I LOVE EUROPE and take every opportunity to visit. The people, the culture, the shopping, the scenery, the food. Ah, the food… except breakfast. After a week, even in top hotels, I can’t stand it
the thought of another croissant, salami, omelette or pancake. My Asian self craves a contrast to Western breakfasts, which can sometimes feel a little monotonous.
The problem is that Asian food in hotels across Europe and America is rather dismal. In Asia, however, you can easily find perfectly prepared Western classics like eggs Benedict and waffles, as well as delicious, unique local cuisine.
Take the quiet luxury Capella Bangkokwhich offers more than 30 dishes to order in addition to an already decent buffet. Remember Unagi Benedict with Onsen egg over grilled eel and oOi Rice balls, Korean beef rib soup with rice and kimchi or Thai muh ping khao niaw (grilled pork skewers with sticky rice). Eaten on the terrace by the Chao Praya River, there is hardly a better way to start the day.
Everywhere in the city, in the Park Hyatt BangkokThere are more than 20 à la carte dishes to choose from. These include Taiwanese beef noodle soup, oriental specialties such as full medalsa fava bean stew and Khao Tom Pla Sea bass and rice. Imagine such a selection in a European hotel!
Like its counterpart in Bangkok, Capella Singapore makes a decent spread. A must is the addictive flaky Paratha Bread with chicken curry and fragrant seafood laksa Noodles, rinsed with fresh coconut. In the meantime, Rise at Marina Bay Sands has the mother of all buffets. You can eat your fill in the noodle, dim sum, Japanese, Indian and Malay sections (get the Thai Food rice) and cover it almost halfway.
The Regent Hong Kong The buffet also leaves nothing to be desired. There are plenty of Chinese dishes, from fried dumplings and turnip cakes to satay noodle soup with beef and steamed chicken – and that’s not even the rest of the cuisine.
In South Korea, the Jeju Brunch Royale at JW Marriott Jeju is ideal for late starters and starts at a civilized 10:30 a.m. Even better: you get caviar and champagne galore, as well as freshly prepared main courses with local produce in addition to a generous buffet.
I have also experienced unforgettable breakfasts in many smaller hotels and resorts in Asia, where quality and not quantity are the main focus. The rustic-luxurious Song Saa In Cambodia they have great scrambled eggs with truffle flavor, but I prefer the Seafood Bor BorRice porridge spiced up with pickled vegetables, spring onions and a generous handful of fresh herbs.
In Sri Lanka Fort Bazaar in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Galle serves excellent egg hoppers, which are like crispy, bowl-shaped savory pancakes, only better. Try yours with cashew and green pea curry and some Samboland you are ready for the day.
On the island of Phuket V Villas complements its buffet with tempting Thai dishes that are prepared to order. My favorites: pad siew Wok fried rice noodles with shrimps and Kai Jeaw Omelette with a side dish of fried morning glory to stimulate the taste buds.
For the wow factor, Bvlgari Resort Balihigh on a cliff with the surf crashing below is hard to beat. Here I may be yearning for a taste of Europe and order the Italian breakfast of sweet treats and a toast with ham and fontina cheese. It is truly delicious, although perhaps not something you should eat every day. Which is probably the secret of the best hotel experiences, breakfast or otherwise: unusual indulgence.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT CAPELLA BANGKOK THROUGH AGODA.COM
BOOK YOUR STAY AT BVLGARI RESORT BALI THROUGH BOOKING.COM
Lede and hero image courtesy of Bvlgari Resort Bali.
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Written by
Kee Foong
Born in Malaysia, raised and educated in Australia and living in Hong Kong, Kee Foong had the privilege ..Read more
