We traverse the Southeast Asian cities of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore for some of their most decadent tea time delights.
CITIES FOR
Sundown Interlude Afternoon Tea
The Botanist Lounge and Bar, Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur
One of the latest hotels to launch in the Malaysian capital, the culinary delights across the 2 dining outlets at Parkroyal Collection KL do not disappoint, particularly its afternoon tea at The Botanist which is presented in a briefcase brimming with delightfully classical confections. The scones are masterfully rendered and served with a dollop of clotted cream.
TEA
Malaysian Voyage Afternoon Tea
Thirty8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Afternoon Tea at Thirty8 is booked solid even on weekdays, principally because of the giddy views of this restaurant and the sterling 3-tier they have maintained over the years. The current Malaysian Voyage set is complemented by a delightful basket of dim sums besides the usual sweet and savoury morsels and a duo of scones.
Thematic Afternoon Tea
Lounge on the Park, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
When we were in-house, Lounge on the Park, one of favourite haunts of celebrities and royalties coursing through the Malaysian capital, was serving gourmet bears at the crown of its 3-tier, a cherished tradition borrowed from its London kin. The menu might have changed with the new season, but the elegant milieu and mouthwatering dainties are here to stay.
Expressions Afternoon Tea
The Landing Point, Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
A sitting at The Landing Point comes replete with scrumptious morsels and stunning views of Singapore's Marina Bay precincts. The savouries here are particularly delightful, with the roast beef and tuna canapes our firm favourite. Live music proffered daily elevates the mood for tea, as does the clinking of flutes brimming with champagne.
Kyoto in Autumn Afternoon Tea
One-Ninety Bar, Four Seasons Singapore
One-Ninety was one-time the cozy spot in town to people watch and be seen, and judging by the full house situation on the first day of their weekend-only Kyoto in Autumn afternoon tea, much has been retained. Our favourite must be the coconut oil scones construct, and the lovely cocktail infused with Kyoto tsukemono and minimalist panache.
Heritage Afternoon Tea
Portman's Bar, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay Singapore
Even without the delightful briefcase stuffed with confections inspired by Singaporean flavours, the light drenched Portman's Bar is one of the best spots in town to while away the afternoon, lulled by the comforting greens and the avian minstrels chorusing overhead. The addition of a snack trolley proffering old school treats like piped jelly cakes and 'elephant ear biscuits' is a really nostalgic tug for every pre-millennial Singaporean who still remembers this hotel's former address as one of the markers of Singapore's rise as a financial powerhouse in the decades past.
House of Bloom Afternoon Tea
The Lobby, Anantara Siam Bangkok
A grande dame in a city renowned for grande dames, The Lobby of the Anantara Siam has taken on new skin and forms, with a floral installation of unusual vibrancy infused into its current afternoon tea set. Making an entrance is a sorbet enveloped by dry-ice mist followed by rich confections and canapes infused with Thai flavours fit for a queen. This regal afternoon tea sitting is lushness personified.
The Chocolate Buffet
The Lobby Salon, The Sukhothai Bangkok
A legendary once-a-week (only Saturdays) affair at the timeless Sukhothai, the chocolate buffet is an attraction for locals and tourists alike and was booked solid for weeks in its heyday. The art of rendering a cup of hot chocolate takes centerstage here, complemented by 2 buffet stations proffering sweet and savoury delights. Traditional Thai music by live musicians elevates the mood for sweetness and indulgence.
Indulgence Afternoon Tea
Lobby Lounge, Sindhorn Kempinski Bangkok
The Sindhorn Kempinski is signifying an elevation of luxury quotient in the Thai capital with its recent launch, and afternoon tea at its splendid lobby will throw up clues to that observation. The Indulgence Afternoon Tea here is exactly as its name suggests, choke full of scones, sorbets, pastries and canapes that are as comforting as they are comely. Newness and indulgence is splendidly presented over the course of an afternoon tea with style and elegance.
