The newly launched Sunday afternoon brunch blends bold Indian and Southeast Asian flavours
Having indulged in Sontaya Abu Dhabi’s signature charm on a few occasions, Team Yalla eagerly anticipated our return the moment the invitation to the new Himalayan Brunch landed in our inbox.
As the saying goes, all good things come to those who wait; and this brunch delivers plenty of them on a recent Sunday afternoon.
Tracing the culinary journey from the Himalayas, where the Ganges and Mekong rivers converge, to Southeast Asia, this brunch marries bold Indian spices with delicate Thai herbs and wok-fired finesse.
The cuisine pays homage to that geographical and gastronomic passage, drawing on the warmth and depth of its regions with confidence.
Overwater dining, elevated
Sontaya underwent a major renovation last year, and the transformation is nothing short of stunning.
The pavilion-style restaurant is perched over crystalline water pools that shimmer and glisten beneath your feet and provide the foreground to a magnificent backdrop of the turquoise Arabian Gulf.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, and in cooler months, they slide open to bring in the soft sea air and a laid-back al fresco energy.
The new interior design is modern yet deeply rooted in the region, offering clean lines, warm wood finishes, and refined Southeast Asian accents; luxurious, but never ostentatious.
A bold beginning
We kicked off the brunch with a beautifully crafted aperitif, then dove into a sharing-style first course designed to awaken the palate.
The pomelo salad was bright and zesty, bursting with citrus that danced across the tongue, while the green papaya salad offered an addictive crunch with the perfect sweet-sour balance.
Chicken tikka and beetroot wraps were small but mighty, their bold spices tucked into elegant parcels. A Thai seafood salad came with a welcome chilli kick, its heat building gently with each bite.
From the grill to the steamer
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Then came the appetisers, hot from the robata grill. The seekh kebabs were tender and aromatic, the malai tikka rich and creamy, while satay skewers were beautifully glazed and smoky.
Lamb chaaps arrived next; succulent and slightly charred, their juices soaking into the naan beneath them, turning it into a sponge of flavour.
Just when we thought the savoury feast had peaked, the dim sum selection arrived. Delicate mushroom bao brought earthy depth, while crispy spring rolls, chicken money bags, and golden prawn tempura each offered their own textures and flair. Every bite showed finesse and restraint; big flavours, elegantly delivered.
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Soaking it all in
The beauty of a served brunch lies in the pace. No need to queue, no buffet to navigate; just time to enjoy. We took a mid-brunch pause, sipped our drinks, and settled into the serene rhythm of the afternoon.
The ocean shimmered beyond the glass walls, and the soulful melodies of a live saxophonist floated through the space. It was the kind of interlude that makes you grateful for slow Sundays.
Then came what might have been the dish of the day: the Malaysian laksa soup. Rich, bold, and fragrant, it hit all the right notes
The coconut and lemongrass formed a velvety base, tofu added silkiness, and the gentle heat lingered beautifully. Team Yalla’s top tip? Don’t skip the laksa; it’s worth the visit alone.
Flavour-packed mains with soul
The main courses continued the high. Butter chicken was exactly as it should be; creamy, comforting, and warming.
The dal makhni was soulful, with a depth that could only come from slow cooking, and the mutton biryani was perfectly spiced, every grain of rice infused with flavour. Thai red curry, pad Thai, and a standout wok-fried beef dish brought the Southeast Asian flair.
The beef, in particular, was umami-rich and impossibly tender. Each dish felt like a tribute to its origins; nothing rushed, nothing overly complicated, just beautifully balanced cuisine.
A sweet finish
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Dessert was no afterthought. The showstopper was Sontaya’s signature Sonata Khao Niaow Mamuang; mango sticky rice with a twist.
Topped with spun sugar that dissolved dramatically as warm coconut sauce was poured over it, this dessert brought both theatre and nostalgia. It was a moment meant for sharing (and filming).
The fried banana crepes, reminiscent of Southeast Asian street food, were crisp on the outside, soft and creamy inside, with a delightful caramelised crunch. It was the kind of sweet ending that makes you lean back, sigh, and smile.
A brunch that lingers in memory
From the moment you arrive to the final bite, the Himalayan Brunch at Sontaya delivers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances flavour, ambience, and service in perfect harmony. With its serene overwater setting, refined décor, and spice-led menu, it’s a brunch that lingers in memory long after the last dish is cleared.
The kind of Sunday that starts slow, coffee, calm, a quiet morning, and stretches indulgently into an afternoon of sunshine, soul food, and stories over the table.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the view like living art. Water flows gently around the space, creating a tranquil, near-hypnotic backdrop.
The lounge beats are subtle, never intrusive. And the aqua armchairs practically invite you to melt into them.
This is brunch for those who know how to truly lunch.
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