From The Straits Times    |
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If your tastebuds are craving something other than maple-syrup laden waffles and gourmet coffee when the weekend rolls around (or whenever you have a day off to indulge), see our tried-and-tested list of alternative places to feast at. From decadent dim sum with a twist to boozy burger-filled brunches, there’s something for everyone!

 

 

If you’re taking your family to dim sum

Sundays were always family dim sum day for me growing up, so I still find myself craving delicious char siu bao when the weekend rolls around. Recently the herworldPLUS team had the privilege of sampling Mitzo’s epic new Spring dim sum menu and we have to say, we’ve never experienced dim sum quite like this. The Cantonese restaurant and bar reinvents traditional dim sum with smoking siew mai and xiao long bao in teapots! 

 

We recommend ordering menu 1 if you want to sample the floral dim sum platter, and menu 2 if you’re in the mood for something heavier like the crab meat poached noodles. We’re also a huge fan of the fact that their supper menu runs until 1am, so if you don’t fancy brunch, you can always head down for cocktails and dim sum in the wee hours of the morning! Oh, and one more tip, make sure to order the melt-in-your-mouth char siu pork as a side dish, (Mitzo special barbeque pork) it’s heavenly! 

The special menu is available until June 30, 2016, Ode to Spring menu 1, $78++ pp, or $108++ pp including two paired cocktails per person. Menu 2 is $98++ pp and $128++ inclusive of two cocktails per person. More details here.

If you have a major appetite

Come with an Olympian appetite and experience a serious brunch at ParkRoyal on Pickering’s ‘Super Lunch Sunday’ at Lime. Set in the otherworldly settings of ParkRoyal on Pickering’s iconic facade (think wood-carved mushroom sculptures, water features everywhere and awe-inspiring whimsical interiors) the aptly named “super lunch” is like having brunch at Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. It’s hard to know where to begin and end as the choices and options are so varied, but my favourite picks were the freshly squeezed juice bar where you can order endless ABC (Apple, beetroot, carrot) juice shots to make yourself feel better about being gluttonous! 

 

Another highlight was the eggs benedict served up with pretty edible flowers and made fresh to order, which we loved! End off with coffee and tea whipped up by the in-house baristas to help you digest everything when the food coma hits. 

 

12.30-4.30pm every Sunday (bar Mother’s and Father’s Day weekends), $78++. More details and reservations here.

 

If you’re craving comfort food

Kai Garden’s “family favourites” menu is a must-try on those days when you want comfort home food (but can’t be bothered to cook). From the braised chicken with flower crab ($48 for half) in a sweet, comforting sauce to the stone point garoupa with spring onions ($38) the relatively new restaurant is winning over our stomachs when it comes to delicious, freshly-made Cantonese cuisine. Chef Fung is renowned for having celebrity clientele (Jay Chou amongst them) so his standards are high. The setting is elegant and perfect for a long lunch with your loved ones. Don’t leave without ordering the grilled pork ribs caramelised in the chef’s secret honey pepper glaze! 

Image: Kai Garden, chicken and flower crab

If you fancy dim sum, this is definitely a must-go too. We sampled their charcoal xiao long bao (an amazing hybrid) and liu sha bao when we were there and they definitely got our stamp of approval. 

Lunch opening hours: 11.30am -3.30pm Mon-Fri (last order 2.30pm); Sat, Sun & PH 11am-4pm (last order 3.30pm). See more details here. 

If you’re dreaming of Bangkok’s street food

Long Chim is a must-go if you’re a fan of authentic Thai cuisine. The one-year-old restaurant located in MBS recently started service for lunch and we highly recommend its delicious dishes! The dishes tend to veer on the spicy side, so take note of the chilli “warning signs” given on the menu. Our picks for sharing would be the chicken and wild ginger noodles for something fresh; tom yam soup with snapper for a twist on a classic; and the green beef curry with roti. Chef and owner David Thompson’s attention to detail is shown in the stunning decor and exquisite flavours. 

 

If you were to come for dessert alone, it would be far from a wasted trip! We were blown away by the mouth-wateringly delicious banana roti and coconut cake, which reminded me of my mum’s tapioca cake. The Thai iced tea and kopi are also well worth a taste. Dishes range from $18 to 35 each and are perfect for sharing. The weekend brunch menu is $60++ per person including an alcohol beverage. 

 

Lunch opening hours: 11.30am -2.30pm Mon-Fri; 12-4pm Sat, Sun. See here for more details and reservations.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly option

Meat-lovers should head over to Dallas if they’re looking for more than your average smoked salmon bagel come brunch-time. Owned by the same man behind The Rotisserie chain (the best chicken in Singapore, hands-down), Dallas at Suntec City’s Sky Garden is one of our favourite hangouts come brunch and sundown. Its meat platter is only available at this branch, not the Boat Quay one, and it’s worth bringing any carnivores down for a brunch to remember. Featuring lamb, ribs, Rotisserie chicken and prime rib steak as well as roast potatoes and salad, this is a meat platter for kings! At only $70 for two people ($130 for four) it’s worth every cent, and if you bring kiddies along under 12 years old during the weekend, they get free meals when you order a main!

Image: Dallas, meat platter for two

If you’re in the mood for all-you-can-eat meat, this is definitely your go-to alternative brunch spot. They have a free-flow prime rib steak promotion on weekends for $35 per person. For sharing dishes, we love their snapper fish tacos and chargrilled corn!

For more traditional brunch recommendations, see here.