A conga line with SpongeBob, unlimited ice cream, incredible food and parents dancing like it's 2005. We tried Candypants' Daydream Brunch at NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta, and here's our verdict.
Finding a family brunch in Dubai that keeps everyone happy isn't always easy. Sometimes the food is fantastic, but the kids are bored. Other times, the children have a blast while the parents wonder whether the buffet was worth it.
Daydream Brunch by Candypants at TASTE manages to get both right.
✦ Come hungry. Seriously.
With 11 live cooking stations, the food is a highlight. Think beef Wellington, veal cheek with foie gras, Thai curry, fresh oysters, lobster and plenty more.
Special mention goes to the Benihana teppanyaki chefs, who turned cooking into a full-blown performance with sizzling grills, impressive tricks and plenty of laughs. The children were as entertained as the adults!
Younger diners are well catered for too, with pasta, familiar favourites, an impressive dessert selection and unlimited soft-serve ice cream with all the toppings.
✦ Entertainment that actually entertains
There's no shortage of things to do, from arts and crafts and games to soft play and a mini cinema complete with bean bags.
And then there are SpongeBob and Patrick, wandering around, joking with guests, celebrating birthdays and leading conga lines through the restaurant.
What impressed us was how well the activities catered to different ages. Younger children had plenty to explore, while older kids could enjoy games like chess and pool.
Parent tip: Staff oversee the children's activities, but younger kids will still need parental supervision.
✦ A brunch for parents who still love to party
Candypants founder Ray Chan wanted to recreate the lively brunches parents enjoyed before having children, only this time, the whole family is invited.
And it works. The DJ plays nostalgic favourites, the atmosphere gets livelier as the afternoon progresses, and by the final hour, parents and children are dancing and singing together.
It's infectious fun, and the energy never fizzles out.
✦ Can parents actually relax?
Absolutely, particularly with children aged four and above who are comfortable exploring the activities with appropriate supervision.
The venue is spacious and stroller-friendly, with highchairs, indoor and outdoor seating, attentive service and convenient valet parking.
A lovely bonus: One nanny per family attends free.
It's also a fantastic choice for birthdays. Think music, characters and a proper celebration rather than just a cake brought to the table.
Our advice? Bring a big group of families. It's even more fun when everyone's together!
✦ What parents need to know
Where: TASTE, NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta, Jebel Ali
When: Saturdays, 1pm–5pm
Adult packages:
Soft drinks: AED 299
House beverages: AED 399
Premium beverages: AED 499
Children:
Under 6: Free
Ages 6–11: AED 149
Ages 12–20: AED 249
One nanny per family: Free
Book ahead, particularly for birthdays and larger groups.
✦ The Parenting Plus Verdict
5 out of 5 P+ Sparkles
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Food & Taste | 4.5/5 |
| Kid-Friendliness | 5/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.5/5 |
| Atmosphere & Enjoyment | 5/5 |
Daydream isn't the cheapest family outing, but between the excellent food, nonstop entertainment and lively atmosphere, there's plenty of value in those four hours.
It's not an adult brunch with a few kids' activities thrown in. It's a genuinely family-friendly experience where everyone gets to have fun.
Would we return? Absolutely. And next time, we're bringing more families.
Disclosure: Parenting Plus attended Daydream Brunch on a complimentary invitation as part of a collaboration with Candypants. This review reflects our firsthand experience. Prices and offers are subject to change.
