The Ultimate Vancouver Brunch Guide: Chicha Restaurant

Jun 3 2016, 2:42 am

We’re taking a tasty tour of Vancouver’s many brunches to create The Ultimate Vancouver Brunch Guide. This week we’re enjoying modern twists on Peruvian classics at Chicha Restaurant. 

Located on East Broadway, near Main Street, Chicha Restaurant sets itself apart from other brunch eateries in the city by offering a wonderful array of Peruvian-inspired dishes.

Quinoa Bread with berry preserve (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Quinoa Bread with berry preserve (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Served on Saturday and Sunday, this causal eatery’s brunch menu (brought to life by chefs Shelome Bouvette and Allison Flook) is an absolute treat. It features a long list of unique plates flaunting South American flavours and staple Peruvian ingredients (corn and potato for example), as well as familiar eats, such as Eggs Benedict, hashes, and waffles.

Forced to choose between appetizing options like house-made scones, Papas Fritas (Kennebec fries with Peruvian tartar–$6), Crispy Pork Belly Eggs Benny ($13), and Lomo Saltado ($14)–a hearty steak stir fry with potatoes, red onion, peppers, and tomato, patrons who turn up to this unassuming spot on the weekend, will have to factor in some time for indecision, as every dish sounds as tempting as the next.

Chicha Morada Mimosa (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Chicha Morada Mimosa (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Leisurely brunchers should definitely begin their meal at Chicha with a plate of the kitchen’s house-made toasted quinoa and honey bread ($3). Served with a locally-made berry preserve, this light and pillowy starter has a hint of sweetness and whets the appetite for more.

Savoury eaters, as well as vegetarians, will want to dig their knife and fork into the Locra de Zapallo Hash ($13). Comprised of roasted butternut squash, kale sauté, corn, zucchini, red nugget potatoes, two perfectly cooked poached free-range eggs, and a chili Hollandaise topping, this bowl of wholesome goodness is packed with complex flavours and delightful creamy textures.

Locra de Zapallo Hash (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Locra de Zapallo Hash (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

From the very first bite, diners will instantly know why this particular dish is a crowd pleaser. The buttery aji amarillo chili infused Hollandaise, together with the runny egg yolks create a delightful creamy blend, which goes incredibly well with the chunky, lightly seasoned veggies.

Another standout dish on the menu is the Buttermilk and Sweet Potato Waffles ($14). Thick, flavourful, and topped with pisco glazed mango pieces and dulce de leche crema, Chicha’s waffles will appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth.

Buttermilk & Sweet Potato Waffles (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Buttermilk & Sweet Potato Waffles (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

With a range of tempting beverages (both of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety), diners won’t want to skip the drinks at Chicha. Featured alongside the usual suspects, tea, coffee, and breakfast cocktails, diners will find the Chicha Morada Mimosa.

The vibrant-coloured concoction, which is wonderfully refreshing and sweet (but not overpoweringly so), combines house-made Chicha Morade (a sweet traditional Peruvian drink made from purple corn), with pineapple, green apple, cinnamon, cloves, lime juice, and sugar.

Inside Chicha Restaurant (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Inside Chicha Restaurant (Jess Fleming / Daily Hive)

Those searching for a stronger libation can choose from an enticing list of innovative mixed drinks, like the Earl Grey Pisco Sour, which is composed of Earl Grey-infused pisco, vanilla, egg whites, fresh lemon, and bitters.

Weekend mornings at Chicha sport a relaxed vibe. The space itself is compact yet comfortable, and fills up quite quickly. Diners can park themselves on a stool at the bar or grab a table, if they’re lucky. The food is served promptly and set at a very reasonable price point.

Chicha Restaurant

Address: 136 East Broadway
Phone: 604-620-3963
Hours: Brunch served Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Twitter: 
@ChichaVancouver

Jess FlemingJess Fleming

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