When most people think of brunch, they usually think of a late brekkie with perhaps a cheeky glass of bubbly. Abu Dhabi is certainly not like most places and the capital truly comes alive once brunch o’clock strikes.
We’ve also recently seen an influx of evening brunch offerings take the city by storm. The Wok & Roll brunch at Mr. Miyagi’s is one of those, but is definitely an experience all of its own. If you love a spot of karaoke with a side of spring rolls and a lot of dancing, this is the brunch for you.
The Friday brunch runs between 2pm and 5pm (perfect for those in need of a Friday morning snooze) or between 7pm and 10pm. This time we opt for the latter.
From the get go, it’s easy to see why every table is packed with eager brunchgoers. To put it simply – it’s a bucketload of fun.
The cheeky (in the best way possible) staff encouragingly try and get everyone in involved in the karaoke (we’re happy to oblige) and soon enough we’re being entertained with an all-singing, all-dancing show featuring cheesy pop-tastic tunes and even cheesier dance moves from the staff (and brunchers).
An hour into brunch and nearly everyone is doing the Macarena. Half an hour later, everyone is on their feet and singing along to Tina Turner’s version of Proud Mary. You get the gist – it’s one big party.
The five-course set menu brunch is made up of some of Mr. Miyagi’s signature dishes and everything, apart from mains, is served sharing-style with dishes hitting our table in rapid speed.
Starters include prawn crackers, edamame, vegetable summer rolls with a sweet soy and chilli dip, vegetable spring rolls, chicken satay and a selection of maki rolls.
Main course offerings include pad Thai or Thai green curry (with either chicken or vegetables), a chicken katsu curry served with sticky rice, and a fresh salad with a tangy Thai dressing.
The food is decent, don’t get us wrong, but no-one is really here for that. We’re all here for the party, and Mr. Miyagi’s delivers on that front in spades.
If you are hungry and in need of something to set you up for the festivities ahead, the food will fare you well. Try and leave room for pudding as the mango sticky rice is delicious.
If you’re looking for a lively (and slightly raucous) evening brunch, along the party strip of Yas Marina, the Wok & Roll brunch is a no-brainer. And if showboating your lyrical skills is your thing (we’re not judging), book a spot here.
By 10pm brunch may be over and done with, but the party, which carries on until the early hours in the main bar area, isn’t.
Top tip – make sure you wear your comfiest shoes for this affair, which is fuelled by house beverages and buckets of mixed drinks.
Dhs149 (soft drinks), Dhs249 (house beverages), Dhs499 (sparkling). Fri 2pm-5pm; 7pm-10pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 1150).
