Best Value Brunch in KL – Gourmet Eats Minus the Price Tag
Words: Joanna Florento
Photos: Ivan Han Chong
Brunch typically conjures a revolving roster of pastries, breakfast fare, coffee and – if you’re lucky – a glass of bubbles; if you’re less lucky, a hefty price tag. We return to Mazi Greek Taverna to try their Sunday brunch menu, which is offered on select Sundays of the month. We are joined once again by the lovely Yin How Wong, who explains that Mazi has updated its brunch menu to feature the Trio of Dips and Moussaka as popular mainstays, but has introduced new crowd-pleasers such as the Calamari and Patates me Avga. At RM 199+ per set, shareable among 2-3 people, with additional RM 150++ for free flow prosecco, wine and cocktails, it’s a Sunday streak that can’t be beat.
Best Value Brunch in KL – Gourmet Eats Minus the Price Tag
Starters
Our fabulous brunch spread begins with the Trio of Greek Dips, featuring homemade pita bread sinking easily into fava bean dip, tzatziki, and hummus. The pita bread is made in-house with an imported Bertha oven from the U.K. The dips are each a little bit different but work well in concert, with the creamy tzatziki, comforting hummus and smooth fava bean coming together in a syncopated sweep.
Next, we try the Pomegranate Salad with Feta Cheese, arresting in its vibrant array of colours and textures. Chunks of feta cheese and avocado dovetail nicely with a generous sprinkling of pomegranate seeds atop a bed of fresh rocket salad. The avocados add an element of creaminess, while shallots and walnuts incorporate a layer of crunch. Seasoned simply with extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano, this salad spans the whole gamut of what we look for in a midday light bite: fresh flavours, a hint of sweetness, slightly salty, and a juicy texture that is heavenly to bite into.
As if on cue, the Greek Feta Bougatsa arrives to remind us that there are few things in life more heavenly than flaky pastry, cheese, and honey. Each bite delivers on all fronts, with initial resistance from the pastry crust yielding quickly to a smooth cascade of honey and creamy cheese, with rocket leaves for additional freshness. Needless to say, we struggle to tear ourselves away from this delectable confection.
When the Thalassina Platter comes bearing an array of baked clams and calamari, I settle into the comfort of knowing that I’ve tried these dishes before. However, the calamari is gently battered and paired with the creamiest garlic aioli, striking the right balance wherein one doesn’t overpower the other – a rare occurrence in a dish so well-loved and often replicated in aggressively fried iterations. The garlic butter sage sauce, though intended to supplement the clams, is so tangy and flavourful that it could easily be a standalone dish.
A returning crowd favourite, the Lamb Moussaka is finely constructed and just as much fun to deconstruct with our forks. With minced lamb folded into layered eggplant, feta, mozzarella, potatoes, tomato sauce, and a layer of bechamel as a topping, this dish has been updated and prepared in a more classic Greek style. Notably, each bite comes away with a satisfyingly gooey payoff of melted mozzarella stretching to Lady-and-the-Tramp-like proportions.
We then set our sights on the Charcoal-Grilled Lamb and Chicken Skewers. The accompanying medley of chopped tomatoes, cucumber and shallots is visually appealing and a delicious side dish for the Greek-style marinated meat with garlic, onions, herbs and spices. Each bite is incredibly well-seasoned and tender.
Finally, the Patates me Avga makes its brunch debut, with sunny-side-up eggs adorning a crispy layer of potato rosti and chopped cherry tomatoes, shallots and cucumber sprinkled throughout. The potato rosti surprises us with its depth as it’s slightly caramelised, adding an unexpected touch of sweetness.
Dessert
Mazi’s dessert offerings arrive in a simply plated but delectable trio. The Galaktoboureko features sweet semolina custard layered on a flaky filo pastry dusted with powdered sugar. It’s sweet but not overpowering, with more attention paid to carefully juxtaposing the crispy outer layer with the soft interior so that each bite comes away with an equal experience of both. The Rigozalo is soft and creamy, comforting in its presentation of familiar rice pudding under a thick layer of cinnamon. One scoop turns into two, two turn into three, and (too) soon we are staring at the dregs of the cup. As always, the Mosaiko delights in its crowd-pleasing presentation of biscuits, walnuts, and chocolates combined into a log and cut into medallion shapes. I cut a small piece and chew on it daintily, then wonder (rhetorically) how on earth almost the entire log disappeared under my watch.
Drinks
Yin How’s encyclopedic knowledge of, and reverence for, fine wines takes the spotlight again and we toast gratefully to his expertise. We enjoy chilled glasses of Le Colture Pianer Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, a family-owned, high-quality prosecco that is extra dry with a touch of sweetness. It features Glera grapes and veers towards classic flavours, making it super fresh-tasting and perfect for alfresco meals.
Next, we enjoy a glass of Pieropan Soave Classico (2022) to accompany our mains. Made from Garganega grapes, it’s sightly lemony with an Italian twist – a subtle toasted nuttiness that is fresh and light on the palate. This is Yin How’s favourite house pouring wine, and we agree it’s one of the best house-pours in all of Kuala Lumpur.
A glass of Yannick Amirault Bourgueil Cote 50 takes us through our dessert, and an enticing bouquet of fresh capsicum blooms upon first sip. This Cabernet Franc hails from the Loire Valley in France, and its medley of berries, plum and cassis stand well with lovely earthy notes and a touch of tobacco.
Mazi Brunch Review – Best Value Brunch in KL
As this visit at Mazi comes to an end, we are comforted knowing that it certainly won’t be our last. Mazi’s lush garden stretches out before us, beckoning us to enjoy each moment with a languid optimism that only weekends can fully inspire. While making plans and preparing for the Sisyphean task of facing another Monday, take a chance and fly close to the sun(day brunch) at Mazi Greek Taverna.
Reasons to visit Mazi: Fantastic value-for-money Greek brunch selection that is well-portioned – we think it’s the best value brunch in KL; affordable wine pairing serving some of the best house pours in the city; wide array of Greek favourites updated with a brunch twist; excellent service; beautiful outdoor setting and serene garden views.
Mazi Greek Taverna
The Stories of Taman Tunku
Unit A1 Taman Tunku, Off Jln Langgak Tunku, Bukit Tunku, 50480
Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Link to Mazi Greek Taverna on Google Maps
@mazigreektaverna.my
+60 3 6211 1866
Vegetarian options
Limited on-site parking is available. Take advantage of the high-quality, reasonably priced, free-flow and take an e-hailing service instead of driving.
Mazi Greek Taverna Sunday Brunch Hours
Last Sunday of the month: 12 -2 pm
Opening Times
Daily 11:30 am – 3 pm, 5:30 – 10 pm
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