BRUNCH

from What's On Dubai - October 2022

DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE

THE ROAST BY BUBBALICIOUS

One of the city’s most renowned brunches launches a spin off. Can it compete?

It’s perhaps a testament to Mina’s Kitchen that – despite this Sunday brunch being the first of its kind – we know just from hearing the word ‘Bubbalicious’, that it’s something worth experiencing. Bubbalicious has become a household name in Dubai with a reputation of being one of the most fun and indulgent brunches in town. But perhaps the reason we’re drawn to such places – beyond the food or the popularity – is because of the memories that they evoke.

We arrive at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Resort with high expectations and empty stomachs for the inaugural seating of The Roast by Bubbalicious. Right from the entrance of the hotel, we are in awe. There’s a welcome drink on arrival and then it hits us: the nostalgiac smell of a roast dinner transports us back to our childhood. We are so busy admiring our perfectly decorated table that we don’t realise how quickly the restaurant is filling up around us. There isn’t an empty table in sight. Or an empty champagne flute. The ambience? Authentic and buzzing. The crowd? A good mix of groups and families. We make several rounds of the buffet just taking it all in before committing to picking up a plate. For starters, the chef had prepared delicious cuts of smoked salmon and smoked tuna. We pile up a plate of nibbles so we can try a little bit of everything, including prawn cocktail, oysters, scotch eggs, fresh bread, hummus, and cheese – oh the cheese...

Next up: the roast. Although, there are plenty of other options available, including a British ‘balti’ and fish & chips, it’s Sunday and what is a Sunday without a roast?

Lamb, chicken, beef, or cauliflower steak are carved to order, served with all the trimmings. The roast potatoes are cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside; the cauliflower leek cheese was a particular highlight, and tasted even better drenched with red wine gravy; the Yorkshire puddings were huge and a little overdone; but there was a great selection of veg, from roasted carrots to red cabbage (which went superbly with the lamb and mint sauce).

As well as a feel-good live music duo, there’s plenty here to keep children entertained throughout the afternoon. The kid’s corner features a clown that makes balloons, a slime corner, an arts and crafts table and face-painting. The kids even had their own little treats corner with chocolate fondue and a popcorn machine. Not to mention the children’s entertainer and magician that made his way round the restaurant to perform his lively juggling show. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Sundays, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 soft, Dhs450 house, Dhs595 free-flowing bubbly, Dhs200 kids aged 6 to 12, free for age 5 and under. Tel:(0)4 511 7373. @minaskitchen WHAT’S ON VERDICT If you’re looking for a familyfriendly brunch that ticks all the boxes, then look no further.