An Abu Dhabi cafe known for its coffee and brunch has launched in London’s Knightsbridge.
The Ten11 cafe is across the road from Hyde Park Corner and a few steps away from the Peninsula and the Lanesborough hotels.
Among its signature breakfasts is the Croissant Crown, a croissant ring layered with soft egg, smashed avocado, whipped mascarpone and chive cream, seasonal vegetables and herbs.
The Ten11 cafe is across the road from Hyde Park Corner in London. Photo Lisa Tse
There are also distinct Emirati flavours such as balaleet, made of crispy vermicelli noodles, spiced with saffron and cardamom cream, and served with an omelette.
The cafe's head chef Jabari Mears, who led the kitchens at The Botanist in Sloane Square and was a competitor on the BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals in 2020, said he learnt new techniques to make balaleet.
“The magic of it is in eating it. It's like a full English breakfast. It doesn't look like a lot, but when you eat it, it becomes a classic for quite a lot of people,” he said.
But it can also be “Marmite-ish” with diners either loving or hating it, he added.
Shakshuka Imperiale at Ten11 London. Photo: Lisa Tse
The cafe's Shakshuka Imperiale consists of baked free-range eggs with a saffron and harissa tomato sauce, topped with whipped feta and coriander, served with zaatar flatbread.
The breakfast pastries and cakes are sourced from Deptford vegan and gluten-free bakery Arapina.
Chef Jabari Mears took part in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2020. Photo: Instagram
The restaurant also hopes to attract London residents with no connections to the UAE, offering dishe
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