Brunch of the Month: Saturday Karaoke Brunch at XU Restaurant

If there's one thing Dubai diners can't get enough of, it's upmarket Chinese cuisine. From Demon Duck and MOLI by SHI to Mott 32 and Tàn Chá, the city's culinary scene is brimming with delightful dim sum and Peking duck. Enter XU Restaurant, the latest addition to this delicious trend, offering an unforgettable Saturday Karaoke Brunch.

Located on the second floor of the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, XU Restaurant immediately impresses with its traditional Cantonese colors. The space is adorned with rich red hues, gold accents, and bamboo details, creating an inviting and elegant atmosphere. Red woven chairs and marble-textured tables add to the charm, while mirrored ceilings and turquoise touches enhance the overall aesthetic.

We were seated in the heart of the restaurant, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the bar and the open kitchen, where chefs busily prepared dishes to the beats of a live DJ. The brunch began with Tiankong, a refreshing virgin cocktail made with pineapple and ginger, garnished with edible flowers and fall leaves. This visually stunning drink set the tone for the culinary delights to come.

As the crowd filled the restaurant, proving its popularity since opening in November 2023, our appetizers arrived. The Spicy Cucumber with Peanut Sauce, though milder than expected, offered a creamy and crunchy start. The Oriental Salad, bursting with authentic flavors, tanginess, and a fresh crunch, was devoured in seconds. The Salt and Pepper Squid was hot, tender, and perfectly seasoned. Surprisingly, the Radish Cakes stole the show with their soft, flavorful, and golden-brown perfection. The freshly made Spring Rolls were another hit, showcasing XU Restaurant's mastery of both simple and complex dishes.

Next up was the Chef’s Selection of Dim Sums, featuring generously stuffed Chicken & Prawn Shumai and Prawn Har Gow, both of which disappeared from the table almost instantly. The sweet and spicy Chicken Bao offered a delightful kick of flavor, but the standout was undoubtedly the Black Pepper Wagyu Beef Puff. Shaped like a cute caterpillar with a sesame seed base and flaky golden top, it delivered a winning combination of flavor and texture.

For the main course, the Sweet and Sour Chicken stood out with its tangy crunch, though slightly on the sweeter side. The flaky Sea Bream with Yellow Bean sauce and vermicelli, with its smoky hints, was another winner. However, it was the Black Pepper Beef, marinated to perfection, that truly wowed us with its deep, permeating flavor.

Desserts included three sorbet flavors as palate cleansers, followed by the nostalgic Black Sesame Sorbet with layers of flaky goodness, reminiscent of childhood ice cream trucks.

The lively and fun atmosphere at XU Restaurant was complemented by the enthusiastic participation in karaoke. The warm and welcoming staff not only provided excellent service and dish knowledge but also joined in the karaoke fun, encouraging guests to do the same.

RIKAS Hospitality Group has elevated Cantonese cuisine into an innovative, high-end brunch with a karaoke twist. Available on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm, the brunch is priced at AED 295 (soft beverages), AED 425 (house beverages), and AED 525 (premium beverages).

For more information, visit XU Restaurant.

Experience the vibrant Saturday Karaoke Brunch at XU Restaurant, where delicious modern Chinese cuisine meets lively entertainment. Don’t miss out on this unique dining experience in Dubai!