REVIEW: AL QASR BRUNCH, DUBAI

Todays post is all about a must-try brunch in Dubai.

My mum got a taste for brunch when she last came to Doha - we did the Oktoberfest brunch at the Grand Hyatt hotel and before the end of the day she was involved in a conga line weaving its way around the restaurant, and dancing on the table along with the rest of the brunch goers to the rhythm of the German band. Needless to say, she enjoyed her first Middle Eastern brunch experience!

Knowing I was due to join her and her friend Jenny in Dubai, I was tasked with booking a brunch for the three of us. Originally we were going to book into the Atlantis hotel brunch at Saffron, but having remembered how rowdy it was, with a real 18-30s vibe (ideal for my 26th birthday last year, but not the atmosphere we were after this time around) and hearing that Matt didn't really rate the food when he went, we opted instead for his recommendation of the Al Qasr brunch. Situated at Madinat Jumeriah, the Al Qasr hotel is stunning even from the approach.

Super friendly staff greet you upon arrival. I also want to point out just how helpful the hotel were - I had emailed them in advance to ask if they would mind us storing our luggage whilst we attended the brunch, despite us not being guests at the hotel, as we were due to head to the airport later that day. Viktoria at the Concierge sent me a speedy reply and couldn't be happier to assist with our request. Unfortunately, the cases were stored in their outdoor luggage area (under shade) and the Cadburys Creme Eggs that my mum had searched high and low for in England after Easter and brought all the way over for me sadly melted in my suitcase! A small price to pay for a fabulous brunch, however.

The brunch goers gather early - even when we arrived at midday, 30 minutes early, there was already a big crowd emerging in the lobby, peering over the balcony to catch a glimpse of what awaited us downstairs.

Finally, we were taken to our table, situated on the shaded terrace of MJ's Steakhouse. The shade from the roof and the light breeze from the fans did little to cool us down - the Middle East is HOT in May!! - but we didn't let this get to us, as being outside was the prime location. We took a little wander, drinking in the amazing view of the hotel grounds, and out to the striking Burj Al Arab hotel.

Below, boats meander along a beautiful river that weaves amongst the palm trees. By this point, you kiiiinda want to be down there, sailing along in the sunshine...

...but up top, brunch awaits! I thought I had seen it all at the Saffron brunch, but the Al Qasr brunch far outshines it. 

Grab a Malibu-filled coconut from the boat, and sip it as you browse the amazing food on display. 

There is every type of food you could possibly fancy - sushi, pasta, Indian, Chinese, kebabs, roast dinner, salads, paella, fish and chips, and a whole room dedicated to pork products! For me, the very best part was the dessert - there was so much of it! Pancakes, macarons, doughnuts, cheesecake, torte, a chocolate fountain, and even a machine dispensing hot chocolate...a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. I must confess to having more than one plate of dessert. Okay, more than two plates of dessert...

PRICES

Moet Brunch - 695 AED / Bubbly&Cocktail Brunch - 575 AED /Non Alcoholic Brunch - 495 AED

The Al Qasr brunch is definitely the priciest brunch I have been to at over 100GBP per person to include bubbles and cocktails, but the selection and quality of food plus the stunning location and buzzing atmosphere completely justifies this price.

If you are ever in Dubai, definitely book yourselves in to Al Qasr. It is a fantastic brunch and I highly recommend it. 

I can't wait to get back to Dubai to do it all over again!