“First you feast with your eyes, then you feast with your mouth.” This lesson was ingrained in me early by my brother, who once tasted a dish of mine that was delicious but visually unappealing. This memory remained vivid, so when we visited Demon Duck at Banyan Tree, I was curious about what awaited us. We chose a Thursday for their unlimited dim sum night, eagerly anticipating the experience. Our love for dim sums is matched only by our meticulousness regarding taste, flavor, and presentation. The restaurant, helmed by chef Alvin Leung, lived up to expectations. We entered through a tree-lined path, and the deep blue interiors were chic, even providing a small chair for my bag. After confirming no food allergies, we delved into the main event: the dim sums. These were presented in a bamboo steamer with a selection of three sauces—chili, vinegar with ginger, and soy. The first round featured a standout: chicken xiaolong bao, delicate soup-filled pouches that easily released their broth when gently pierced. A sliver of carrot added a pleasant crunch. Other delicacies included chicken and black truffle fun gao, wild mushroom fun gao, spicy Hokkaido scallop siu mai, and fresh shrimp har gow. The second round, spaced out to allow for savoring, was equally delightful. Notable dishes were the duck gyoza with miso and foie gras, and wasabi prawn toast with tobiko and mango salsa. The cheese and onion puff, shaped like a duck, was a unique visual and taste experience. Alongside the extensive dim sum selection, there were plates of egg fried rice and vegetable fried noodles, adding an authentic touch. The variety of flavors and shapes made each bite a sensory delight. For an additional cost, guests can enjoy half a duck for Dh200 or a full duck for Dh400, requiring a 45-minute preparation time. Demon Dim Sum Nights are held every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm, starting at Dh288 per person for soft beverages. Reservations can be made by calling +971 (04) 5566466.