LIKE BRUNCHING? GO CHECK THE HAKKASAN REVAMPED BRUNCH

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi just launched a new exquisite brunch

Next time you are in the mood for a refined brunch with a Chinese flair, just book the Hakkasan Brunch Abu Dhabi with no hesitation.

Two reasons to go check this brunch: firstly, they actually just reopened their terrace and we still have a couple of weeks ahead before retreating indoors. Secondly, Hakkasan has revamped the brunch and added a few new additions to the menu.

They are three different packages priced between  AED 318 and AED 678 to choose from. The first two propose the same food menu and are served either with soft (AED 318) or house beverages (AED 478). The third package is more pricey (AED 678) and is kind of a ‘Rolls-Royce’ package as it comes with a different menu showcasing exclusive ingredients like caviar and free-flowing premium Champagne. All details about the three packages at the bottom of the article.

To have a full overview of what Hakkasan came up with, we opted for the second and third package which foodies will certainly enjoy as it allows guests to share a larger variety of bites.

A few words about this King’s menu

The star of the show at this new Friday brunch is undoubtedly the starter called “Apple wood smoked Peking duck with caviar”. Coming to the table under a cloche filled with apple wood smoke, you will get to taste premium pieces of Peking duck cut in a perfect rectangular shape. Chef Lee proposes a revisited version of the pancake, as it is thicker.

All the other ingredients are displayed on the table for you to build and prepare your own Peking duck pancake. After topping your pancake with Hoisin sauce, spring onion, and baby cucumber, you add on the Peking duck and put a caviar spoon on top. The crusty duck skin has a subltle applewood flavor that pairs well with the caviar on top. We were surprised that the combination worked that well without having one ingredient overpowering the taste of the others.

We then got to taste a filling braised superior seafood soup served with black truffle and fish maw. Our portion was quite generous and we could taste the hint of truffle that we are not used to being paired with seafood.

We absolutely adored the roasted duck lettuce wrap. Served in an edible bowl, all ingredients (chives, duck, mixed nuts, spring onions) are thinely cut and mixed with a sweet black bean sauce. Just take a baby lettuce leaf and fill it with this mixture and we promise it is an explosion of taste and textures in the mouth. Simply wonderful!

Right after, our waiter brought to our table three signature and premium dim sum dishes from the A la Carte menu: The Foie Gras and Crab Xia Long Bao, The Wagyu Beef truffle puff and the Abalone Shumai (prepared with premium seafood). The Foie gras bao is slightly tricky as the inside is almost liquid; so make sure you eat it all in one bite.

After a welcoming pause, we went on with the colorful and original main course that filled up the table in a storm. While the wok fry prawn was served inside a pineapple quarter and cooked with pineapple and XO sauce, you can also taste a Cantonese style crispy noodle with crispy tiny pieces of duck and a stir-fry eye beef with mushroom.

Go for the first menu if you are a total-fan of dim sum and dumpling

If you opted for the regular package, you are invited to first visit the live station Peking duck indoors where a Chef prepares the delicate pancakes filled with Peking duck. Our advise is to not over indulge as there are many bites coming next to the table.

We actually preferred the crab and sweetcorn supreme soup as it was lighter and quite sweet.

If you are into dumplings and dim sum, go for this package as you will be delighted to taste such a large variety of refined Chinese bites. The spicy Szechuan style wonton was amongst our personal favorite.

The crispy prawn dumpling with foie gras is a piece of art as the prawn is served inside fried and sliced spring paper roll with the foie gras sauce underneath.
The menu also includes some classic winners such as the Har Gao, the Mushroom dumpling, the Crystal Wagyu Beef dumpling and more. Check the images below to discover the entire selection you are given to taste.

The three main courses are a pleasure for the eyes and the palette. We adored the steamed wild prawn cooked and served with a homemade chili sauce. The sauce was quite spicy and powerful but we will definitely order that main again. The crunchy stir-fry sugar snaps, cloud ear prepared with an hint of ginger work well together and make an explosion of colors at the table.

A Playful Selection of Desserts served on their signature cake holder

Two ways for visitors to enjoy sweets at the brunch. Either they go inside and select a couple of bites from the live dessert station. We personally opted for the second option as our waiter proposed to bring a dessert stand to our table that mixes the different sweet delicacies.

To conclude…

We spent an amazing afternoon at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi that once again set the bar high proposing a unique blend of high-end and modern Cantonese cuisine. We loved the shaded terrace vibe as it has a lounge and holiday feel with the white comfy outdoor sofas and the lush greenery surrounding the terrace. Hakkasan also managed to keep the same private feeling we like so much indoors with wooden trellised panels cleverly dividing the terrace into intimate alcoves.

More details about the pricing options

• AED 318 per person including Peking duck, soup, a selection of dim sum and small eats, main course, dessert, virgin cocktails, soft drinks and Voss water.
• AED 438 per person including Peking duck, soup, a selection of dim sum and small eats, main course, dessert, unlimited punch cocktails, house spirits, wine, beer and Voss water.
• AED 678 per person including Apple wood smoked Peking duck with caviar, soup, a selection of dim sum and small eats, main course, dessert, unlimited NV Louis Roederer, Brut Premier Champagne or unlimited NV Perrier Jouët Blason Brut Rosé Champagne, Champagne cocktail, wine, sake, house spirit and beer.

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi is open for lunch every Friday from 12 pm – 4 pm and for dinner Saturday to Wednesday from 6 pm to 11:45 pm, Thursday and Friday from 6 pm till 12 am. For reservations, please email [email protected] or call +971 2 690 7739.

HAKKASAN ABU DHABI | Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi | Website: www.hakkasan.com

 

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