From a late riser’s weekend treat, brunch has steadily grown into a full-blown dining occasion. And why shouldn’t it? After all, it’s breakfast that sleeps in, lunch that starts early, and an excuse to order more food than one can actually finish.
But with all this brunch talk, I’ve been wondering: What exactly should a brunch be? Should it be light and healthy, or hearty and filling? Sweet or savory? A quick coffee and pastry, or a full-on feast that stretches well into the afternoon? And do we really have to choose?
At Grassroots in BGC, a brunch-to-bar concept inspired by Australia’s relaxed and diverse dining scene, the answer seems to be all of the above.
The idea of being more than just one singular thing was obvious from the very moment I stepped inside. With greenery, natural wood, and eye-catching textures, the restaurant’s interiors were warm and cozy like a cafe while still having the slower, sit-down nature of a restaurant. The crowd inside was just as varied, with a good chunk draped in activewear—presumably dropping by after an exhausting workout—and another solid portion in button-downs and slacks.
And with no strict dress code, no fixed schedule, and definitely no one way to do it, that might be the most fitting snapshot of what brunch actually is in 2026.
A Little Bit of Everything on the Table at Grassroots
That same anything-goes spirit carries over onto the menu, which brings together international flavors for an indulgent mix of feel-good comfort food.
Despite the overwhelming amount of choices, the first that caught my attention was their chicken karaage. Crisp and perfectly golden, this classic chicken dish gets a fun local twist thanks to bright red sprinkle of house-made sukaSukaSuka is Filipino vinegar, ranging from coconut and cane to palm and nipa varieties, each carrying a distinct regional character and acidity level. Beyond cooking, it's always central to theGo to Suka Glossary-inspired seasoning. But more than just serving as eye candy, this generous dusting adds both texture and a pleasantly sour kick—instantly reminding me of vinegar-based sawsawan served with the classic Filipino streetside fried chicken.
Another dish that managed to feel familiar while simultaneously refusing to stick to the usual brunch formula was their prawn toast benedict. Instead of toast or the traditional English muffin, Grassroot’s variation uses a crisp waffle as the base. On top of it is a layer of savory prawns and a poached egg that covers everything in a beautiful, yellow yolk when burst. A small portion of kimchi and shoestring fries on the side round out this playful mash-up of brunch and Asian flavors with both tang and crunch.
For something fresher, but not necessarily lighter, there’s the green goddess salad. As the name suggests, it’s a leafy nest of crunchy greens, avocado, torn chunks of cheese, and squeeze of lime juice. While I personally found the citrus and richness a little overpowering, this is still a refreshing choice for anyone who loves bold, zippy flavors.
But if we’re really talking about richness, then there might be no beating their beef rendang. Served with rice, it might initially pass for finely shredded tapaTapaThinly sliced cured beef, marinated in soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and vinegar, then pan-fried until tender and browned at the edges. Served with garlic rice, fried egg, and spiced vinegarGo to Tapa Glossary, but one bite reveals a rich, slow-cooked dish made with tender beef and plenty of spice. Hearty and comforting, this is probably the dish that makes the strongest case for brunch being a proper, lunch-like meal.
Brunch at Grassroots is Anything You Want It to Be
If these aren’t enough reasons to get your appetite rumbling, there’s a ton more to mix and match. The hot honey chicken and waffles brings together sweet and savory, while the Grassroots Plate combines toast, vegetables, and chicken sausage patties for a more substantial breakfast-style spread. Croissants, cookies, and strudels are also on hand for pastry lovers, and the sticky toffee pudding is there for anyone with a serious sweet tooth. It’s very sweet and very sticky, so I’d pair it with a cup of coffee to help keep things balanced.
Speaking of coffee, the Mont Blanc is a lovely place to start. Inspired by Melbourne’s coffee culture, it combines a well-bodied coffee base with a layer of rich cold-cream on top. For added warmth and aromatics, it’s finished with grated cinnamon and fresh orange zest.
And since Grassroots is a full fledged bar-to-brunch concept, they also offer an intoxicating amount of alcoholic drinks. One of the standouts is the Porn Star Martini. Fruity, sweet, and almost juice-like, it’s deliciously, or dangerously, easy to sip on—so remember to pace yourself, especially on days that call for something beyond the caffeinated buzz of coffee.
Like Grassroots, Brunch Doesn’t Follow Any Rules
After trying bits and pieces of everything, I didn’t just leave full, because I also left with my earlier question answered.
Because at Grassroots, brunch can be light, filling, sweet, savory, familiar, or full of unexpected flavors. And with enough room for the health-conscious, the hungry, and those who simply want a bit of everything, it really doesn’t matter if you come in for coffee and a pastry, sit down to a hearty plate, or let lunch stretch into cocktails.
That’s probably the reason why brunch is so appealing. It doesn’t need rules, and it certainly doesn’t need to choose—and at Grassroots, neither do you.
Grassroots is located at Ground Floor, The Arcade, Shangri-La at the Fort, corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grassroots is located at Ground Floor, The Arcade, Shangri-La at the Fort, corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.
Grassroots is a brunch-to-bar concept inspired by Australia’s relaxed and diverse dining scene. It brings together breakfast, lunch, coffee, pastries, and alcoholic drinks in one restaurant.
The menu includes salads, like the green goddess salad with leafy greens, avocado, cheese, and lime. Guests looking for vegetarian options may want to check with the restaurant about current ingredients and preparation.
Yes, Grassroots serves coffee, including its Mont Blanc with a coffee base, cold cream, nutmeg, and orange zest. Its alcoholic drinks include cocktails such as the Porn Star Martini.
Grassroots offers both light and filling options for brunch. The green goddess salad is a fresher choice of greens, avocado, cheese, and lime, while beef rendang makes a lunch-like meal and the Grassroots Plate, with toast, vegetables, and chicken patties, is a more substantial breakfast-style spread.
