An indulgent Han Setto brunch at Roka Aldwych

Is there anything nicer at the weekend than a long lie in followed by a lazy brunch? Over the years we've tried a lot of different restaurants in London, but with it's Asian inspired menu the Han Setto brunch at Roka Aldwych is one that we always find ourselves returning to: 

The brunch starts a refreshing glass of Bellini each as you settle into the restaurant and peruse the menu.

 Edamame beans and a selection of vegetable pickles

Soon a variety of starters are brought to the table. These are all designed to share and Roka regularly changes the menu too, so you are always guaranteed to try something new. Don't worry though as the favourites (such as dumplings and sushi) stay, although you might be teased with a new flavour.

There are 10 (unlimited) starters in total and of the cold selection I was particularly impressed with the sliced sashimi and tomato salad. Both very light and refreshing and the perfect start to a delicious meal.

Also included in the Roka Han Setto brunch are unlimited drinks for the duration of the meal. There's a choice of red, white or sparkling wine and naturally we went for the prosecco. The waiters were brilliant at topping up our glasses - in fact I don't think mine was empty the whole time and I definitely felt a little light headed by dessert.

Crunchy vegetable and prawn temperura with a dipping sauce. These were so moreish - the vegetables had just the right amount of bite, and the batter light and crispy without any hint of greasiness. 

No Japanese meal would be complete without some sushi and we both loved this plate. Little bite sized rolls filled with salmon and avocado as well as a crunchy tempura. 

There's one dish that stands out though and it's these delicious dumplings. Over the years we've tried both the beef and pork options and I think Roka are currently serving a chicken dumpling as part of the brunch. Think umami rich filling encased in a lightly fried skin, all served with a soy based sauce and lightly picked vegetables. So good that we ended up getting a second portion to share.

I always find it fascinating watching chefs at work and at Roka Aldwych the robata grill is located in the middle of the restaurant so you can see the meat being cooked right in front of your eyes. It was impressive the skill and speed they managed to cook all the dishes and I'd definitely recommend eating at the bar at least once. 

For mains you each choose a dish and on this particular occasion we went with the beef sirloin and ribs. The beef was grilled to perfection - medium rare and juicy but it was ribs which were the star of the show. Tender, melt in your month and smothered in a delicious sweet sticky sauce with just a hint of zinginess from the lime, these were so moreish and definitely worth getting your hands dirty for.

By this point we were pretty full but there was still one more course to come, and the dessert platter at Roka is seriously impressive. Again this changes regularly but there's always a selection of fruit, ice cream and desserts. I loved the chocolate mousse Budda and the green tea crumble as well as the selection of sorbets which rounded off the meal nicely. 

All in all an absolutely delicious brunch with bottomless drinks, and I'd go so far as to say it's one of my favourites in London. Highly recommended and it's worth keeping your eye on the Time Out Offers website too as they regularly have offers for the Roka Han Setto brunch. 

Roka Aldwych, 71 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4HN

Have you ever been to Roka Aldwych? What are your favourite restaurants for weekend brunch?

Other posts you may like:
Pret-a-Portea at The Berkeley Hotel 
Lunch at Babylon - Kensington Roof Gardens
Barbecoa St Pauls
Senor Ceviche 

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