Brunch is something not generally covered on the Runoff, and we recently checked  out ‘Tupi’ in Elephant Park. We had given Tupi a wide berth as from the outside the joint looks quite soulless and we still feel guilty about liking Elephant Park.  But inside it’s a bright affair with a giant and colourful mural of a Tupi Indian and loads of plants. When we entered the establishment they asked if we had a reservation and by the time we completed it was full, so the word is certainly out there. 

Tupi’s styles itself as Brazilian fusion and its dinner menu does contain some staples from Brazil such as Feijoada and Muqueca. However, this was brunch and we tried to refrain from the more traditional brunch fare of eggs and pancakes (of which there many) to try things more exotic.  My guest chose huevos rancheros and this was a variation on the Mexican version, with poached egg instead of fried and sourdough instead of tortilla. It was delicious: a well sized portion of black beans, warm tomato and onion salsa, some guacamole and sour cream topped off with two poached eggs and a slice of toasted sourdough. This felt like a filling and pretty healthy way to start the day.

Your sturdy scribe had that great Brazilian delicacy, a burrito. It consisted of coriander, lime rice, black beans, sour cream, pico  de gallo, sweet corn. It was dominated by cheese and a generous amount of chicken. I would recommend this in addition to other more interesting items such as Turkish eggs or chorizo hash. Given that our little Brunch overlapped with lunch we also say punters tucking into some pretty hefty looking burgers and truffle gnocchi. 

And of course Tupi’s has a bottomless brunch as we’re pretty sure it’s illegal now not to have one. Details below –