds a particularly respected place in that ecosystem — but quality varies widely, and the difference between a competent kitchen and an exceptional one almost always comes down to who is leading it.
For regular guests of Shang Palace, Chef Hui’s arrival is likely to bring visible change. A new Chef de Cuisine typically brings updated menu concepts, refined techniques, and a fresh creative perspective while maintaining the signature dishes that loyal diners return for. That balance — between innovation and consistency — is one of the hardest things to get right in a restaurant at this level.
For visitors to Abu Dhabi exploring the city’s dining options, Shang Palace under Chef Hui’s leadership represents a compelling reason to make the trip to Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. The combination of an iconic waterfront hotel setting and a kitchen now led by a chef with serious international credentials makes for a strong proposition.
What Comes Next for Shang Palace
With Chef Hui now settled into his role, the focus will shift to how his culinary vision takes shape on the plate. His leadership is expected to strengthen the restaurant’s profile among Abu Dhabi’s fine dining destinations — a goal that points toward both menu evolution and an elevated overall dining experience.
The coming months will likely see Chef Hui put his stamp on Shang Palace’s offerings, drawing on his mastery of dim sum, his command of Cantonese subtlety, and his understanding of Szechuan’s bold flavour architecture. Whether that means new tasting menus, refreshed signature dishes, or elevated weekend dim sum services remains to be seen — but the foundation he brings to the role is a strong one.
For a restaurant that has built its name on Chinese culinary excellence, the appointment of a chef with this kind of pedigree suggests the ambition at Shang Palace is pointed firmly upward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chef Luo Ming Hui?
Chef Luo Ming Hui is an internationally experienced chef specialising in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines, with over a decade of experience across China, Mauritius, and Abu Dhabi.
What is his new role?
He has been appointed Chef de Cuisine at Shang Palace, the Chinese restaurant located within Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi.
What cuisines does Chef Hui specialise in?
He specialises in both Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines, and is also noted for his mastery of dim sum.
Where has Chef Hui worked before this appointment?
His career has spanned kitchens in China, Mauritius, and Abu Dhabi across more than ten years of international experience.
What is Shang Palace known for?
Shang Palace at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is recognised for its exquisite Chinese culinary offerings and is considered one of Abu Dhabi’s fine dining destinations.
Will Chef Hui change the menu at Shang Palace?
This has not yet been confirmed in detail, though his appointment is expected to bring culinary creativity and strengthen the restaurant’s standing in Abu Dhabi’s dining scene.
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