Al Qasr: A brunch to die(t) for

When it comes to Dubai, the philosophy of ‘bigger is better’ has been applied to everything from its skyscrapers to its shopping malls – and now, the old adage rings true for that classic Friday institution, the Al Qasr brunch.

Long one of the most glamorous, yet family-friendly brunches in the UAE, Al Qasr is now home to one of the biggest selections of food and beverages that we’ve ever seen; so much so that the Jumeirah team have put together a handy map to help newbies and returnees find their way from the seafood station to the Skky vodka bar without falling into one of the elegant water features on the way.

With plenty of seating both inside and out, we’d highly recommend not eating for, oooh, about a week in the run-up to your brunching experience, as Al Qasr is tummy-stretchingly jam-packed with international cuisines you’ll be tempted to try.

If you had a late night, you can start with breakfast at the brekkie station, for a carb-boost in the shape of the incredible bread and pretzels on offer, as well as some eggs over easy, as a way to ease yourself in. Then move onto some classic Arabic dishes, served up with juicy, generous carvings of shawarma meats, before hitting up the Thai station – which looks like an authentic streetside hawker stand – dishing up fresh-from-the-wok Pad Thai, along with a delicately spicy Papaya salad, with just the right amount of crunch.

Head across to the Indian section, where biriyanis, popadoms and sauce-heavy paneers and curry creations are just begging for a hunk of flat bread to be dipped into them – cooled off by a dollop of cucumber raita. And back inside, sample some authentic Spanish delights, including a huge selection of cured meats, before taking a trip to Japan – minus the airfare – at the vast sushi station, which features a huge selection of maki, sashimi and handrolls.

Having seen other brunchers strolling by with the cutest mini burgers on their plates, a severe case of food envy propelled us back outside – via a quick stop at the beer station – to sample the bbq delights, which had the added bonus of allowing you to build your own burger thanks to the range of accompaniments on offer. A word of warning though, don’t get as carried away as we did – apparently, you’re supposed to be able to fit your creation into your mouth without dislocating your jaw. Who knew?

When it comes to filling up on a classic roast dinner, you can now take a stroll through the kitchen – past the loaded seafood station, where oysters glisten on a bed of ice – for roast beef, roast chicken and salmon, as well as amazing roast potatoes and veg, and delish Yorkshire puddings – all drowned in thick gravy, obviously – and cooked before your eyes by the chefs.

Dessert-wise, the phrase ‘spoilt for choice’ is barely adequate, and tasting so many of the incredible concoctions on offer in order to write this review was a tough job – but someone had to do it, of course. The Milk and white chocolate fountain is a standout, with plenty of delish treats to dip into it – a feat you can easily accomplish whilst eating a towering ice-cream cornet as we discovered. The White chocolate cheesecake was to die(t) for, along with a classic eclair and a Triple chocolate shooter that melted in the mouth. Finally, satisfy the big kid in you with a trip to the sweet section, because although you’ll leave claiming you’re never going to eat ever again, you and we both know you’ll be picking at those cola bottles a few hours later anyway!

Need to know

Restaurant Al Hambra, Arboretum and MJ’s Steakhouse
Location Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
Tel 04 366 6730

Tasty trio: Brunches

Spectrum On One

When it comes to Dubai institutions, the brunch at Spectrum On One is a culinary feat that’s sure to dazzle even the most seasoned Dubai brunch-goer. Nothing is done by halves in the Fairmont favourite, and with six separate region-specific kitchens, you can enjoy succulent Thai seafood dishes in one round, followed by French haute-cuisine in the next and a dip into the choc fountain to end – which, if you opt for the bubbly package, will be washed down with free-flowing Moet.
Location Fairmont Dubai
Timing Fri 12pm-3.30pm
Price From Dh295
Tel 04 311 8316

Aquara

The name hints at the fare on offer, and as you would expect from a yacht club, the seafood selection at Aquara is nothing short of sensational. Sip on bubbles and indulge your luxe side with the premium lobster, served up with a hefty dose of fantastic views across the Marina. Elsewhere find fruits de mer of all shapes, sizes and number-of-legs, with sashimi, oysters and prawn-based dishes aplenty.
Location Dubai Marine Yacht Club
Timing Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm
Price Dh220
Tel 04 362 7900

Afya

This sleek and stylish restaurant is a Friday favourite for the capital’s brunchers, who spend the day tucking into everything that makes up a perfect roast dinner. Help yourself to a vast selection of starters, then enjoy your favourite cut of meat – choose between lamb or beef, with salmon also on offer – with all the trimmings. Polish off with
cake and ice cream – it’s a classic.
Location Traders Hotel, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi
Timing Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm
Price Dh125
Tel 02 510 8888