As the famous saying goes, one should eat breakfast “like a king” because the meal gives you a kick-start for the day. Here are five hotels that take that saying seriously and go beyond the typical breakfast buffet to bring you something exquisite at the break of dawn:
The Peninsula, Hong Kong
Perched by Victoria Harbour, this is one of Hong Kong’s most legendary hotels for its heritage and luxurious offerings. Its guest rooms have recently gone through renovation to incorporate state-of-the-art technology (see story here) but the colonial ambiance of the property remains.
Where and when is breakfast served: The Lobby from 0700 until 1100.
Format: The Lobby only serves an a la carte breakfast while The Verandah caters to guests who prefer the buffet structure.
Most unique breakfast item: Homemade lobster truffle sausage served with sautéed spinach and mashed potatoes, which is found on the a la carte menu.
Other standout items: Wagyu beef breakfast burger with caramelized onions, truffles, melted Camembert and herb butter in a sourdough boule.
The Strings Tokyo by InterContinental, Tokyo
This hotel is located in the heart of one of Tokyo’s main business districts, Shinagawa, connected to a hub train station by a sheltered walkway.
Where and when is breakfast served: The Dining Room between 0630 and 1130.
Format: Breakfast is served in the standard buffet format.
Most unique breakfast item: Custom-made omlettes whipped up by a Japanese chef who uses chopsticks, instead of a fork or whisk. The real selling point of these omlettes is in the choice of ingredients offered, which include minced Wagyu beef, black truffle and red caviar. Furthermore, to further localise the omlette, guests can choose a slightly sweetened Japanese mix.
Other standout items: Healthy Japanese items are served in the buffet as well, such as miso soup or onsen tomago (slow boiled egg).
Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai
Located in the stylish Worli district of South Mumbai, this hotel serves as an oasis in the cacophonous city with breathtaking views of the city.
Where and when is breakfast served: Café Prato and Bar from 0630 until 1100
Format: Guests can choose items from the buffet or the special a la carte breakfast menu.
Most unique breakfast item: Eggs A La Bombay – a localised twist to the eggs Benedict. For this dish, the muffins are replaced with idlis (steamed rice cakes), topped off with sambar masala (curry) and coriander Hollandaise.
Other standout items: Tofu scrambled with spinach, mushrooms, bellpeppers and cheddar cheese or the spinach and feta cheese waffles.
Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
This hotel, housed within the former mansion of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew Prince Roland Bonaparte, is quintessentially Parisian with the Shangri-La’s signature Asian touch.
Where and when is breakfast served: La Bauhinia from 0630 until 1100.
Format: This hotel only serves breakfast in a la carte format.
Most unique breakfast item: Thai sausages flavoured with lemongrass
Other standout items: The extensive menu also serves Chinese dishes to cater to Asian guests, such as a selection of dim sum. The eggs Benedict with black truffle is also another highlight.
W Hotel, Taipei
The W Taipei, known for its funky style, is located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Xinyi district.
Where and when is breakfast served: At the Kitchen Table from 0630 until 1000.
Format: The Kitchen Table has revolutionised the breakfast structure; while it offers both buffet and a la carte options, it also has a unique "pass-around ritual" where chefs will come around to guests’ tables with their most recent creations.
Most unique breakfast item: Ricotta pancake with bacon, grilled banana or maple syrup.
Other standout items: Usually, the most delectable items appear as part of the pass-around ritual, which can be anything from zucchini tart to baked yogurt with pistachio.
Alisha Haridasani
