Brunch like you’ve never had it before

Chilaquiles ($13)

Enjoying the element of surprise is the norm at Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop, the go-to brunch spot for some Southern-and Latin-inspired cuisine. Rather than blending into its surroundings, the eatery always is striving to offer a unique dining experience — in more ways than one.

“Some things you find here, you won’t find anywhere else,” says owner and head chef Brian Chan. “There’s a reason why you won’t see any Asian ingredients on the menu. We’re in Chinatown, everybody has Asian food, so we try to set ourselves apart from that.”

As an early riser, it was natural for Chan to be inspired by creating breakfast dishes to start the day on a delicious note. Bacon and Waffles ($13), for example, turns it up a notch with house-cured smoked bacon and soft scrambled eggs on top of a light buttermilk waffle. As an extra creative kick, the dish is drizzled with espresso-infused maple syrup, perfecting each sweet-and-savory bite.

Bacon & Waffles ($13)

If that doesn’t rattle your taste buds, the eatery’s Chilaquiles ($13) sure will. Get ready to open wide for some shredded chicken and fried corn tortilla, which are all tossed together in a chipotle tomato sauce. Eggs served sunny side up sit atop the dish with Mexican-style cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeno and a light dusting of smoked paprika.

Still up for more? Try Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast ($14). Multi-grain toast is graced with tasty smoked salmon and mashed avocado, along with two poached eggs slathered in Old Bay hollandaise sauce. The dish also comes with a side of ‘Nalo greens and smashed taters.

Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast ($14)

With seasonal menu changes, customers can look forward to tasty new creations year-round.

Diners also should save the date Aug. 7, when the restaurant will host a “Sunday picnic” themed chef pop up event in the evening, complete with six set courses. Further details will be available on Scratch’s website soon. As an appetizing bonus, be on the lookout for a soon-to-be second Scratch location, which will be featuring a dinner menu in addition to its staple brunch options.

Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop

1030 Smith St., Honolulu
536-1669
Wednesday-Monday, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays