Now has come the time, particularly in Bangkok, when afternoon tea is no longer defined only as a snacking affair.
Last week, Siam Kempinski hotel launched one of the most imaginative and hefty tea-time repasts in the city.
Dubbed "Afternoon Tea Reimagined", the new concept features a multi-course feast comprised of as many as 26 culinary items complemented by a selection of fine tea.
The fanciful meal, available only on weekends, promises to wow your eyes while satisfying your palate and fill -- if not overindulge -- your stomach.
The repertoire of mini eclairs.
It's a kitchen collaboration between the hotel's Swiss executive chef Stefan Trepp; Austrian executive pastry chef Frank Braun; and Italian executive sous chef Carlo Valenziano. Thus, despite the Kempinski's strong German roots, the affair marries various European culinary savoir-faire with local recipes and flavours.
Food comes in five courses. It begins with a variety of canapés in exclusively made ceramic tiffin boxes. The selection includes pulled massaman duck on rice cracker; mini honey and lime matcha cone; Macanese custard with dried mango confit; crispy Thai tea roll; and steamed bun with chestnut filling.
The savoury course is presented by Chef Valenziano who treats guests to a freshly-sliced house-smoked salmon and crab riletts with blinis and pumpernickel as options of accompaniments. Meanwhile, the smoked tuna tart fine, barbecue pork bun with cilantro mayo, and pulled satay chicken with cucumber sandwich represent choices of finger sandwich.
Next up is a duo of house-rendered scones with raspberry preserve, passion fruit curd and clotted cream.
They are followed by a selection of mini eclairs. Flavours to be chosen from include passion fruit and mango; white-chocolate cherry; raspberry Manjari; matcha and bourbon vanilla; and apricot.
At the end of the heavenly ordeal, an East-meets-West repertoire of mignardise is presented. There you'll find marshmallow; chocolate cups with berries; meringue drops; jelly fruit coin; fruit pate; praline selection; assorted macaroon; and look choop (Thai-style mung bean paste balls), the latter slung from an installation of tree branches.
When it comes to the matter of tea, the hotel, of course, opts for Ronnefeldt, the 200-year old German tea house. From an alluring 24-option list, I personally recommend Morgentau Summer, a flavoured green tea with a mango-citrus and floral note; Teastar Splendid Earl Grey, a delicate flowery black tea imbued with bergamot; and white Yunnan silver tip tea, an organic white tea harvested only in spring.
The Afternoon Tea Reimagined is priced at 999 baht per person and offered at the lobby of Siam Kempinski only, Saturday and Sunday, 2-5pm. For more information and reservations, call 02-162-9000.
