Brunch at the Burj Al Arab
It wasn’t hard to pick a venue for celebrating my first birthday in Dubai – having never been past the security gates of the Burj Al Arab on past visits, the Friday brunch offering seemed like an obvious choice. I’ve only been to a handful of Dubai brunches in the past – it’s not the cheapest pastime and not really money well spent for a fussy vegetarian. That said, I don’t quite roll my eyes at the sight of a chocolate fountain and if you can’t do something a little extra for your thirtieth then when can you?
The interior of the Burj Al Arab is like stepping back in time to a late 80s / early 90s decadence. I have to say, I liked the jazzy carpets, the bright colours and the unashamedly OTT feel of it all. We are, after all, in Dubai and “understated” hasn’t quite entered the lexicon.
My mother and I had a booking at midday (the brunching widow is 10am – 2pm) as she had arrived that morning on an overnight flight from rainy London. This felt very much like a “special occasion” type brunch – mine was not the only birthday being celebrated – so be sure to book well in advance as the restaurant isn’t enormous. Payment is required a couple of weeks beforehand – not unusual here and it does make it easier on the day.
After marvelling at the view from the lift, we were greeted, shown to our table and I might have not been able to resist mentioning that it was my birthday. The Burj Al Arab’s brunch offering is a buffet-type set up, it’s not as huge as other brunches so you don’t spend a large amount of time away from the table choosing food and the selection isn’t too overwhelming (which always results in me making bad choices and then being too full to enjoy the good stuff).
There’s a range of seafood and salads to start, sushi, dim sum and hot mains, a dessert table, a cheese table and, of course, the obligatory chocolate fountain. The setting and the views are really the main course here – we sat at the window with a view over the Palm and straight out to sea. I sometimes forget how, in it’s own way, Dubai is beautiful and being up on the 27th floor of a 7-star hotel was a nice reminder.
Views and food aside, the best part of my brunch (the day before I was to turn 30) was getting offered a glass of champagne and then being ID-ed – I don’t know who out of my mother and I were more delighted by this. Oh, and I got a birthday cake with a candle brought to our table which the restaurant kindly let us take away (so, breakfast for the rest of the week sorted…).
Friday Brunch at Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab
Prices and booking info here
That looks like one fancy brunch! Sounds like a really lovely way to spend a birthday.
Happy Birthday! Sounds like you had a great time, I've never been in burj al arab, but it is on my bucket list! I went past it and took some instagram photos when I went on holiday to Dubai though haha!Aleeha xXxhttp://www.halesaaw.co.uk/PS: holding a giveaway if you want to enter
Looks like a lovely way to celebrate- and how lovely that your mum could join you too.
Ahh such a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday! Love the cake. So nice to spend it with your mum too.
Wow, IDed at 29? Not bad (although not surprising at all – you look very young!). I was once IDed buying one of those 2 for £10 meal deals in M&S where you get a bottle of wine. However, I think this because of the over-eager newbie to the sales team who served me. Unfortunately for me, I don't have any ID as I don't drive and therefore had to think of something else for dinner.
Aw looks like a lovely brunch!! Also happy belated birthday – hope you had a fabulous time! x
Looks like a lovely way to celebrate- and how lovely that your mum could join you too.
Happy Birthday! Sounds like you had a great time, I've never been in burj al arab, but it is on my bucket list! I went past it and took some instagram photos when I went on holiday to Dubai though haha!
Aleeha xXx
http://www.halesaaw.co.uk/
PS: holding a giveaway if you want to enter
Ahh such a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday! Love the cake. So nice to spend it with your mum too.
That looks like one fancy brunch! Sounds like a really lovely way to spend a birthday.
Aw looks like a lovely brunch!! Also happy belated birthday – hope you had a fabulous time! x
Wow, IDed at 29? Not bad (although not surprising at all – you look very young!). I was once IDed buying one of those 2 for £10 meal deals in M&S where you get a bottle of wine. However, I think this because of the over-eager newbie to the sales team who served me. Unfortunately for me, I don't have any ID as I don't drive and therefore had to think of something else for dinner.