The most frequently asked food-related question I've been asked is: "Where should I go for brunch in Hong Kong?" Even locals seem puzzled, what with the overwhelming number of dining options around now, so I've listed below my top 5 favourite recent brunch experiences in the city to help you along. All are relatively new launches (this or last month), and all varying cuisines, so there's definitely something for everyone. Keep up to date with more F&B happenings on my Instagram, @furellie.
1. Sunday En La Boqueria Brunch at La Rambla by Catalunya
If you love Spanish seafood, tapas and an alfresco party vibe, this is the brunch for you. The weekend-exclusive menu begins with a buffet of appetizers including premium Iberico ham and cured meats, Spanish cheese, anchovies, Catalonian salads and tostadas. There’s an egg station, where you can “make your own” Spanish tortillas, or request for other Spanish classics like Huevos Rotos (broken eggs) with chorizo or simply eggs your way. There will be tapas served to the table, as well as paellas of your choice. The best part of this brunch was no doubt the Josper-grilled special, which was the 3XL Carabinero (supplemental charge), cooked to mid-rare perfection and served butterflied to expose its roe. I would also highly recommend picking the Josper-grilled Turbot for your main, which was divine served simply with traditional donostiarra sauce. Finish up with something sweet, and head out to the terrace for a post-brunch DJ party with the skyline as your backdrop.
Price: Starts at HK$550+10% per person (additional +350 for free-flow bar package, and +1300 for premium free-flow package) Date & Time: Every weekend, 12pm-3pm. DJ party on Sundays only. Tel: +852 2661 1161 Email: reservations@larambla.hk Address: 3071-73 level 3, ifc mall, Central, Hong Kong
2. Holi Brunch at Chaiwala
Price-wise, this brunch is a serious steal. The “Holi Brunch”, styled after the Hindi spring festival complete with a vibrant atmosphere and colorful powders, includes an appetizer buffet (“Chaats”) stocked full of some of the yummiest pani puri I’ve ever had as well as other Indian street food-style snacks, dosas, 1 item from the Tandoor oven, 1 curry (with basmati rice and naan) and a dessert. My personal recommendation from the curries is the Kerala fish Curry (+80), made with seabass simmered in coconut and ginger sauce, mango and curry leaves. The fish curry tasted incredible – better, I thought, than the usual crowd favorite of Butter Chicken. The venue is massive, so I would recommend getting a big group of friends together, especially if you’re going for the free-flow package.
Price: Starts at HK$298 per person (+180 for free-flow drinks til 3pm). Tip not included. Date & Time: Every weekend & public holidays, 12pm-2:30pm Tel: +852 2362 8988 Online reservation: http://www.chaiwala.hk/ Address: Basement 43, 55 Wyndham St, Central (across Wagyu Lounge) Menu: http://www.chaiwala.hk/brunch-menu/
3. Sunday Roast at Gough’s on Gough
[UPDATE 10.15.2019: As of last week, Gough’s on Gough has permanently closed.]
If you’re looking for the city’s best (and classiest!) spot for an authentic British Sunday Roast, look no further. Chef Cary Docherty, previously of Jason Atherton’s award-winning Little Social in London, serves up some of the finest beef wellington I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting in and outside of Hong Kong -- and all the other dishes don’t disappoint either. The brunch menu typically begins with a starter of fresh produce such as asparagus with Hollandaise, followed by a roast of choice. There’s the classic Dingley Dell pork, leg of Lake District lamb, rib of Hereford beef, or Celeriac Steak for the veggies. Beef wellington is a supplemental +HK$218 per person (serves 2), and highly recommended for its perfect crisp pastry, beef gravy and buttery mash. End with a classic English dessert, including trifle, crumble or a spread of Stilton cheese. Don’t forget to snap the iconic spiral staircase photo on your way out.
Price: Starts at HK$498+10% per person (see menu for supplement charges) Date & Time: Sundays, 12pm-2:30pm Tel: +852 2473 9066 Reservation: https://goughsongough.com/#reservations Address: 15 Gough St, Central Menu: https://goughsongough.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Goughs-Sunday-Roast-Menu-Free-Flows.pdf
4. Bao Brunch at Old Bailey
I was honestly already sold by all-you-can-eat xiao long bao, and that’s only a tiny part of the expansive brunch menu served at this Jiangnan-style restaurant in the heart of Tai Kwun. Also possibly my favourite concept by JIA Group. Love their numbing spicy “ma la” xiao long bao with Iberico pork and Shanghai-style wok-fried noodles, and there are also tons of vegetarian options. There’s a self-service station for hot and sour soup, organic soy milk soup, and Shanghai-style glutinous rice roll and Chinese doughnut. I recommend booking seats on the terrace, styled like an urban haven with lots of wood and greenery but with skyscrapers towering around on all sides. A casual and trendy spot, great for catching up with friends.
Price: Starts at HK$480+10% per person (+220 for free-flow drinks) Date & Time: Weekends & public holidays, 12pm-3pm Tel: +852 2877 8711 Email: reservations@oldbailey.hk Address: 2/F JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong (closest entrance is the blue gate) Menu: https://www.oldbailey.hk/pdf/2019-04_Old_Bailey_Brunch_menu_v1.pdf
5. Fiasco Brunch at Buenos Aires Polo Club
If you’re up for a champagne-fueled midday dance party, this is the brunch you want to RSVP at – but you’ll only be able to book for the last Saturday of every month. While it was originally hosted at Carbone, the infamous party brunch concept has moved a couple floors down to sister restaurant Buenos Aires Polo Club. Rightly named ‘Fiasco’, the brunch features free-flow champagne, spirits and wine, food, cranked up music and “special acts”. The atmosphere is basically full-on dance club, so prepare for a wild afternoon interspersed with thrilling live performances. Definitely not somewhere to take your parents.
Price: Starts at HK$1,400+10% per person Date & Time: Every LAST Saturday of the month from 12pm Tel: +852 2321 8681 Email: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/thefiasco/?default_date=2019-05-25&default_time=12:00PM&default_party_size=4 Address: Buenos Aires Polo Club 7/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central Website: https://www.thefiasco.com/ (more pricing info here)