Dining Out

It’s brunch season in Dubai with an Argentinian inspired brunch with views of the Burj Khalifa, a fun party brunch overlooking the city’s skyline, and a festive themed brunch. Here’s our roundup of the best dining experiences in Dubai.

Asado’s La Peñia brunch at The Palace Hotel, Dubai

Inspired by the concept of a Latin American food market and one of Dubai’s most authentic Argentinian venues, this brunch offers al fresco dining as well as indoor. Of course, with Dubai’s currently gorgeous weather, we enjoyed our experience outside, with beautiful views of the Burj Khalifa and the Fountains. The experience was taken up a notch with the live singer providing soulful entertainment as we dined.

The brunch is served to the table in courses and we tucked into the starters which included braseola, empanadas, potato croquettes stuffed with cheese, salads, and super fresh ceviche which highlighted Argentina’s colorful culinary heritage with an emphasis on the chef ’s culinary wizardry.

With a market style section set up for meats, we indulged in the beef short ribs (Asado de Tira), grilled chicken (Pollo Asado), and the thin beef slices (Entrana). All of the meats were deeply flavorful, marinated with the classic flavors of Argentinian signature chimichurri. With the meats, we enjoyed the chargrilled corn-on-the-cob and roasted potatoes. In between, we loved their assorted mocktails, including my all-time favorite lemon and mint mojito.

Our desserts were served on a board and were an eclectic mix of Latin inspired treats. There were mini churros, fresh fruit, Chaja—a subtlety flavored vanilla genoise with peach and dulce de leche, and Panqueque Dulce de Leche pancakes filled with traditional dulce de leche, and traditional rice pudding topped with fresh flower petals.

Visit: Asado at The Palace
Downtown
04 428 7961

Hotel Cartagena at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai

Located at the top of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel with 360-degree views of the city, this venue has its own exclusive elevator which takes you straight to the most vibrant and lively brunch I have ever experienced. Lots of foliage, music, and fun memorabilia dot the space, while the backstory behind this venue revolves around Mrs. Buendia who inherited the venue in the 1950’s from her father. Over the years, travellers passed through its doors, leaving behind mementos that are still intact.

Course 1 included guacamole and chips with a twist as this included spiced tabbouleh and burrata, then the ceviche which is always a hit with us. The maki rolls were vegan, made with sweet plantain, maduros, vegetable escabeche, bok choy and truffle aioli. And the baby gem and avo salad—which was a medley of crunchy edamame and creamy avocado.

Course 2 was the hot starters and we tucked into the chicharones, smoked BBQ quesadilla, which we loved, and the unique curled corn. The mains were really satisfying, ranging from Carne Asada—adobo marinated beef steak, chimichurri, then the Pescado à la Plancha—pan seared fish, with mussels, clams, coconut, and yellow chilli veloute. Our favorite was the Lamb Chuleton-rack of lamb, glazed rocoto puree, and roasted tamarillo salsa. The kimchi quinoa chaufa was really warming, with fried rice, quinoa, kimchi, and spices.

As we dined, we were delighted to watch the Latin dancers and live music; while we feasted on their desserts which arrived in a cage—key lime pie, pineapple ice box cake, Maracaibo fudge cake, churros with a chocolate dipping sauce, and lastly, Columbian coffee concoction.

Visit: Hotel Cartagena at the JW
Marriott Marquis Hotel
04 350 9287

The Marasi Brunch at Hotel Indigo, Dubai

This new brunch in one of the artiest hotels in Dubai offers superb dishes, assorted mocktails, and live entertainment to keep you happy throughout your brunch experience.

We started with a freshly baked breads basket, followed by a show stopping double-layered Mediterranean charcuterie board which included assorted cold cuts—lomo, salami, and bresaola. There was a variety of cheeses accompanied by dried fruit and nuts like apricots and figs which paired wonderfully with the cheeses. Then there were breadsticks which were perfect with the beetroot dip and the feta and pistachio dips. There were also assorted mini breads, condiments, some delicious puff pastries with baked goat’s cheese and apple. I loved the devilled eggs with caviar and smoked salmon which went really well with the mini sausage rolls. Also, there was an iced double tiered platter which arrived at the table in molecular gastronomy style, with prawn cocktail and ceviche shots.

For the mains, we really enjoyed the chef ’s special with the moreish beef sliders served with coleslaw and chipotle aioli, then the Lamb Souvlakiwith tzatziki and pita bread, lamb skewers, fried calamari, and more. In between, we tucked into mojitos including pina colada, mint and lemon. The experience was even more enjoyable with the live entertainment headed by a DJ and live musicians.

Here the desserts section is a ‘Candy Souq’ which offers a live crepes station, a donut wall, plus lots of tiny tarts, cakes, pastries, and more. There was a chocolate bombe—a chocolate shell with chocolate raspberry mousse, carrot cake, chocolate brownies, tiramisu, aa Marasi candy tree complete with assorted candy, lollipops, and sweets. Truly a wonderfully indulgent desserts section to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings.

Visit: Open Sesame, Hotel Indigo,
Downtown Dubai
04 210 2210