Chinese culinary preferences are increasingly shaping global partnerships, as evidenced by the recent release of Dianping’s 2025 Must-Eat List. This year, Dubai became the first Middle Eastern city to feature on the prestigious list, with ten local restaurants earning a spot. The list, which highlights high-quality dining experiences based on authentic user reviews, underscores the growing influence of Chinese diners on the global food scene. Since its inception in 2017, the Must-Eat List has expanded to over 3,000 cities worldwide, covering more than 100 million merchants. In 2024 alone, the platform garnered nearly 400 million user reviews, reflecting its widespread impact. The inclusion of Dubai on the list marks a significant milestone, driven by the increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting the UAE. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the city welcomed 824,000 Chinese tourists in 2024, a 31% increase from the previous year. This surge in tourism has been accompanied by a 500% rise in Chinese user reviews of Dubai’s cuisine over the past year. The selected restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines, including Arabian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, African fusion, and American dishes. Shahab Shayan, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the Chinese market to Dubai’s tourism strategy. ‘China has always been one of Dubai’s most important source markets,’ he said. ‘Through our ‘China Ready’ strategy, we are committed to providing a seamless experience for Chinese visitors, from visa-free access to Mandarin-speaking services and convenient digital payments.’ The strategic partnership between Dubai and Meituan, the parent company of Dianping, aims to enhance the digital transformation of local food and tourism services. Ou Boqian, Chinese Consul-General in Dubai, highlighted the role of cuisine in fostering mutual understanding between China and the UAE. ‘This list helps people understand Dubai’s soul through its cuisine and fosters mutual understanding,’ she said. ‘We expect more Chinese enterprises like Meituan to bring technological and cultural innovation to the UAE, boosting bilateral relations.’ Beyond Dubai, the Must-Eat List expanded to 14 new cities, including Fukuoka, Sydney, and London, with first-time inclusions from the UAE, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. The total number of selected restaurants increased by 50% year-on-year, with Hong Kong, Macao, Tokyo, Osaka, and Singapore leading the list. An Tianlei, responsible for Dianping’s Must-Eat List, noted that the list is tailored to Chinese diners’ tastes while showcasing global flavors. ‘We’ve also launched an English version of our app to help foreign diners explore Chinese cuisine, turning taste into a two-way cooperation tool,’ he said. Mao Fang, Vice-President of Meituan, emphasized the broader significance of the Must-Eat List. ‘The language of taste knows no borders,’ she said. ‘This list isn’t just about recommending restaurants. We aim to build a food bridge that strengthens cooperation and connections between China and the world, rooted in shared culinary appreciation.’