The well-known and well-established steakhouse originating in London, Gaucho, is slowly making its international mark with Hong Kong as one of its first ventures (along with Dubai and Buenos Aires). Since Hong Kong is a haven for brunch-lovers, Gaucho has just launched a mouth-watering “Electro Brunch” (including a DJ spinning some great tunes while you eat delicious Argentinian steak and seafood) that will not disappoint.

Vibe

If you’re not already familiar with Gaucho’s signature look, the interior is adorned with black and white decor, most notably in the cow-print patterns of the chairs. While this ambiance is great in the evening, it did feel slightly dark for a weekend brunch (try to head here on a weekend with crappy weather, which shouldn’t be too difficult in HK). Aside from that, the service is great and friendly, and the atmosphere was already buzzing when we arrived.

Drinks

If you’re looking to make your brunch boozy, Gaucho’s got you covered. “The Signature” free-flow package includes selected wine, beer, spirits, and three great cocktails. The cocktails include The Gaucho Bloody Mary, Mojito, and Carino. My favourites were the Bloody Mary, made with Ketel One vodka, tomato juice, chimichurri, citrus, Tabasco, salt and pepper, and the Carino, which will whisk you away to the beach with its mix of vodka, fresh strawberry, and passion fruit. For an extra HKD$50, you can have as many glasses of Veuve Clicquot Champagne as you’d like.

Starters & Mains

Gaucho is taking on brunch a little differently than most restaurants in Hong Kong – though the starters are unlimited, they are served table side and, if you’ve really liked it and want more, you can order another helping before moving on to the next item on the menu. I found this to be a more upscale way to execute brunch, which fits well with Gaucho’s image.

The first starter is a Seafood Sampler with small but satisfying portions of tuna tiraditos, salmon ceviche, and shrimp chicharron. The highlight was hands-down the shrimp: they were massive, lightly fried, and the sauce was damn delicious. The salmon ceviche was coated in a mango sauce that had us hailing our waiter for seconds.

After you’ve finished with the Seafood Sampler, it’s time for the Hot Sampler, which includes baby back ribs, chorizo sausage, and cheese and meat empanadas. A big “yes” went to the ribs, which were covered in a thick glaze and were incredibly tender. We also loved the cheese empanadas, but would give the meat-filled empanadas a pass as they were quite dry.

For the main course, each diner receives 300 g of steak: Tira De Ancho (ribeye), Bife De Lomo (fillet), and Bife De Cuadril (rump), which are all brought to your table at the beginning of your meal on a platter to explain what each cut is. The ribeye (pictured middle in the photograph above) and the rump (pictured bottom in the photograph above) were by far our favourites. If three slabs of meat isn’t filling enough on its own, Gaucho also throws in three sharing bowls of chips (thick-cut beautiful potato-y carbs), humita saltena (basically creamed corn wrapped in a corn husk), and tomato salad.

Dessert

Finishing off one immensely indulgent brunch is the Dessert Sampler, consisting of a chocolate tart, salted dulce de leche and hazelnut cheesecake, and banana and coconut mess. Despite literally spilling out of our pants, we tackled this heavenly trio like it was the first course. Being a huge banana fan myself, the banana and coconut mess was like a dream come true. Both the chocolate tart and cheesecake were equally as satisfying – rich in flavour, smooth and creamy in texture.

To go along with dessert, brunch also includes a coffee or tea.

Verdict

Most restaurants in Hong Kong serve some variation of a weekend brunch, usually sticking to the traditional buffet or semi-buffet. Gaucho takes brunch one step further by incorporating the finesse of their regular service with a free-flow brunch package. Along with a DJ who had us wanting to get up and dance by the end of our brunch, the mouth-watering food, and hospitable service is sure to make this brunch a big hit.

The Deal

The Asado (HK$400) – Soft drinks and selected mocktails.
The Signature (HK$550) – House beverages; selected wine, beer, cocktails, and spirits 
The Virtuoso (HK$600) – Selected wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne 
*All prices include food and free-flow beverages for 2 hours 

Gaucho
5/F, LHT Tower
31 Queen’s Road
Central
Hong Kong

Tel: 2386 8090