Mid-way into October, treat yourself to some of Bangkok’s best afternoon tea sets — the best way to while away the hours while you go from brunch and cocktails.
With a bustling culinary scene that goes from street-side wonders to award-winning fine-dining establishments, we’re spoilt for choice here in Bangkok city. We can’t deny, though, that there are times when we feel like indulging in something a little bit more special — somewhere just in between savoury and sweet. Enter the afternoon tea set. Frequent readers of Prestige will know that we’re avid advocators of the afternoon tea ritual — what better way to spend your afternoons, than by enjoying bite-sized canapés with a warm drink? Whether you’re looking for seasonal pastries, or just love a good cuppa, we’ve got you covered with our monthly roundup of the best afternoon tea sets to try in Bangkok this October.
Koyo Afternoon Tea at Okura Prestige Bangkok
In Japanese culture, Koyo refers to the changing of autumn colours, mainly when leaves turn a warm bronze and fall to the ground. Inspired by this rather romantic phenomenon, the talented pastry chefs at The Okura Prestige Bangkok are serving up sweet and savoury treats under a Koyo theme. Expect a selection of delectable confections that include Koyo-themed macarons, ‘Cabosse’ chocolate praline, potted yuzu creme and more. Savoury items here include prawn, avocado and dill mayonnaise on Hokkaido milk bread, as well as house cured salmon and sudachi sour cream on dark multigrain. Complement your afternoon experience with a cup of premium coffee or freshly brewed Mariage Freres tea with refreshing citrus notes.
THB1,400++ (includes coffee, premium Mariage Freres or Saro tea) per set for two people. Available from 2-5pm daily, until December 31, 2020. To reserve your seats or find out more, call 0 2687 9000, or email upandabove@okurabangkok.com.
Chef Aey in Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bangkok
If you’re up for a dreamier afternoon, hop over to The St. Regis Bangkok, where the hotel’s executive pastry chef Anupong “Aey” Nualchawee presents a fantastical experience that draws inspiration from Alice in Wonderland — reimagined, of course, through a selection of sugary delights. Nods to the childhood film can be found in charming references, from the “Once Upon a Time” (caramel mousse, pineapple, and mint) inspired by the white rabbit’s clock, to a treat that represents the mushroom caterpillar sat on when Alice first met him. Everything has been created to look like a dessert, including savoury bites like the foie gras and berries lollipop, the wasabi macaron with sea urchin cream, and artichoke and spinach cream topped with black olive crumble and poached baby carrot. Chef Aey even takes things up a level, by paying homage to classic movie snacks, introducing popcorn and chocolate bubblegum scones, adding a whimsical twist to the afternoon tea experience.
THB1,600++ (includes tea or coffee) per set for two people. Themed cocktails are priced at THB375++ per glass. Available from 2-5pm daily, until October 31, 2020. To reserve your seats or find out more, call 0 2207 7777, or email fb.bangkok@stregis.com.
Chinese Afternoon Tea at Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
Proving that afternoon tea doesn’t necessarily have to be quintessentially British, Yao Tea Room presents a rather unique afternoon tea set, comprised of blooming floral teas, dim sum, and delectable Chinese snacks — all served in a sophisticated ambiance that draws inspiration from modern-day Shanghai. An out-of-the-box take on the afternoon tea experience, the set embraces the rich history of Chinese tea culture, and also offers guests an outlet to indulge in fine modern Chinese cuisine. In the set are a selection of delicious homemade pastries and dim sum, accompanied by heartier savoury items such as marinated baby abalone in sake soy sauce, deep-fried cheese dumpling with crab, and pan-fried fish dumplings with green chives. Desserts-wise, don’t miss out on the vibrant blue jujube macaron and bird nest with aloe jelly.
THB1,288++ per set for two people. Available from 2:30 – 5pm daily. To reserve your seats or find out more, call 0 2088 5666, or visit yaobangkok.com.
Garden & Flower Afternoon Tea at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Welcoming the new winter season, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has released a new afternoon tea set, paired with a choice between Lavazza coffee or Ronnefeldt tea. On the menu are a series of truly mouthwatering bites, ranging from savoury favourites such as the roasted vine tomato and burrata tartlet, to the likes of chicken liver pate, hazelnut and cranberry, as well as servings of avocado smash, quail egg and caviar, or even a smoked salmon bun. On the desserts front, expect everything from cherry financiers, to orange blossom petit choux, velvet chocolate mousses with violet perfume, pistachio macarons filled with raspberry rose compote and more. Scone lovers needn’t worry — the plain and raisin scones on offer are truly divine, especially when paired with the selection of toppings, ranging from strawberry and vanilla jam, to lemon curd and clotted cream.
THB750++ per set. Available from 2-5pm daily. To reserve your seats or find out more, call 0 2162 9000 or email hanumanbar.siambangkok@kempinski.com.
Mary Losmithgul
The online content creator for Prestige Thailand, Mary handles the magazine's digital platforms. She enjoys black coffee, astro charts and listening to entire albums in one go. When not engrossed in a novel or having brunch, catch her on the hunt for new restaurants and the city's latest happenings.