Dining Out in Dubai: Karma Kafe’s Foodie Brunch

When we got an invitation to the launch of the Karma Karvery brunch, something piqued my interest. We both go gaga for really good Asian food and the Asian fusion foodie carvery brunch sounded different from the typical Dubai brunch fare. Plus we were wondering what made them feel bold enough to pitch a brunch specifically for the epicurean food lover.

Dining Out in Dubai: Karma Kafe’s Foodie Brunch

With dates saved, we responded in the affirmative. It would be Chef, Steward and Apprentice in attendance. Their communications director, Karin, was swift to reply and accommodate bubs- for whom they were willing to arrange a high chair. We later discovered that they usually do not have such young patrons but then again, this was their first time doing a brunch.   Bubs got to sit outdoors so he was a happy camper and as a result, we got a chance to really tuck in and pay attention to what we were eating.

There is something about a mimosa that makes brunch extra special. Or is it just a totally girly thing?  Chef opted for spring water. Good for him. This girl was bent on having fun.

WHAT WE LOVED:

The absence of a buffet line. This a la carte brunch presents regular plated dishes and some items from the carvery for three hours of all you can eat magic.

The food stays fresh and comes nicely plated to the table on separate plates instead of the normal brunch hodgepodge.

THE DIVERSE MENU:

If you love raw fish and seafood, there is sushi, tartare and ceviche, celebrating raw fish from flavours across the world. The Asian fusion dishes hinted of Group Executive Chef Mark Molnar’s impressive culinary background. The flavours were light on the palate and totally moreish.

Part of the group that operates Q43, Solutions Leisure brought on the Hungarian chef to revamp the culinary direction of Karma Kafé restaurant and lounge in Dubai in September 2011. His efforts have not gone unnoticed as the restaurant won the award for “Dubai’s Best Pan Asian Restaurant” in 2013.  We will be featuring him for our Head Chef Series soon.

THE EXPERIENCE:

You can design your own brunch experience. We opted for small plates so that we could get a more general feel of the menu and shared them.

Portions are healthy (as in not huge) so you get just enough to really savour a dish but not enough to make you feel like you have been hit by a Mack truck by the time you are ready to leave.

THE AMBIANCE:

It is the brunch you take your visitors to.  Perfectly located on their large balcony overlooking the dancing fountain of Dubai Mall and with up-close views of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, visitors get to make many stops in one trip.

This organic tomato salad was simply sensational. So much so we odered it twice. Classic Japanese flavours and uber sweet and succulent cherry tomatoes make for a very happy marriage of flavours.

The sweet mayo drenched shrimp tempura is one of the highlights. In fact we absolutely loved everything because they all stood out. The only exception is the beef gyoza, which was OK.

Hands down, the best brunch experience we have both had in a long time. The brunch will keep running but takes a pause during Ramadan. For the brunch package with soft drinks it’s AED 295 per person and with prosecco, mimosa, wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks it’s AED 395 per person. Bookings can be made via info@karma-kafe.com or 04 423 0909