Havana Bar & Grill – Sunday BBQ Brunch

Havana Bar & Grill Sunday BBQ Brunch

Words: Jason Anom
Photos: Monica Tindall

Havana Bar & Grill, a long-standing institution of Changkat Bukit Bintang, is known for their relaxed atmosphere and surroundings. Unsurprisingly, their newly launched Sunday BBQ Brunch (Adults -RM86+, Children -RM48+) reflects that very concept and commitment to a fuss-free, relaxed experience.

With its open outdoor terrace surrounded by foliage, the place is designed like a hidden courtyard garden amidst the gleaming residential towers of Bukit Ceylon. Add in the sunlight and breeze blowing in when the awnings are retracted, and whiling away a Sunday afternoon will feel second nature as you relax and unwind over a hearty barbeque brunch. “Like a summer barbeque,” to quote proprietor Dato’ Kenneth, and a very apt descriptor it is.

When Head Chef Arnold designed the concept for this barbeque lunch, casual comfort was the focus. With freshly sourced ingredients and delectable dishes, their wide selection is bound to have something for everyone, making you return to the buffet areas for seconds. Or maybe thirds. Who is counting?

Sunday BBQ Brunch Havana Bar & Grill

While the setting is inspired by a Cuban-style outdoor brunch, Head Chef Arnold takes in influences from British, Mediterranean and plant-based recipes. As you move from station to station, these influences speak for themselves, sampling the unique combinations and experimentation.

Salad Bar

Amidst the selection in the salad bad, the Chef’s special smoked salmon will definitely turn heads. This smoked salmon platter, consisting of beet-cured fish, is a balanced dish with hints of saltiness and smokiness of salmon paired with the natural sweet undertones of beetroot.

The grilled pumpkin saw generous chunks, nicely browned outside yet tender inside, resulting in a good roasted flavour. Likewise, the chickpeas are nicely done, with a bit of crunch for bite. And as basic as potatoes sound, add a sprinkle of dill and mustard seeds, and it works wonders.

Hot Station

Over by the hot station, the Latin influences come into themselves. The hearty Arroz Con Pollo will make you think of a nice paella. With richly spiced chunks of chicken and chickpeas, this rice dish works as a perfect main to start your hot station scoop.

Naturally, Havana Bar & Grill’s signature Scotch Eggs also appear in the hot station. Not many places serve a scotch egg, and here, it is highly satisfying with a hard-boiled egg wrapped in minced beef, all coated in a nicely breaded crust.

While the Chicken Bites, nice pieces of breaded chicken, and Croquettas are good to snack on alone or as side dishes, the Corned Beef Hash and Potatoes and Yorkshire Puddings balance the offerings.

Carvery

There’s lots to fill your plate here, but the star is the Roast Lamb. The nicely roasted, succulent leg of lamb is sliced to order. This is paired with refreshing mint salsa, a homage to the Cuban-inspired barbeque concept, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and lots of gravy.

Barbeque Station

We could not call this a Sunday BBQ Brunch without a barbeque station. So, as if to invite and entice you from the street into Havana’s secret courtyard, the grill is strategically placed by the entrance. Chunks of chicken and beef, their marinated goodness grilling and aromas wafting in the air beckon you as they sizzle over the flame.

Here, those chicken and beef chunks are sliced, diced, and made into chicken and beef tacos. Both are nicely spiced and balanced, with fresh greens softening the meat-heavy tacos, all juicy and delightful.

Dessert

The dessert station presents three sweet options: chocolate brownies, sticky toffee pudding and panna cotta. The chocolate brownies are an explosion of cocoa, with a nice texture and not too firm. The toffee pudding has a soft, almost light texture, with hints of salt and a drizzle of caramel. Lastly, the panna cotta is silky and creamy with a slight wobble.

Beverage Package

The Sunday BBQ Brunch has an option that includes one bottle of La Vielle Ferme (red, white or rose) for RM238+ per person. Alternatively, Havana Bar & Grill is having a special La Ville Ferme Rosé promotion (RM150 per bottle, RM32 per glass), or you can opt for their “Wine by the Glass,” with their selection of red, white and rosé (RM46 – RM48).

Sunday BBQ Brunch Review

The lovely outdoor leafy courtyard is a perfect setting for a lazy lunch, and Havana Bar & Grill has an impressive spread at great value. The smoked salmon is refreshing, the roast leg of lamb is succulent, and their signature Scotch egg hits the spot.

Not many places in town have an outdoor setting quite like this. If their price, with or without the bottle of wine per person, is not convincing enough, they are running a limited-time offer for the first 20 patrons each Sunday (RM198+, with one bottle of wine per person).

Reasons to visit Havana Bar & Grill: casual outdoor setting, value-for-money, uncomplicated option for Sunday lunch.

Havana Bar & Grill Sunday BBQ Brunch
Changkat Bukit Bintang
No 2 & 4, Lorong Sahabat
50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
@havana_kl
Sunday BBQ Brunch Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm

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