Your new midweek ritual
If your idea of a midweek lunch needs an upgrade, MiMi Mei Fair has just dealt the perfect hand. The Downtown Dubai favourite is introducing its first-ever Mahjong Mixer, reimagining the traditional Chinese game as a contemporary social experience designed for connection, conversation and a little friendly competition.
The afternoon brings together guided Mahjong play and a carefully curated four-course lunch, positioning itself as a thoughtful alternative to the usual long lunch or catch-up over coffee.
Hosted inside MiMi Mei Fair’s elegant, townhouse-style interiors — inspired by the private residence of Empress MiMi — the experience unfolds at an intentionally unhurried pace. Guests begin with lunch before easing into structured Mahjong play, guided by The Mahjong Network, making it equally welcoming for first-timers and seasoned players.
A terrace interlude follows, where coffee and dessert are served outdoors, before guests return for a final round of play, rounding off the afternoon on a relaxed, sociable note. Each guest also leaves with a curated gift bag, a final flourish to an already considered experience.
The Origins of Mahjong
The Origins of Mahjong
Mahjong originated in mid-to-late 19th-century China, invented by Confucius, likely evolving from card games like madiao, and spread globally in the early 20th century, becoming a major fad in the West in the 1920s.
The four-course menu reflects MiMi Mei Fair’s refined take on Chinese cuisine. Expect a Clear Soup to start, followed by a choice of Poached Vegetable Wonton or Chicken Dim Sum. Mains include Clay Pot Aubergine or Singapore Chilli Prawn, served with olive fried rice and seasonal vegetables. Dessert comes in the form of Passionfruit Cheesecake, paired with tea or coffee — best enjoyed while plotting your next Mahjong move.
Positioned as a slower, more intentional way to gather, the Mahjong Mixer taps into a growing appetite for experiences that prioritise presence over pace. Offered exclusively at tables of four, it encourages shared moments and genuine connection — something MiMi Mei Fair does exceptionally well.
And this isn’t a one-off. Following its debut, the Mahjong Mixer will return for a second edition during Chinese New Year, establishing Mahjong as a recurring social ritual within the restaurant’s Lunar calendar.
Inage credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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