Brunch at Bukhara

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by Jaki Faulkner
on Friday, August 21, 2009 12:00 AM

Originally from the North West of India, Vinod Maini has been serving Shanghai with authentic Indian fare since the opening of Bukhara Grill in 2006. Set over three levels, Bukhara Grill boasts a relaxed downstairs bar screening sporting events, a spacious second-floor dining room and a top-floor conference/banqueting hall. With its convenient Hongqiao location, it has become a popular dining spot and Shanghai icon with the local expat community.
But come weekends, the atmosphere steps up another gear. One of the most popular features of this widely respected Indian restaurant is the weekend brunch, served every Saturday and Sunday from 11am till 3pm. Priced at RMB150 per person with free-flow beer and juice, and RMB80 for kids, it's a great value choice for families seeking to spice up their weekend dining. Oh, and did we mention it's "all you can eat"?
All the dishes you would expect from an Indian feast are here, such as sag paneer, butter chicken, samosas and lamb grill kebabs, with each one meticulously prepared and served by attentive staff. Children and adults with a sweet tooth can also choose from a suite of delicious deserts, such as a homemade sticky sweet pudding - think mini doughnuts but with extra melted sugar.
If you prefer to order off the menu, Bukhara offers more than 40 dishes, all crafted with specially imported spices from Northern India and varying according to seasonal availability. A dry kitchen on the second floor features a glass frontage enabling diners to watch the Indian breads being freshly baked while you wait.
To soothe your tongue from the tangy spices, Bukhara mixes up a tempting range of refreshing herbal drinks (RMB45), such as ‘Beat a Heat' with ginger, or the ‘Anis Cooler' with a non-alcoholic grenadine splash.
Bottom Line: This established Shanghai favourite serves up fabulous Indian cuisine for Saturday and Sunday brunch.