Inside Bangkok’s Ultimate Crab Lover’s Brunch at Espresso

Espresso’s seafood-led brunch pairs premium crab selections with made-to-order dishes and live music

Sunday brunch in Bangkok has become something of a ritual, but every now and then, one stands out for doing more than just abundance. At Espresso, tucked inside InterContinental Bangkok, the experience leans into a singular idea and executes it with confidence: this is a brunch built for serious crab lovers.

The moment you walk into the airy dining room on the mezzanine level, the scale of the spread becomes clear. Seafood on ice glistens across the counter, drawing immediate attention, but it is the sheer variety of crab that defines the experience. More than six types are laid out, from golden king crab and Chilean king crab to snow crab and blue swimmer crab, each one fresh, sweet, and ready to be enjoyed in multiple forms.

What makes this brunch compelling is not just the quality of the ingredients, but how far the kitchen takes them. This is not a static display of seafood, but a cross-cultural exploration of crab across cuisines. In the Thai section, crab finds its way into a rich, comforting khao soi curry and a herb-forward crab salad that feels light yet deeply aromatic. The Indian station offers an unexpected twist, with paneer crab curry and malai kofta with crab, layering spice and creaminess in equal measure.

Move further along and the Chinese corner delivers familiar comforts elevated by premium ingredients, from fried rice studded with Chilean king crab to silky egg noodles coated in a creamy crab curry, and a warming Cantonese-style crab and pork wonton soup. The Japanese station balances things with precision, offering soft-shell crab maki rolls alongside chirashi bowls topped with tuna, scallop, and blue crab, surrounded by a colorful selection of sushi and sashimi.

Piquillo pepper risotto, grilled Australian Fremantle Octopus

Poached hen’s eggs with lobster meat ragout and Sturia caviar hollandaise sauce

Classic Seafoods Vol-Au-Vent

Half Grilled Boston lobster, Gochujang Mayonnaise

But what truly sets Espresso apart is the made-to-order menu, which quietly elevates the entire experience beyond buffet dining. Dishes arrive fresh from the kitchen, plated with the attention you would expect from an à la carte restaurant. Highlights include Australian wagyu sirloin with Parma ham crumble and celeriac purée, poached eggs with lobster ragout and caviar hollandaise, and half grilled Boston lobster with gochujang mayonnaise that adds a subtle kick to the sweetness of the meat. Even something as simple as scrambled duck eggs with king crab feels indulgent and thoughtfully executed.

Scrambled duck eggs with king crab meat

Pan-fried foie gras served on brioche with berry and arugula

There is plenty beyond seafood too, ensuring the brunch appeals to a broader

crowd. Roasted Australian prime beef rib, Iberico ham, and pan-fried foie gras on brioche with berry sauce add richness, while dishes like piquillo pepper risotto with grilled Fremantle octopus offer a more contemporary European touch.

The atmosphere strikes the right balance between relaxed and refined. Live music plays softly from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, giving the room a gentle rhythm without overpowering conversation. It feels like the kind of place where you can settle in for a long, unhurried afternoon, moving between stations, returning to favorites, and discovering new ones along the way.

Sunday Brunch at Espresso, InterContinental Bangkok

Location: Mezzanine Level, InterContinental Bangkok

Day & Time: Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Price: THB 2,900++ per person

Beverage packages: THB 200++ for unlimited fresh juices and soft drinks, THB 900++ for bubbles, bottles, brews and soft drinks, and THB 2,300++ for free-flow champagne

Tel: (+66) 2 656 0444

[PHOTO: Courtesy of InterContinental Bangkok]