Walk into Hakkasan at Emirates Palace and you’re bound to have sky-high expectations before you touch a single chopstick. The palace itself is stunning: an absolute must-see for anyone visiting or living in Abu Dhabi. And if you find yourself walking through its gold-adorned hallways on the first Friday of every month, you’re likely to feel a buzz in the air – the buzz of a fantastic brunch brewing.
The vibes at Hakkasan are equal parts glamorous and mysterious, with a dining area that creates a cosy nook for each table, low lighting, and mellow beats to set the mood. The evening brunch kicks off with your choice of drink and there are loads to choose from, including mocktails, sparkling grape and house drinks. They’re free-flowing all night long.
The menu is quite meat-heavy, but Hakkasan will also accommodate vegetarians if you tell them in advance. While we’ve been disappointed by veggie substitutes at other brunches, the vegetarian menu for this brunch is equally as impressive in flavour and presentation as the meat dishes – and that’s saying a lot.
Brunch begins with Peking duck and caviar with baby cucumber and spring onion. It’s a delightful bite that leaves us ready to seriously tuck in. That legendary dim sum basket, meanwhile, is full of bright pops of colour and flavours including Chilean seabass, scallops, chicken and lobster. Tangy, sour, sweet and salty – this dim sum succeeds in hitting every single note in soft, perfectly steamed dumplings.
Next up you’ll get a series of small plates, each packed with a punch of flavour. Fill your boots on Cantonese and fusion dishes ranging from beef to crab to duck. Be sure to leave room for dessert, which is the chef’s selection. Full? Forget about it. You’ll be licking the spoon.
Despite the mountains of food, nothing about this brunch will leave you feeling weighed down. In fact, you’ll practically float out of the restaurant from the sheer joy great food served in one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic settings.
Dhs438. Fri, 8pm-11pm. Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road (02 690 7739).
