I’m currently sitting on a terrace in Menorca, overlooking the Mediterranean sea with a warm breeze and setting sun. Picture perfect to say the least, and I’m using the peace and quiet to tell you all about my recent visit to Hakkasan’s brunch in Dubai.
It was the last spot I visited before heading back to the UK for the wedding and the taste of crisp Dim sum is still in my mouth. I’m used to visiting Dubai brunches full of every cuisine you can imagine, often not knowing where to start. I typically fill up on sushi and don’t manage to get round to trying the vast amount on offer which can feel like somewhat of a waste. So it was rather refreshing to have a brunch with a one page menu and the best peking duck on tap.
Albeit you need to make sure Dim sum is at the top of your list as that is the main focus of the brunch … if it is you’re in for a real treat. On offer for starters are a selection of steamed, baked and fried Dim sum along with a few classic chinese variations, ranging from wagyu beef truffle dim sum, chicken and sweetcorn shumai, seabass shumai and Venison and taro puff (this list goes on!).
Hakkasan’s decor is recognisable from anywhere in the world – it’s detailed, thought-out and a celebration of the cuisine. It’s a real switch of light coming from the brightness of Dubai’s summer days into the dark restaurant but at that time of the year, it’s a welcome break away from the heat.
Cocktails are available throughout the brunch, with my favourite on the menu – Lychee martini.
There are two small live cooking stations where the chefs prepare the dim sum and peking duck but everything is ordered and brought to the table with excellent service. A much more formal affair then the typical buffet style brunches in Dubai.
The venison and taro puff was lovely, encased in a buttery pastry with a rich filling and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
The wagyu beef and mushroom puff was my close second. (I obviously have a thing for pastry and very well cooked meat). In between the dumplings, we had orders of their duck pancakes arrive at the table. As you would expect from Hakkasan, the duck was moist and flakey and made for the perfect in-between dishes.
Tip: If you like your duck pancakes loaded with the crispy duck then ask for a little extra. They aren’t served as main course dishes so they keep the helpings relatively small.
All the meat and fish starters were full of flavour and offered something unique with texture and taste. The mushroom vegetarian option (below), however, was a slightly different story so keep that in mind if you are indeed veggie.
When I first sat down and saw the menu, I was worried I might go home hungry, but I have learned to never underestimate the power of small bites! There were three main courses to chose from following the starters – a fish, chicken and meat. Jack and I chose the black cod and wok-fry rib eye beef. The portions are surprisingly small for what you might call a main course but if you’ve done the starters correctly, it’s all that you need!
I’m still on the fence about the combination of black cod with grapefruit, I find the taste a little overpowering for the flakey fish but the cod in itself was exceptional.
Desserts are a selection of small treats on a help-yourself table. There isn’t the classic variety of choice but what’s there is of quality and does the trick of hitting the sweet spot perfectly.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated brunch that is more inline with a wonderful lunch rather than a buffet affair, Hakkasan is a good option. Details for their brunch can be found here:
http://hakkasan.com/locations/hakkasan-dubai/menu/brunch/
I hope everyone is finding some sunshine wherever they are this August!
LLG X
