Family-Friendly Brunches And Lunches To Try This March

Celebrate the start of spring with some delicious family dining!

Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with the number of new restaurant offerings in Hong Kong, so we’ve done our homework in order to make it easier for you to decide where to head in March. Whether you’re after a slap-up Indian feast, all-you-can-eat xiao long bao or just some Hong Kong street food classics (with a modern twist), we’ve rounded up a selection of family-friendly brunches and lunches to suit every taste.

Read more: Easy Peasy Pancake Recipes To Make With The Kids

The new bao brunch at Old Bailey (available on Saturdays and Sundays) will be a hit with any dumpling addicts out there. It includes all-you-can-eat xiao long bao, dim sum, wok dishes and rice and noodles (all served tableside). The xiao long bao choices include a herbal and a spicy Iberico pork dumpling, while the Gong Bao chicken and chilli prawns jump out from the wok-fried dishes. Veggies aren’t forgotten about either with vegetarian dumplings, poached seasonal organic greens and Shanghainese spring rolls among the many offerings.

Desserts include a chocolate chiffon cake and coconut milk red bean pudding. It costs $480 per person or $200 for children under the age of 10 (inclusive of free-flow non-alcoholic drinks and house-made kombucha). Add on an additional $220 per person for free-flow Perrier Jouët champagne, bloody marys, spritzes and wines.

Old Bailey, 2/F, JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2877 8711, info@oldbailey.hk, www.oldbailey.hk

*Editor’s note: This business has now closed.

A new weekend SMÖRGÅSBORD brunch has just been introduced at The Flying Elk. Chose from either three ($295 per person) or five tasting dishes ($395 per person), plus a main and dessert. With two hours of free-flow beer, wine and cocktails available for an additional $195. The tasting dishes include Gravlax, Chicken Liver Parfait and Shrimp Toast. While main course options feature the restaurant’s delicious fish and chips and veal schnitzel “björn frantzén.” The younger members of your party will also find something they like, with potato salad, scrambled eggs, chicken salad and a beef burger among the menu’s more popular items with kids.

Don’t forget about the “After Eight” and Swedish coffee & Tahiti vanilla crème brûlée desserts. We recommend you order a different dessert to your dining companion so you get to try both. You won’t be disappointed!

The Flying Elk, 2/F, Wyndham Mansion, 32 Wyndham Street (enter off Glenealy Street), Central, Hong Kong, 2898 3788, info@theflyingelk.hk, www.theflyingelk.com

If you’re after a colourful family-feast, head to Chaiwala’s new Holi Brunch Party, which takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. There’s a selection of Chaats served from an authentic Indian street food trolley, including Pani Puri (served with potato and channa) and Bhelpuri (a crunchy puffed rice salad with fresh mango and beetroot yoghurt). You’ll also be served dosas (a type of pancake) along with a choice of one item from the Tandoor grill and one curry dish per person (we’ve got our eye on the Old Delhi Butter Chicken). Those with dietary requirements are well catered for, with gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options available.

And in case you’ve still got room after all that, a selection of traditional Indian sweets and mints will be served. Plus there’s a pink candy floss cart (we’re sold!). It’s a great value option at $298 per person and you can always add on free-flow for an extra $180 (with a build your own G & T station!). For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, why not try the free-flow lassis for an extra $120 per person.

Chaiwala, Basement, 43-45 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2362 8988, info@chaiwala.hk, www.chaiwala.hk

If you’re looking for a different spot for your weekend lunch, we recommend Feather & Bone’s newest location on Shelley Street. It has a huge outdoor terrace (which is bound to be a hit once the hotter weather kicks in), so there’s plenty of space for the little ones. Along with a wide range of meat dishes (we recommend the hanger steak sandwich with truffle mayo for $148), there is a great choice of vegetarian options too. We love the look of the corn ribs with salted ricotta and chives ($88) and the roasted pumpkin with barrel-aged feta, maple and pomegranate ($158).

Don’t overlook its grab n’ go menu either, which consists of bacon and egg rolls, pain au chocolat, croissants and granola pots. Perfect if you need some sustenance before heading off on a family hike.

Feather & Bone, G/F, 38 Shelley Street, Mid-levels, Hong Kong, 2179 6211, www.featherandbone.com.hk

If you’re doing some weekend shopping with the family in Causeway Bay and need a pit stop, try out the newly opened Eat Darling Eat. It prides itself on giving traditional Hong Kong street snacks and desserts a modern makeover and is open from 11:30am on Saturdays and Sundays. We reckon its signature custard-filled pineapple buns will be especially popular.

Amidst all that sugar, there’s also a selection of savoury bites, including salt and pepper halloumi fries with hoisin and chilli sauce ($58) and sweet ‘n’ sour pork nachos ($58). Or if you fancy something bigger, choose from options like the duck and smoked potato cream ravioli ($78), or chicken tail claypot rice with crisped chicken skin ($98). 

Eat Darling Eat, Shop 17, G/F, 11-19 Great George Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 3188 8949, ede@mingfathouse.com, www.mingfathouse.com/ede

Pirata Group’s Peruvian Culinary Director, Chef Arturo Melendez, has been reworking the menu at Chifa. Several of his creations are now served during the restaurant’s brunch service, which is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 3pm. For $248 per person, you get a selection of dim sum dishes to share, plus one wok or grill dish per person.

It’s on the grill section where you’ll find the newest menu items. Try the Peru Ti-Pa-Kay, which is chicken breast with Peruvian tamarind sauce, cured pineapple and sesame seeds. Or the Cod Chuen Siu (an additional $40), which is a grilled cod skewer with coriander, sweetcorn and sweet potato. There’s also a chocolate brownie to share for dessert.

Chifa, G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2311 1815, info@chifa.hk, www.chifa.hk