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A fantastic playground for Abu Dhabi foodies!
The Abu Dhabi Brunch scene has just been elevated with the Baikingu Brunch by Zuma Abu Dhabi.
We were lucky to join their brunch soon after the Zuma team revamped their menu to give their guests some new treats and surprises.
How does this brunch work?
Upon arrival, guests can either make a stop at the bar for a welcoming signature drink or directly head to their table. Once settled, your table is soon filled with different appetizers to share: steamed edamame with malton salt, fried edamame with garlic, chili and ginger, crispy fried squid topped with green chili and lime and a miso soup to cleanse your palate.
Meanwhile, a waiter explains the brunch process with the sushi and robata counters to visit for starters before ordering the a la carte main course from the Friday brunch menu.
The Sushi Extravaganza
Sushi fans will definitely spend time visiting the impressive counter that offers a plethora of signature and delicious small servings. Every single sushi, maki, urimaki is a pure delight to watch and a feast for the palate. It is also a real pleasure watching the busy chefs behind the open kitchen preparing small bites. We especially liked the eggplant sushi topped with fresh grated ginger and julienne of fried potatoes or the different maki prepared with soy bean paper.
Try their carpaccio: our top three are the Beef Tataki served with the Yuzu Truffle Ponzu sauce while another is prepared with soy and lime as base, plus chopped ginger, red and green chili, lemongrass and garlic. The octopus carpaccio looks like a flower petal and the association with Yuku Koshu and soy dressing with pickled celery pairs really well.
The Robata counter is a culinary journey on its own
This counter proposes a wonderful selection of vegetables, tempuras, skewers, fried dim sums, vegetarian or meat burger bites and so much more! The seared foie gras is awesome and comes with pickled plums. The vegetarian burger is also a must-try with green tea bun, a mix of chickpeas, cashew nuts and Japanese pumpkin pattie, that is soft and pairs well with the fried tofu crust and creamy avocado.
Don’t miss the oysters gratin- the secret lies in the Hoikkaido cream cheese mixed with Japanese spinach.
The hot pot fans will also rejoice as Zuma now offers hot pot with green tea noodles, shabu-shabu, eggs, enoki mushrooms, fried tofu or more.
Seven signature mains to choose from
For our mains, without any hesitation, we went for the roasted boston lobster. Prepared with shiso ponzu butter it was a memorable dish that we will be back for more.
The grilled Chilean seabass served with green chili dressing is also a Zuma signature that melted in the mouth with a spicy welcome kick and juicy crunch with raw vegetables on top.
Save room for the desserts
The dessert selection displayed around the corner of the bar is opulent, colorful, appetizing and once again, every single bite is not mere coincidence but the result of an attentive creative process. The wasabi and jasmine tiny macarons were delicious, so was Yukidama, a shaved coconut on the outside and yuzu filling at the core. We also had a crush for their lemon pie bite version; topped on a thin sweet shortcrust, the lemon mousse was not too sweet and very flavorful.
A high end setting and a great atmosphere
Open at 12.30pm, Zuma was almost full by 1.30pm and time just flies with such a food feast, the cool vibe, and a DJ playing great tunes. We once again were hooked by the passion and attention the whole Zuma team gives to each customer. They anticipate your desires, welcome any question and are very knowledgeable and open without being familiar. One of the secret key? Every waiter at Zuma spends around six months backstage before welcoming you guys. So, let your curiosity step in and feel free to ask about anything: ingredients, the new bites not to miss and we promise this adds to a stand-out experience.
If you are into bubbles, you will certainly go for the kyasha priced at 555 AED as it comes with free-flowing Taittinger champagne, sake tasters and sommelier’s selection of wines and beer.
Something else we didn’t expect is kids are also welcome and they actually were a few infants and kids in the room.
Check more about prices for kids and non alcoholic options below.
Zuma Brunch Abu Dhabi | The Galleria, Maryah Island | +971 2 401 59 00
kitsu | 345 AED | with soft drinks and Zuma cleansers
kowaku | 445 AED | with prosecco, sommelier’s selection of wines and beer
kyasha | 555 AED | with champagne, sake tasters, sommelier’s selection of wines and beer
kodo | 150 AED | for children aged 4-12
Children aged 0-3 eat free from the counters (one child per paying adult, not inclusive of main course)
