Living in London, there are a plethora of culinary destinations to choose from when it comes to brunch. Depending on how you like your eggs, what you like them with, and what you like them served on, there is no shortage of options when elevenses come calling. One less obvious choice is Chotto Matte; London’s slightly leftfield Peruvian-Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Soho. I have rarely seen it as a brunch destination, until now.
The newly launched five-course weekend brunch experience kicks off with one of Chotto Matte’s signature cocktails, although I would always recommend the Pisco Sour (just forget the fact that it is still 11am and enjoy yourself as it’s the weekend). Then, out comes a very, very fresh crispy salad along with the sushi. Having an adverse reaction to all things from the sea, I opted for the vegetarian sushi and was not disappointed at all. It was incredible how so much flavour could be garnished from vegetables such as avocado and courgette. The shitake mushrooms carried even more of a punch and I didn’t feel like I was missing out on the fish at all, despite Katie’s best efforts and sound effects.
The tempura vegetables were a little heavier with even more crunch and they paved the way for the fourth course, and arguably the best. The Robata dishes of Asado De Tira (beef short rib, asparagus, purple potato and teriyaki) and Pollo den miso (chicken miso, carrot, daikon and yellow chili salsa) were melt-in-the-mouth and the side of broccoli balanced the dishes perfectly. I would highly recommend a visit to Chotto Matte even just for these two dishes if you are feeling peckish.
Back to the brunch, and with another cocktail down, it was time for the final course; dessert. Although it was pre-lunch, it’s difficult to turn down Chotto Matte’s sweet offering of a chocolate pot, mango mochi balls and passion fruit brûlée. Each had their own merits, but the chocolate pot oozed with rich flavour and was probably one of the best cocoa-based desserts I have ever tasted. Washed down with a swift shot of espresso, it was a great end to a very special brunch and, with very full bellies and smiles on our faces, it was time to move on and continue with our Saturday shopping.
Chotto Matte’s brunch menu is available every Saturday and Sunday until 4pm for £50 per person, which includes a five-course tasting menu (vegetarian option available), a welcome signature cocktail plus half a bottle of Prosecco or wine. A non-alcoholic menu is also available for £45 per person and includes three freshly shaken fruit-based mocktails. The full brunch menu and options are available on the Chotto Matte website.
