Brunch : it’s all the rage across the world right now. But with so many restaurants now offering a brunch menu, it can be hard to define what makes a good brunch. Ingredient quality, service, opening hours, drinks, with so many variables, it’s often a challenge for restaurants to offer a quality brunch.
The ingredients for a good brunch
The requirements for a good brunch can be broken down into 3 sections : Food, service and drinks.
Food :
Brunch food should generally be light but satisfying. Think breakfast foods, elevated with some more complex techniques and ingredients. Eggs Benedict ? Ham and eggs with bearnaise sauce. A good brunch should also be a plentiful source of fruit, an essential ingredient for a healthy start to the day. The ingredients should of course be fresh, and of good quality.
Service :
Brunch should be easy to get to and from, and the experience should be a relaxing one. No one wants to wait for hours after a long weekend of partying, particularly in the morning when it can be a challenge to actually get out of bed. For the same reasons, location is essential for a good spot.
Drinks :
One of the main differences between brunch and late breakfast is the drinks. Brunch will generally include a few alcoholic drink options, like mimosas, peach melbas or Bloody Marys. Usually, the drinks are champagne/prosecco based and feature fruit as an easy way to enjoy a drink while supplying the body with much-needed nutrients.
Spots to visit
Now that we’ve established the guidelines for brunch, here’s a list of places to check out :
Au Parc :
Located right in-between the Independence Palace and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Au Parc has been serving a quality brunch since it opened in 2003. Focused on fresh, quality ingredients and home-made breads and pastries, it’s the ideal spot to recover from a long night out.
Opened in 2006, The Refinery has become an institution for French food in Saigon. Every Sunday, the chocolate fountain is brought out for the brunch service. Popular with children and grown-ups alike, they can also enjoy a quality brunch menu featuring classics like pancakes and eggs benedict, as well as fresh home-made breads and pastries. Located in a historic colonial building, it’s the perfect spot to soak in history and nutrients.
L’Usine :
With locations across the city, L’Usine is the ultimate easy choice for a good brunch. From D2 to D1 to D7, L’Usine serves a unique menu of Western-Vietnamese fusion, with a focus on brunch. Many of the locations double as shops and galleries, allowing you to unwind and enjoy a quality brunch.
