The Brunch Society has all the makings of a cool hangout. It’s in the heart of downtown, inside the new Sule Plaza attached to Shangri-La Hotel. The name suggests a friendly, clubby feel. And they make spicy chicken waffles.
Sule Plaza, shaped from the bones of an old colonial building attached to the fire station, has emerged from the dust of construction over the past few weeks. The renovation’s a little kitschy – the logo recalls Disneyland – but just about fits. When it’s finished, it’ll be filled with shops, restaurants and a supermarket.
Late last month, the Brunch Society became the first to open its doors – and, until Friday, is offering an introductory 30 per cent discount on food and 50 per cent on cocktails.
Stepping in on a recent afternoon, Coconuts Yangon found the place a cool, quiet retreat from the sweltering downtown heat. The interior is chic and uncluttered, with a tiled floor and both diner-style seating and elegant wooden chairs. Low lights hang overhead, and there’s a mezzanine level ideal for happy hour.
But brunch is the thing, so we ordered a breakfast sandwich and the waffles.
The latter dish isn’t easily pulled off. But it should do two things: the chicken should be exceptionally crispy and honeyed glaze generously poured over the top. The Brunch Society version could use a few tweaks. The waffles (K11,000) were dry – a drizzle of sweet sauce on the side – and the meat flabby and under spiced. Sprinkle hazelnuts were a classy touch, though.
The breakfast sandwich (K11,000) was much better: a feast of beef, bacon, egg and bread smothered in fried mushrooms. Accompanying fries were crispy outside, soft inside.
We finished with a chocolate ganache tart that came served with a generous dollop of soft vanilla ice-cream. Very moreish, though the chocolate could have been softer and much richer.
The Brunch Society occupies some of Yangon’s most prime real estate. The owners have done well to craft such a polished space. Now the menu could use a few finishing touches.
The Brunch Society can be found at Sule Plaza, next to the Shangri-La Hotel at #143 Sule Pagoda Road.
