Wondering where to brunch this weekend in Shanghai? MAYA’s been serving up one of Shanghai’s best brunches for years. Make your way to Julu Lu near Xiangyang Bei Lu (in the north former French Concession or the southern tip of Jingan, depending on your point of view) on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 11am and 4pm, and there in the heart of Shanghai you’ll find eggs galore…
Eggs for brunch, anyone?
Pan de maiz huevos benedictos (58 RMB)
Poached runny eggs over chorizo with a corn muffin and red pepper hollandaise
Huevos divorciados (52 RMB)
…with green and red chili sauce, refried beans, cheese quesadilla, sour cream and salsa
MAYA house-smoked salmon (RMB 65)
…with grilled asparagus, poached eggs, apple chipotle hash, red pepper hollandaise & chive sour cream
Altogether MAYA’s Huevos Brunch includes 12 different delicious egg dishes (3 of which are perfect for vegetarian diners).
Don’t believe us?
Time Out Shanghai calls MAYA’s brunch:
“…one of our go-to brunches. MAYA is a consistent crowdpleaser with quality Mexican fare. The pan de maiz huevos benedictos (58 RMB) tweaks the traditional Eggs Benedict beautifully, switching bacon and toast for minced chorizo and light, sweet cornbread. The two well-poached eggs are topped with a complex, smokey roasted red pepper Hollandaise.”
Shanghai food blogger Shanghai Girl Eats is also a fan. She wrote:
“Pan de Maiz Huevos Benedictos (RMB 58) with poached runny eggs over chorizo, corn muffin & red pepper hollandaise
Recommend: yes
This was like a Mexican twist on eggs benedict and it was hella bomb. This combination of elements tasted really good together in one bite – salty with a hint of sweetness from the corn muffin. The corn muffin sealed the deal. Must get this.”
Mexican Doughnuts & Dessert
Image from City Weekend Shanghai
If you’ve never tried churros before, it’s time to change that with a brunch at MAYA.
Perhaps we’re a tad biased, but churros are even better than your typical doughnut. They’re the perfect combination of crunchy on the outside and soft on the side – and they’re perfect for dipping in whipped cream, chocolate or strawberry sauces (50 RMB). Or, order two churros and a regular coffee for dunking (55 RMB).
If you’re ready for something ultimately decadent, try our Ice Cream Churro Sandwich (65 RMB).
Image from City Weekend Shanghai
City Weekend Shanghai says:
“[The ice cream sandwich] twists the cinnamon sugar dusted sticks to form a “crust” that holds a hefty spread of dulce de leche ice cream in the center. It’s messy, indulgent and we’d love to ask for another.”
Food blogger 100lbFoodie adds:
“[MAYA] is a genius creating this decadent indulgence! MAYA is famous for their ‘crispy outside, soft inside’ churros. Together with the creamy cinnamon ice-cream, they made the best dessert couple. Can I have another one please?”
Free Flow Brunch Options at MAYA
Of course it wouldn’t be a Shanghai brunch without a healthy dose of alcohol…
Our sangria is a mixture of red wine with lemonade, Triple sec, brandy, fruit and other spices
Take your brunch to the next level with our two options for day drinking:
Bottomless Sangrias for 125 RMB per person or Bottomless Margaritas for 165 RMB per person
For an extra special drink, try the Killer Margarita (100 RMB):
As featured in Time Out Shanghai: “Composed from a splash of Olmeca Altos tequila, this tipple features lime and orange juice. Rob Jameson, general manager says, ‘This is the drink I love most on our menu, it’s our own version of the Tommy. It’s a premium ‘top shelf’ margarita which includes Olmeca Altos tequila, which is a 100 per cent premium agave tequila, unaged, with a great earthy agave taste. We also include the Giffard agave sec and Giffard agave nectar, using a darker amber one for a fuller honeyed flavour. We add house sour mix which includes orange and lime juice, and sometimes I add a bit of calamansi juice when it’s in season. It’s topped off with a smidgen of Grand Marnier. The garnish is a lime wedge and pink river salt flakes on the rim which are pleasantly soft in taste. It’s always served on the rocks, of course, and shaken pretty hard!'”
Shanghai’s Best Coffee
Wake up (or sober up after free flow drinks) with a cup of coffee supplied by Sumerian, Shanghai’s premiere artisanal coffee. MAYA’s brunch menu includes your classic Americano or Espresso (30 RMB), Cappuccino or Latte (40 RMB) – or try something extra special. Miguel’s Coffee is a long double espresso served with hot milk (40 RMB) or order the Hot Spiced Chocolate (45 RMB), a traditional Mexican drink dating back to the Aztecs.
Award-Winning Brunch
MAYA has won tons of accolades in Shanghai for its culinary prowess. In 2014, MAYA received its first nomination for Best Brunch in Shanghai from City Weekend Shanghai. The following year, City Weekend Shanghai readers voted MAYA the Best Brunch in Shanghai. Come 2016, City Weekend Shanghai awarded MAYA a third time in the Best Brunch category.
