In a suburb of the Bay Area, Breaking Dawn offers brunch with a club-like atmosphere, featuring Asian-inspired dishes with creative names. Owned by Liz Truong, the menu is a fusion of Asian and American flavors, designed based on her daughter’s favorite foods to create a place that celebrates different culinary cultures.
Asian American-owned restaurants in various cities are increasingly putting a unique spin on brunch by offering creative dishes that balance sweet and savory flavors. The term “Asian brunch” now often refers to restaurants that provide Asian interpretations of traditional American brunch items.
At Taste and Glory in San Mateo, owned by Nattacha “Phin” Lerspreuk and Thanasit “Toto” Nanthasitsira, customers can enjoy dishes like a tom yum scramble, blending Thai flavors with classic brunch ingredients. The innovative mash-ups of flavors aim to offer something new and different to diners.
Chef Francis Ang of San Francisco’s Abacá has been infusing Filipino influences into his brunch offerings, such as an appetizer tower featuring Filipino classics like lumpia and buttered pandesal. He emphasizes seasonality and Filipino American influences in creating his menu.
Asian brunch spots are gaining popularity among diners like Jessica Nguyen, who appreciates the unique food combinations and vibrant ambiance these restaurants offer. The trend of Asian-inspired brunch reflects a contemporary dining scene that enjoys indulging in decadent breakfast dishes with a twist.
According to Martin Manalansan, co-editor of “Eating Asian America,” brunch has become mainstream, with Asian American chefs reimagining traditional dishes to cater to evolving culinary preferences. This shift in food culture marks a departure from historical stereotypes of Asian cuisine.
Eric Silverstein, founder of The Peached Tortilla restaurants in Austin, Texas, offers a diverse brunch menu inspired by his multicultural background. Silverstein emphasizes the importance of creativity in menu development while maintaining a balance to appeal to a wide customer base. He advises restaurant owners to diversify their offerings beyond brunch to sustain their business.
Breaking Dawn, with its dual concept restaurant approach alongside First Born, aims to set a culinary legacy and support other Asian brunch establishments. Truong welcomes collaboration and sees the success of fellow Asian brunch spots as a shared achievement within the culinary community.
