A brand-new Sunday brunch in London has become something of an art form, and House of Ming, tucked inside the Taj Hotel, just moments from Buckingham Palace, delivers an experience that feels both indulgent and considered. Offering an all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch paired with a glass of fizz, it’s a leisurely affair designed for lingering, and one that rewards those willing to settle in and savour.
The setting sets the tone immediately. We were seated in one of House of Ming’s plush booths, which was intimate yet spacious. The booth provided a sense of privacy while still allowing us to take in the restaurant’s refined interiors of contemporary design with subtle Far Eastern influences. It’s calm, stylish and well suited to a relaxed Sunday afternoon.
The Weekend Bottomless Brunch concept centres around unlimited, handcrafted dumplings and small plates, with a menu rooted firmly in classic Chinese flavours. I’ll admit, I’m not typically a dim sum enthusiast, but this brunch managed to win me over. My husband, on the other hand, was in his element – happily ordering extra plates as the meal progressed, fully embracing the all-you-can-eat format without hesitation.
Standout dishes came thick and fast, but the duck pancakes were undeniably the star of the show. If you want to elevate your brunch experience, House of Ming’s signature Crispy Aromatic Duck served with pancakes, spring onions and duck sauce is an extra, at £50 for half, but you can’t put a price on deliciousness. Perfectly cooked, rich and full of flavour, they were quite simply to die for. Crisp duck skin, tender meat and the familiar accompaniments came together beautifully, striking that ideal balance between indulgence and finesse. They were so good, they prompted immediate discussion about when we might return.
Beyond the signature duck pancakes, the quality across the menu remained consistently high. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, well-presented and packed with flavour, never feeling rushed or mass-produced – a common pitfall of unlimited dining. Even as plates kept arriving, there was a sense of care and control in the kitchen that reassured rather than overwhelmed.
The fizz flowed easily, adding to the sense that this brunch is designed to be enjoyed slowly rather than squeezed into a tight schedule. Free-flowing beverage packages are available at £24 per person, and each one is thoughtfully crafted to complement the flavours of your meal. House of Ming is the kind of place where time slips away unnoticed, helped along by the comfortable seating and the steady rhythm of attentive service. Speaking of service, it deserves special mention. The staff were professional, warm and quietly efficient throughout. Our waiter mentioned that he was very new, something we genuinely wouldn’t have guessed. He handled the table with confidence, was attentive without hovering, and ensured everything arrived smoothly and at the right pace – a testament to good training and a well-run dining room.
By the end of the meal, we were thoroughly satisfied, comfortably full, slightly indulgent and already planning a return visit. House of Ming’s weekend brunch strikes a rare balance: generous without being excessive, refined without feeling formal, and welcoming to both seasoned dim sum lovers and relative newcomers alike.
It’s an experience that feels polished yet relaxed, and one we would happily repeat.
Bottomless Dim Sum Brunch runs every weekend.
House of Ming
Tel: 020 7963 8330 / emailhom.london@tajhotels.com
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
