If your tastebuds are craving something other than maple-syrup
laden waffles and gourmet coffee when the weekend rolls around (or
whenever you have a day off to indulge), see our tried-and-tested
list of alternative places to feast at. From decadent dim sum with
a twist to boozy burger-filled brunches, there’s something for
everyone!
If you’re taking your family to dim
sum
Sundays were always family dim sum day for me growing up, so I
still find myself craving delicious char siu bao when the weekend
rolls around. Recently the herworldPLUS team had the privilege of
sampling Mitzo’s epic new Spring dim sum menu and we have to say,
we’ve never experienced dim sum quite like this. The Cantonese
restaurant and bar reinvents traditional dim sum with smoking siew
mai and xiao long bao in teapots!
We recommend ordering menu 1 if you want to sample the floral dim
sum platter, and menu 2 if you’re in the mood for something heavier
like the crab meat poached noodles. We’re also a huge fan of the
fact that their supper menu runs until 1am, so if you don’t fancy
brunch, you can always head down for cocktails and dim sum in the
wee hours of the morning! Oh, and one more tip, make sure to order
the melt-in-your-mouth char siu pork as a side dish, (Mitzo special
barbeque pork) it’s heavenly!
The special menu is available until June 30, 2016, Ode
to Spring menu 1, $78++ pp, or $108++ pp including two paired
cocktails per person. Menu 2 is $98++ pp and $128++ inclusive of
two cocktails per person. More details here.
If you have a major appetite
Come with an Olympian appetite and experience a serious brunch at
ParkRoyal’s Super Lunch Sundays at Lime. Set in the otherworldly
settings of ParkRoyal’s iconic facade (think wood-carved mushroom
sculptures, water features everywhere and awe-inspiring whimsical
interiors) the aptly named “Super Lunch” is like having brunch at
Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. It’s hard to know where to begin
and end as the choices and options are so varied, but my favourite
picks were the fresh, cold pressed juice bar where you can order
endless ABC (Apple, beetroot, carrot) juice shots to make yourself
feel better about being gluttonous!
Another highlight was the eggs benedict served up with pretty
edible flowers and made fresh to order, which we loved! End off
with coffee and tea whipped up by the in-house baristas to help you
digest everything when the food coma hits.
12.30-4.30pm every Sunday (bar Mother’s and Father’s
Day weekends), $78++. More details and reservations here.
If you’re craving comfort food
Kai Garden’s “family favourites” menu is a must-try on those days
when you want comfort home food (but can’t be bothered to cook).
From the braised chicken with flower crab ($48 for half) in a
sweet, comforting sauce to the stone point garoupa with spring
onions ($38) the relatively new restaurant is winning over our
stomachs when it comes to delicious, freshly-made Cantonese
cuisine. Chef Fung is renowned for having celebrity clientele (Jay
Chou amongst them) so his standards are high. The setting is
elegant and perfect for a long lunch with your loved ones. Don’t
leave without ordering the grilled pork ribs caramelised in the
chef’s secret honey pepper glaze!
Image: Kai Garden, chicken and flower
crab
If you fancy dim sum, this is definitely a must-go too. We sampled
their charcoal xiao long bao (an amazing hybrid) and liu sha bao
when we were there and they definitely got our stamp of
approval.
Lunch opening hours: 11.30am -3.30pm Mon-Fri (last
order 2.30pm); Sat, Sun & PH 11am-4pm (last order 3.30pm). See
more details here.
If you’re dreaming of Bangkok’s street
food
Long Chim is a must-go if you’re a fan of authentic Thai cuisine.
The one-year-old restaurant located in MBS recently started service
for lunch and we highly recommend its delicious dishes! The dishes
tend to veer on the spicy side, so take note of the chilli “warning
signs” given on the menu. Our picks for sharing would be the
chicken and wild ginger noodles for something fresh; tom yam soup
with snapper for a twist on a classic; and the green beef curry
with roti. Chef and owner David Thompson's attention to detail is
shown in the stunning decor and exquisite flavours.
If you were to come for dessert alone, it would be far from a
wasted trip! We were blown away by the mouth-wateringly delicious
banana roti and coconut cake, which reminded me of my mum’s tapioca
cake. The Thai iced tea and kopi are also well worth a taste.
Dishes range from $18 to 35 each and are perfect for sharing. The
weekend brunch menu is $60++ per person including an alcohol
beverage.
Lunch opening hours: 11.30am -2.30pm Mon-Fri; 12-4pm
Sat, Sun. See here for more details and reservations.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly
option
Meat-lovers should head over to Dallas if they’re looking for more
than your average smoked salmon bagel come brunch-time. Owned by
the same man behind The Rotisserie chain (the best chicken in
Singapore, hands-down), Dallas at Suntec City’s Sky Garden is one
of our favourite hangouts come brunch and sundown. Its meat platter
is only available at this branch, not the Boat Quay one, and it's
worth bringing any carnivores down for a brunch to remember.
Featuring lamb, ribs, Rotisserie chicken and prime rib steak as
well as roast potatoes and salad, this is a meat platter for kings!
At only $70 for two people ($130 for four) it's worth every cent,
and if you bring kiddies along under 12 years old during the
weekend, they get free meals when you order a main!
Image: Dallas, meat platter for two
If you’re in the mood for all-you-can-eat meat, this is definitely
your go-to alternative brunch spot. They have a free-flow prime rib
steak promotion on weekends for $35 per person. For sharing dishes,
we love their snapper fish tacos and chargrilled corn!
HWP