Photo by Pawel Czerwinski.
GAT, Calif. — In the vibrant atmosphere of Breaking Dawn, a suburban restaurant in the Bay Area, weekend brunch takes on a unique twist with Asian-inspired dishes that blend cultural flavors and creativity. The establishment, which opened last spring, is one of two new venues in the San Francisco Bay Area focusing on brunch with an Asian flair.
Owner Liz Truong, inspired by her daughter’s favorite meals, designed a menu that combines Asian and American flavors. “I believe food creates memories and fosters conversations,” Truong stated, as she managed the bustling dining area. The menu features cleverly named dishes such as “Resting Brunch Face,” a green pandan waffle topped with fried chicken and drizzled with Vietnamese iced coffee syrup, and “FO Sizzle,” a dish of beef served with a sunny-side-up egg, roasted tomatoes, and a baguette[2][5][7].
The concept of ‘Asian brunch’ has evolved beyond traditional meals like Chinese dim sum to include innovative takes on American brunch staples. This trend is not limited to the Bay Area; Asian American dining spots across the country are embracing this fusion, offering unique flavor combinations that challenge conventional brunch norms.
In San Mateo, Taste and Glory, owned by Phin Lersuk and her spouse Thanas ‘T’ Nasitsira, draws inspiration from their travels to Thailand. Their menu includes dishes like Thai tea French toast and a popular yum scramble, which features tom yum soup as a sauce for a croissant sandwich filled with eggs, Dungeness crab, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese. “I just want to create something new and different,” Lersuk said in response to any criticism of her inventive ingredient pairings[2][5][7].
Chef Francis Ang, who operates Abacá in San Francisco, has been a part of the brunch scene since 2021. His menu includes an appetizer tower with buttered pandesal, lumpia, and wagyu beef salad. “We consider seasonality, what people enjoy, and we also incorporate Filipino American influences,” Ang explained, highlighting the thoughtful approach to his brunch offerings[2][5][7].
Jessica Nguyen, a patron at Breaking Dawn, expressed her enthusiasm for the Asian brunch experience, noting her willingness to pay a premium for the unique dishes and vibrant atmosphere. “When I visit Asian brunch ‘fusion’ spots that are gaining popularity, I feel excited to see how they prepare the dishes and blend the flavors,” Nguyen shared[2][5][7].
The trend of Asian-inspired brunch reflects a broader shift in dining culture, where chefs are reinterpreting traditional meals and expanding the understanding of what constitutes a suitable brunch. As noted by Manalansan, editor of the book Eating Asian America, this evolution in brunch culture is about more than just the food; it’s about redefining culinary norms and embracing diverse flavors[2][5][7].
Citations:
[1] https://asianfestivalonmain.com
[2] https://apnews.com/article/asian-american-weekend-brunch-d302ce583d4f0efc043f3b76a9e5107a
[3] https://www.aaja24.org
[4] https://www.apcf.org/apcf-events
[5] https://kdhnews.com/news/nation/pancakes-meet-pandan-asian-american-restaurants-add-their-own-spin-to-the-weekend-brunch/article_938107ad-51cd-552a-8ee4-220797628ae5.html
[6] https://www.courant.com/2024/08/29/pancakes-meet-pandan-asian-american-restaurants-add-their-own-spin-to-the-weekend-brunch-2/
[7] https://www.kget.com/news/business/ap-business/ap-pancakes-meet-pandan-asian-american-restaurants-add-their-own-spin-to-the-weekend-brunch/
In a significant shake-up for the reality television landscape, Bravo announced on November 26, 2024, that "Vanderpump Rules" will return for its 12th season with an entirely new cast, retaining only its namesake, Lisa Vanderpump. This decision marks a return to the...
In a poignant ceremony held on November 17, 2024, at the annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles, the late Quincy Jones was posthumously awarded an honorary Oscar. The event celebrated not only Jones but also notable figures in the film industry, including Bond...
Pop megastar Taylor Swift and South African artist Tyla were the standout winners at the MTV Europe Music Awards held on November 10, 2024, in Manchester, England. Swift secured four awards, including Best Artist and Best Video for her collaboration with Post Malone...
The creator of the global sensation "Squid Game," Hwang Dong-hyuk, has unveiled exciting details about the upcoming second season during a promotional event in Lucca. He emphasized that the new season will feature a larger cast and more intriguing challenges than its...
This Halloween, residents of the Northeast are set to experience unseasonably warm temperatures, with many cities likely to break historical records. In New York City, temperatures are forecasted to reach 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 degrees Celsius), while Boston is...
OCEAN CITY, New Jersey — Gillian's Wonderland Pier, a cherished amusement park that has been a staple of the Ocean City boardwalk for nearly a century, officially closed its doors for good on Sunday, October 13, 2024. This closing marks the end of an era for many...
On October 1, 2024, Kate McKinnon, renowned for her role as "Weird Barbie," launched her debut children's book titled The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science. This middle-grade novel, which McKinnon began conceptualizing a decade ago,...
In a striking showcase during Paris Fashion Week, Saint Laurent's creative director Anthony Vaccarello presented a bold collection for Spring-Summer 2025, emphasizing masculine silhouettes and a blend of utilitarian elements. The show took place on September 24, 2024,...