In Short
Breakfast, lunch, homemade cake, or perhaps a cocktail to go with it? At Braena you fortunately don’t have to choose. This cozy Hamburg spot combines Scandinavian influences with a varied menu, plenty of homemade food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Especially nice: you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast here even on weekdays and, if you like, extend your visit straight through to lunch.
Cozy Inside, Green and Spacious Outside
The Braena interior is modern yet at the same time really cozy. There’s even more space on the large, leafy outdoor terrace, where you can happily linger when the weather is good. The spot is also well suited to larger groups. Anyone visiting with a stroller will also find plenty of space both inside and outside and feel welcome here.
The food features Scandinavian influences, reflected not least in the name Braena, while the kitchen also looks far beyond the north. The team uses fresh, ingredients that are as regional as possible, with a great deal made in-house. Alongside the seasonal menu there is a lunch menu as well as vegan and gluten-free options among both the dishes and the homemade cakes. That makes Braena a great choice not only for breakfast and brunch, but also for lunch.
What we had on the Table
- Eggs Benny, €15: Poached organic eggs, hollandaise, and sourdough bread with a fresh side salad
- Fried Eggs Salsa Verde, €15.40: Three organic fried eggs with homemade salsa verde, radishes, lime, cilantro, avocado, and feta crumble, served with corn tortillas
- Skagen, €14.70: Sourdough bread with cold-water shrimp, cream cheese, caviar, pickled cucumber, dill, and onions, served with a side salad
- Truffle Cheese Sandwich, €14.90: Sourdough bread with cheddar, Gouda, and black truffle, served with coleslaw and a side salad
- Shakshuka, €13.90: Middle Eastern-spiced tomato and bell pepper ragout with sourdough bread and your choice of two eggs or half an avocado
- Pancakes, €13.90: With maple syrup, lemon crème fraîche, grated chocolate, and fresh berries
- Vegan Kibbeh on Hummus, €14.40: Stuffed bulgur balls with vegan mince and walnuts on pink hummus, served with grilled mushrooms, sourdough bread, sesame, and salad
Three dishes in particular stayed with us. The Skagen is interesting simply because you don’t often see this Nordic combination on breakfast menus in Hamburg. The robust sourdough bread works perfectly with the creamy, salty elements of cream cheese, shrimp, and caviar, while cucumber and dill add freshness.
If you prefer something heartier, the Truffle Cheese Sandwich should hit the spot: melted cheddar and Gouda, crisp sourdough bread, and the intense truffle aroma come together as true comfort food.
Our most unusual dish, however, was the vegan kibbeh. The spiced bulgur balls with vegan mince and walnuts pair really well with the creamy pink hummus and grilled mushrooms. Most of all, we like that there’s a vegan option here that isn’t the usual avocado toast or a bowl.
More Than Typical Café Food
What we particularly like about the menu is the mix of familiar breakfast ideas and dishes you’re less likely to find in a classic café. That makes the offering feel much more varied and a little more adventurous, without being unnecessarily complicated. That also makes Braena a good choice when not everyone at the table is in the mood for the usual breakfast fare.
Coffee in the Morning, Cocktails for Boozy Brunch
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to drinks, too. Alongside hot drinks and lemonades, there are various cocktails, so breakfast can quickly turn into a boozy brunch. The menu includes, for example, a Bloody Braena Mary, a Raspberry Thyme Mimosa and a Dragonfruit Cosmopolitan.
Our Verdict on Braena in Hamburg
For us, Braena is a really lovely all-rounder, where you can feel at home from breakfast through to lunch and happily linger a little longer. The cozy atmosphere, the large green terrace and the varied menu make this spot a great choice for all kinds of occasions. We especially liked the combination of plenty of homemade food, creative ideas and a good selection for different dietary needs. It’s a relaxed place we’d definitely return to even just for coffee, cake, or a drink.
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