Pancakes, meet pandan. Asian American restaurants add their own spin to the weekend brunch
While “Asian brunch” may initially evoke images of traditional meals like Chinese dim sum, it’s become shorthand now for restaurants that offer Asian takes on American brunch
LOS GATOS, Calif. — With a DJ spinning and patrons lounging in black-and-gold barrel chairs, Breaking Dawn has clubbing vibes. But this isn't a club. It's weekend brunch at this restaurant nestled in a Bay Area suburb.
The stars of the show are the entrees served with Asian flair and names playing on popular phrases.
There's “Resting Brunch Face,” a green pandan waffle with fried chicken and Vietnamese iced coffee syrup. Also popular is “FO Sizzle,” beef with sunnyside-up egg, roasted tomato and a baguette — inspired by the Vietnamese dish known as shaking beef or bò lúc lắc.
The menu unites Asian and American taste buds. Owner Liz Truong designed it based on her daughter's favorite foods.
“I think food creates memories, food creates conversations,” said Truong, keeping watch over the bopping dining room and outdoor patio «So, I created a place where I took the most important foods in different cultures and that's why it's called fusion.”
While the term “Asian brunch” might initially evoke images of traditional meals like Chinese dim sum, now it often means restaurants that offer Asian takes on American brunch.
Breaking Dawn was one of two places that opened in the San Francisco Bay Area last spring emphasizing brunch. Although the region is already rich in Asian American-owned places serving comfort food, both eateries have lines out the door.
Asian American restaurants in other cities have also found that sweet and savory spot between breakfast and lunch. But putting an “Asian” spin on it isn't just adding something on the side. It's often a
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