Life & Style | Food

Friday feasts

We at e+ went the extra mile to pick out five of our favourite Friday brunch destinations in Dubai. We will confess that we were unable to sample all of the city's extensive brunching options, due to lack of time, the health risks and our stomachs' constraints, but we have selected five of the top players in the brunch scene. These brunches, we believe, are truly worth their weight in, erm… Gouda.

By Sneha May Francis, Aya Lowe and Andrew William Van Smeerdijk
Published: 00:00 November 12, 2009

Biggles

If you are a fan of traditional English comfort grub and sports, then Biggles is your best bet. Set in typical English decor, with sports channels playing on large TV screens, it's where the guys love to hang out. Apart from the regular fare of (made-to-order) eggs, sausages, baked beans, and pancakes, there’s a healthy section with all things green and a meat-carving station, where the chunk differs every week. After feasting on the traditional meat fare, there's curry and rice to try out as well. And finally, seal the meal with an assortment of sweet dishes. Don't expect any culinary wizardry here, just plain good ol' English classics! Where: Millennium Airport Hotel, Garhoud Cost: Dh60 for food only, Dh149 with beverages Phone: 04 702 8833

Beachcombers

If you're a family with young kids, this is the brunch for you. Set in a thatched beach hut on the foreshore in front of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Beachcombers allows adults to wile away the afternoon dining while youngsters scamper outside in the sand. The cuisine is Southeast Asian – ranging from Indonesian satay to Malay curry and Thai stir-fry – and the buffet selection includes a special kids’ table, where children have a choice of dishes with less fire. There's also an adjacent play area, where they can rampage around with other like-minded small people! Big kids, meanwhile, can sit back and admire the Burj Al Arab while feasting on spring rolls, Thai noodles, nasi lemak and a choice of fresh and grilled seafood (best sampled early in the afternoon). If you like rich coconut curry with some zing, the Padang-style beef rendang shouldn't be missed. But it's not quite as spicy as the genuine item in Indonesia. For the herbivores, Beachcombers has several tangy vegetarian offerings too; the Thai vege curry the standout. To douse the flames after, there’s a gargantuan dessert station with self-serve ice-cream, tiramisu and fresh fruit, among other delights. All in all, a Friday afternoon here is a win-win situation for brunchers of all ages. Where: Jumeirah Beach Hotel Cost: Dh185 with soft drinks Phone: 04 406 8999

Traiteur

A chic retro setting and live jazz music sets the perfect mood at the French brasserie restaurant. Set on two levels and connected by a showpiece staircase, it definitely makes Friday brunch a glamorous affair. The buffet is a rich offering of chic appetizers, side-dishes, charcuterie, and live station with raw calamari, shrimp, and lamb. The buffet also has a separate section for French cheese notable for their strong aroma and particular taste. In typical French style, the cheese platter is served at the end of a meal. It's a nice way to soothe the tongue after the main course. There’s also an entire room dedicated to desserts; heavenly! From tarts to chocolate fondant, to live stations with crepe and creme brule. It's hard to pick a favourite. Traiteur also offers a stunning creek-side terrace, allowing you to take a break to sip your drink. Cost: Dh295 onwards Phone: 04 317 2222

Zuma

With its achingly cool interiors and world renowned menu, it's no surprise that this venue continues to attract a steady flow of punters despite penny pinching times. The Friday brunch includes Zuma classics as well as some new experiments. With rows of sashimi, sushi, seafood delights and a colourful medley of salads, it was truly a majestic affair. The robatayaki grill features tenderly grilled chicken yakitori and beef skewers. The main course, a selection of Zuma favourites, is ordered from the menu. With kids being able to eat for free, it's a great way to introduce the little ones to refined contemporary Japanese cuisine. Where: DIFC Gate Village Cost: Dh325 with soft drinks Phone: 04 425 5660

Yalumba

There's something about the Yalumba brunch. Maybe it's the extraordinary spread of seafood, salads, sushi, grills, roasts and casseroles, which never appear to diminish, or the Seventies and Eighties music that kicks in at a latter stage, transforming the restaurant into a dancefloor. Located a boomerang throw away from Le Meridien's lobby, Yalumba is typical of most modern restaurants you’ll find in Australia's major cities. Instead of "bangers on the barbie" type staples, expect Pacific Rim influences with an emphasis on seafood, grilled meats, Southeast Asian dishes and an eclectic range of salads. And don't expect any boxing kangaroos either, the decor’s smart and kitsch-free. One reason for Yalumba's popularity is the fact staff don’t shepherd you out immediately after the food-fest is over. Where: Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud Cost: Dh429 with all beverages Phone: 04 217 0000

Prego

You'll need to pack more than an empty stomach before heading out to this Italian gourmet wonderland. It requires time, determination and patience to crack the heady spread. Despite investing over two hours in the meal, we were forced to accept defeat by skipping some things due to lack of tummy space! The salad bar, dressed with subtle greens and exquisite seafood options, was the perfect kick-off point. A fine spread of the finest cheeses and a few classic Italian dishes decked the live kitchen counter, which was our next attack point. One corner for the meat-lovers offered a stunning variety of meat slices, while there was another that served the finest from the marine world. And If these weren’t enough, there’s the classic pizza and pasta dishes you can order a la carte. The biggest indulgence, however, was the extensive range of fine Italian desserts. This is the place to head for the perfect Italian brunch! Where: Media Rotana, DMC Cost: Dh199, including soft drinks Phone: 04 435 0250