Kicking-off her weekend in style, Apple Sharma enjoyed a lively atmosphere and lavish spread at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s award-winning Friday brunch.

Mövenpick’s spectacular Friday brunch is a beloved classic on the island, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings. Having recently enjoyed its Night Brunch, I was eager to revisit the daytime offering with my dining companion, hoping to relive the fun times we had in the past. With weekend vibes in the air, we excitedly made our way to the hotel, ready for a day of indulgence.

From the moment we stepped through the revolving doors, the festive energy was palpable. Groups gathered around tables, laughter and chatter filling the air. The brunch, held in Silk’s Restaurant, also spills into The Gallery Lobby Lounge, which is transformed into a brunch setting on Fridays and features a bar serving cocktails, as well as the dessert section of the feast.

We were greeted by the friendly Food and Beverage Manager, Yassir Al Akdawi, who escorted us to our table in the main restaurant, which was buzzing with life. The décor – cool shades of greyish-blue and beige, complemented by a stunning central chandelier – sets an elegant yet relaxed tone. Tables stretch onto a terrace overlooking a gorgeous garden, while side rooms offer private seating for smaller groups.

After taking in the scene, we toured the food stations, eager to decide where to start. Our lovely waitress served us a glass of bubbly and we began our feast at the salad station. There, an enticing spread awaited, from Arabic staples like pumpkin hummus, tabbouleh and stuffed vine leaves, to more adventurous choices like Italian seafood, as well as snail and baby octopus salads. The freshness of the dishes made each bite a pleasure, tempting us back for seconds. Throwing carb caution to the wind, I also indulged in several varieties of bread from the nearby station.

Next came a bowl of seafood laksa soup, which had my dining companion singing its praises for its hearty and aromatic flavours. From there, we sampled a selection of small appetisers: seabass ceviche, beef tataki and tiger prawns with pomelo. The strawberry and mozzarella, fig with goat cheese and Thai beef salad stood out as favourites. The cold cut counter was a charcuterie lover’s dream, with various lunch meats like bresaola and salami. My companion created a deli-style sandwich of turkey, brie and cranberry sauce, while I enjoyed the cheesy goodness of the nearby margherita and vegetable pizzas.

No trip to a Mövenpick brunch is complete without exploring the seafood. A dazzling array of poached prawns, lobster, oysters and clams was on proud display, accompanied by condiments such as pineapple salsa, capers and cocktail sauce. The lobster, with its succulent, sweet flavour, stole the spotlight for us.

The sushi station offered a delightful variety, including sashimi and nigiri. The California maki, with delicate crab, avocado and crunchy cucumber, topped with toasted sesame seeds, was a clear winner at our table. Craving something crisp, we moved to the vegetable tempura – perfectly golden and crunchy. The spring rolls were equally delicious, while the jalapeño cheese balls oozed a creamy filling offering a hint of heat. We also enjoyed the vegetable money bags and chicken dim sum, stuffed with a spicy filling that paired perfectly with soy sauce and wasabi.

Sufficiently satiated yet eager to try the main courses, the Wok and Thai station drew us in with its made-to-order stir fries. I chose a vibrant bowl of veggie fried rice, fragrant with julienned carrots, bok choy and bean sprouts, which I topped with soy and chilli sauce for a bit of zing on my palate. The stir-fry noodles, which my companion ordered with chicken, were also a hit.

The make-your-own pasta station featured a selection of comforting choices – we sampled the potato gnocchi and cheese and spinach ravioli, both deliciously presented in a creamy white sauce. Despite our full plates, the cloche-covered dishes caught our attention. From braised beef ribs in barbecue sauce to spicy chicken lollipops with buffalo sauce, the options were impressive. Those craving grilled options also had their pick of New Zealand lamb chops and Iranian joojeh kebab, each cooked to perfection. My companion, however, had his sights set on the carving station, where the roasted beef ribeye proved to be as rich and flavourful as anticipated. Paired with Yorkshire pudding, creamy mashed potatoes and honey-glazed roast vegetables, it was a standout dish.

Somehow, we still had room for dessert and the huge spread on offer had something to satisfy every sweet tooth. From the chocolate fondue station, with an array of fruit and marshmallow skewers for dipping, to the crepe station with all manner of fillings, it was a sugar-lover’s paradise. We couldn’t resist the peanut butter roulade and baked honey yoghurt, but the star for me was the decadent, velvety eggless chocolate cake. We ended our meal with a trip to the cheese station, one of the largest we’ve seen at any brunch.

Throughout the meal, the atmosphere remained lively and inviting. A balloon artist created playful shapes for kids and adults alike, while the in-house Cuban band kept the energy high with contemporary and Latin tunes that had guests boogieing.

The Friday brunch, running from 12.30pm to 4pm, is a perfect way to kick-off the weekend. For those looking to keep the party going, the brunch also offers complimentary access to the after-brunch pool party. It’s a day filled with fantastic food, great music and plenty of reasons to return – just like we did! ✤

GO: CALL OR WHATSAPP 3364 0032 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.