Eggs Benedict, breezy vibes, and artisanal charm: Exploring a perfect weekend brunch in ECR

At Hibiscus Café, the weekend brunch is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The moment we stepped in, the delightful scent of freshly baked goods from the inhouse bakery greeted us. As we made our way upstairs to the cosy first-floor dining area, the calm ambience offered the perfect backdrop for a leisurely brunch.

Hariti Mehta, who runs the establishment, being well familiar with the fast-pacedness of the culinary world as a pastry chef herself, believes in the power of hospitality, ensuring every guest feels as welcome and cared for as the delicious food they enjoy. “For me, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the entire experience. Bad service can ruin a great meal. Amazing food means nothing if the service doesn’t make you feel at home,” she shares.

Having a plethora of dishes to choose from their new brunch menu, after much thought, we chose the classics. While we awaited our order to be served, we couldn’t resist but browse the ground floor, which has an eclectic selection of healthy organic foods, exquisite saris, cutlery sourced from across the nation, and, of course, tempting pastries.

We started with Eggs Benedict. Freshly baked brioche buns, topped with perfectly poached eggs, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety hollandaise sauce — this timeless favourite never fails to satisfy. The balance of flavour and textures, from the crunch of the bacon to the smoothness of the sauce, made it a true standout.

Next, we moved on to Breakfast burrito and Bagel sandwich with salad and wedges. Packed with spicy Mexican rice, red beans, mushrooms, and cheese, the burrito was a comforting, filling choice that warmed us up from the inside out. The flavours were bold but balanced, making every bite a satisfying blend of savoury goodness.

We felt the pesto-grilled chicken in the bagel could’ve been juicier, nevertheless, it was flavourful. The spicy mayo added a subtle kick, and the accompanying potato wedges were a crispy perfection. A side of house salad brought a light, fresh crunch to balance the dish.

No brunch is complete without perfectly brewed coffee, and the diner’s Caffé latte was just that. Smooth, rich, and creamy, its deep flavours paired beautifully with every dish we tried.

To satiate our sweet tooth, we had their Fruit bowl at last, a medley of sweet strawberries, blueberries, apples, and bananas served with granola to sprinkle on top. A simple, fresh burst of flavour that’s as vibrant as it was wholesome. A perfect healthy end to a really indulgent affair.

Be it brunch or retail therapy, this establishment offers you a peaceful escape from all your weekday hustles, where every bite is served with a generous side of care.

Meal for two: Rs 800. From 9 am to 12 noon. On Saturdays and Sundays only. At Injambakkam, ECR.

(Written by Shivani Illakiya)