Who doesn’t love a good brunch? Whether it’s a Smørrebrød, a South Indian dosa or a loaded American waffle, here are some cracking spots that prove there’s more to brunch than just bacon and eggs.

SWEDISH: SCANDIMANIA, Uppingham

Quite possibly my fave place to eat in Uppingham with a small seating area outside where you can sip your coffee and tuck into a cardamom custard and cloudberry doughnuts or Kardemummabullar – cardamom buns. For brunch you can grab a Scandi salmon rye bread or a Smørrebrød (open sandwich) topped with lime avo smash finished off with a Swedish salted fudge spelt cookie.

AMERICAN, BRICK AND BREAM, Leicester

For a decadent brunch, look no further than this sexy spot in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Try the Cornflake French toast: it comes stuffed with melted Nutella, mascarpone and a maple syrup dip. Like the sound of that? Then you’ll love the New York waffles topped with streaky bacon and maple syrup, or lemon drizzle, Ferrero Rocher, Nutella and strawberry – totally indulgent!

AMERICAN: KAI, Leicester

There’s no other place you want to go for fluffy pancakes. This cosy little spot in St Martin’s Square is always a buzz with hungry punters and when I’ve visited, pretty much everyone is ordering plates piled high with pancakes. Order a stack of three or five with sweet fillings including berries, bananas, maple syrup, strawberries and hazelnut chocolate sauce and the savoury ones sounds just as good; Red Leicester cheese, bacon, onion and maple syrup plus, they even do vegan ones. Hmmm decisions, decisions.

FRENCH: BISTROT PIERRE Leicester

Avez-vous faim? While this French restaurant doesn’t serve a dedicated brunch menu, the spring breakfast menu is filled with tempting options including fricassée de champignons toasted sourdough loaded with button, chestnut and oyster mushrooms and fresh tarragon. Don’t like mushrooms? Then order the warm tomato tart from the lunch menu that comes with goats cheese, red onion and cherry tomatoes with new potatoes.

CARIBBEAN, TURTLE BAY, Leicester

A long, lazy brunch served every day with two hours of unlimited drinks: sounds like a perfect way to catch up with your besties and, the food ain’t bad either! If you love food that packs a flavour punch, try the the Big Kingston Grill Down – a classic breakfast with a Caribbean twist or the Vegan Yardbird that comes with a soft bara roti stack, patty, topped with avo, maple syrup and a kick of hot sauce. Fancy something from the main menu? Upgrade to have any jerk dish, soul food item, curry or sunshine bowl for a few extra quid.

MEXICAN: BOWDEN STORES, Market Harborough

This spacious, light and bright village cafe is such a popular haunt. I love perusing the homewares while here and in summer the seating spills onto the grassy patch overlooking the village where you can while away a few hours. For brunch, I know their burrito wrap is always a winner. It comes with smoked salmon, bacon or sausage and don’t forget the chilli sauce all wrapped in a tasty tortilla – just add sunshine!

ITALIAN: JUST SO ITALIAN, Market Harborough, Stamford and Leicester

You’ll be spoilt for choice at this family-run Italian deli. For brunch you can grab a homemade Italian sausage rolls, courgette and taleggio (an Italian version of Brie) tarts, fresh Sicilian cannoli, freshly baked focaccia bread with Italian marmalade. Stomach rumbling yet? They also have filled focaccias, and a variety of arancini (I love the porcini mushroom, pancetta and mozzarella ones) all washed down with the best coffee in town! Branches in Market Harborough and Leicester.

INDIAN: THE VERANDAH, Leicester

This fusion cafe/bar currently has a South Indian menu on offer so I suggest you dive straight in for a masala dosa. Never tired one? Oh, but you must! These breakfast wraps are made with a fermented rice and lentil batter (they taste like a crispy crepe) and come filled with spiced potato and are served with a hot lentil soup, coconut, ginger and peanut chutney. One bite and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

JAPANESE, LITTLE TOKYO RESTAURANT, BRAUNSTONE

Just in case you were wondering, it is perfectly acceptable to have noodles for breakfast and here you can have your fill of everything from chilli noodles, to teppan noodles, noodle soup and even Japanese ramen. This small and intimate eatery in Braunstone Gate has been around for years which is a good indicator of its popularity and yes, there’s plenty of sushi to order too.

KOREAN, GROUNDED KITCHEN, Market Harborough

One of my fave places for a quick bite, GK do Korean inspired nourish bowls and were one of the first to bring the trend to the city. The menus are filled with flavour and spice and give a great taste of Korea. For brunch, try the breakfast egg bao – a steamed hirata bun, omelette, crispy fried onions, pickled mooli, coriander, spring onions, fresh chilli, sesame seeds and Jeju sauce.

10 brunch spots with an international twist

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