MEI x Hawkerboi Brings a Two-Night Yum Cha & Cocktail Collaboration to Dubai This September
Dubai’s dining scene is set for a delicious collaboration this September as MEI and Hawkerboi JLT join forces for two exclusive Yum Cha & Cocktail evenings, bringing together handcrafted dim sum, signature cocktails and two distinct interpretations of modern Asian dining.
Taking place on 10 September at MEI, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, followed by 17 September at Hawkerboi, JLT, the limited-time collaboration sees both restaurants swap kitchens for two nights, creating unique menus that showcase the personalities of each venue rather than repeating the same experience.
Two Restaurants. Two Menus. Two Different Experiences.
At the heart of the collaboration are Chef Li Yuan Hui of MEI and Chef Thet Aung of Hawkerboi.
For each evening, the visiting chef will step into the host restaurant’s kitchen, bringing a curated selection of signature dim sum dishes while collaborating with the resident team to create a menu exclusive to that night.
The result is two completely different dining experiences celebrating the diversity of Asian cuisine.
10 September: Hawkerboi Takes Over MEI
The first evening unfolds at MEI inside Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, where Hawkerboi’s bold street-food flavours meet MEI’s refined approach to Asian dining.
Guests can enjoy Hawkerboi favourites including:
- Soft Shell Crab
- Beef Wonton in Peanut Sauce
Alongside MEI signatures such as:
- Cheung Fun
The menu also features a variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian dim sum, designed for sharing throughout the evening.
17 September: MEI Heads to Hawkerboi
One week later, the collaboration moves to Hawkerboi in The Park, JLT.
Chef Li Yuan Hui will introduce MEI favourites including:
- Har Gao
- Mushroom Dumplings
These will be paired with Hawkerboi creations including:
- Beef Mantou
- Chicken Siu Mai
While the dishes differ from the first event, the concept remains the same-unlimited handcrafted dim sum celebrating the unique cooking styles of both kitchens.
Cocktails Crafted for the Collaboration
The experience extends beyond the food with a specially created cocktail programme developed exclusively for the collaboration.
MJ Urmeneta, Bar Manager at Hawkerboi, joins forces with Deepak Thakur, Bar Manager at MEI, with support from Beam Suntory, to create signature cocktails designed to complement each round of dim sum throughout the evening.
The result is a pairing experience that blends handcrafted cocktails with Asian flavours across both venues.
A Celebration of Asian Dining in Dubai
From the elegant waterfront setting of Jumeirah Mina Al Salam to Hawkerboi’s energetic streets-of-Asia atmosphere in JLT, the collaboration showcases how differently Asian cuisine can be interpreted while bringing two of Dubai’s popular dining concepts together under one idea.
Whether you choose one evening or both, expect handcrafted dim sum, creative cocktails and an experience that evolves with each venue.
Event Details
MEI x Hawkerboi Yum Cha & Cocktail Experience
MEI-Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
- Date: 10 September 2026
- Time: From 6:00 PM
- Price: AED 349 per couple (includes three cocktails)
Hawkerboi-The Park, JLT
- Date: 17 September 2026
- Time: From 6:00 PM
- Price: AED 349 per couple (includes three cocktails)
Advance reservations are recommended, with walk-ins accommodated subject to availability.
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