One-of-a-Kind Afternoon Teas Around Asia

If where and how you take your tea is just as important as the drink itself then these destinations throughout Asia just may be your cup of tea.

Former Holiday Homes of Legendary Indonesian Architects Form Backdrop of Artistic Afternoon Tea

In the tropical uplands of Ubud, Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, has opened its doors to a suite of naturally splendid venues for leisurely afternoon tea sessions inspired by the man who conjured the spaces. On the grounds of Tanah Gajah itself, which Indonesian architect Hendra Hadiprana designed as a family retreat in the 1980s and repurposed as a resort in 2004, they’re wheeling out the tea in the Panen Padi restaurant. Once known as Pondok Margin, Panen Padi is where the late Hadiprana stayed when he retreated to the property with his wife, children and grandchildren. Dua Dari, like Tanah Gajah, started as a home but the family has now opened it to the public for stays. Guests can choose between multiple locations throughout the property, such as beneath towering statues or overlooking the jungle. The array of afternoon treats varies by property and season but savoury dishes like Balinese-spiced tuna satay, chicken curry puffs and finger sandwiches, as well as sweet treats such as Valrhona chocolate cake, mixed fruit tarts, jackfruit fritters and tiramisu, are some examples of what’s on offer. Afternoon tea in Ubud at the Panen Padi Lounge or at Tanah Gajah’s sister property, Dua Dari, is available exclusively to guests from 4pm – 6pm daily. Visitors staying off-site can enjoy afternoon tea at Tanah Gajah in the main restaurant, The Tempayan, or picnic style on the verdant grounds. https://www.tanahgajahubud.com/en or https://duadariubud.com/

A Reverence for Nature Runs Deep in the Art of Tokyo Afternoon Tea Presentation

Just as nature can appear seemingly simple while being infinitely complex, so too are the lacquerware “stones” that underpin Palace Hotel Tokyo’s latest afternoon tea presentation. Handcrafted by artisans, the ‘stones’ are the result of a deep reverence for nature and the value placed on harmony. With the shifting of the seasons, Palace Hotel Tokyo has recently launched a new afternoon tea menu just as artistic as the stones it is served on. Sweet seasonal items include bite-sized sweets and savouries inspired by budding blossoms, green tree trunks and evocations of fresh breezes. Afternoon tea is served daily at The Palace Lounge and the spring presentation will be available till May 31st. Reservations are essential with seatings starting from 11:00 am. Prices are JPY 8,000 per person or JPY 10,400 with a glass of champagne. https://en.palacehoteltokyo.com/restaurants-bars/new-afternoon-tea-stones/

An Incomparable Mountain View From a Perch Above the Clouds in Mai Chau

The H’mong Cottage, perched high on a mountainside, is a one-of-a-kind setting for a leisurely afternoon tea. While drinking in the surrounding hills dressed in tiered rice paddies and verdant forest, guests can sip their favourite brew and sample a selection of local Vietnamese savouries and western-style cakes. Named for the local hill tribe which inspired the design, the glass-walled cottage provides a 360-degree outlook. The hilltop location is one of several sites throughout the property where guests can enjoy a decadent afternoon tea. Advanced bookings are required and the presentation is available from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Cloud Pool Bar, Hidden Spring Lagoon, H’mong Cottage or In-Villa (surcharge of 1,000,000++ for in-villa set-up). Prices start from VND 600,000 ++ per guest and range up to VND 2,200,000 ++ per guest for the champagne and caviar option. https://avanaretreat.com/

Urban Hotel’s New Afternoon Tea Makes a Splash with Purple

Crispy butterfly pea flowers with purple hummus, lavender mousse with mirror glaze and purple potato mont blanc are among the new ’Summer Purple Afternoon Tea’s’ visually compelling savoury and sweet treats at Meliá Chiang Mai. Special afternoon tea for two inspired by Spanish cuisine the, ‘Summer Purple Afternoon Tea’ is available at Ruen Kaew Lounge daily between 2:00 -5:00 pm from 1 April until 30 June 2023 at THB 999 net per set inclusive of a selection of teas or freshly brewed coffee. The afternoon tea also features golden fried potatoes and octopus balls with roasted garlic aioli, a triple-decker sandwich with chicken and avocado, churros with warm blueberry and white chocolate dipping sauce, and butterfly pea flower popsicles. For information and reservations, please contact Laan Na Kitchen at +66(0)52 090 601 or email fb@meliachiangmai.com.

Teatime Among the Trees in Krabi

Banyan Tree Krabi provides the chance to sup afternoon tea in one of the beachfront resort’s three “Bird’s Nests”, which are perched among the trees. Each table offers not just intimacy and privacy, but a unique ambience and stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and the limestone cliffs of the marine national park, one of Thailand’ most iconic picture-postcards. A selection of beautifully- composed nibbles, sweets, scones and Thai desserts can be savoured, accompanied by either a pot of tea, brewed coffee or even Champagne. Due to the Bird’s Nests’ popularity, bookings should be made in advance. There are two sittings: 2pm – 3:30pm; and 3:30pm – 5pm. For reservations, contact: saffron-krabi@banyantree.com; or tel: +66 075 811 888.

A Classic Afternoon Tea Experience in Vietnam’s Capital

Afternoon tea is a longtime tradition at the 120-year-old Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, served in the bright, airy Le Club Bar overlooking the hotel’s lush garden. The special menu includes a selection of traditional sandwiches, oven-fresh scones, scrumptious patisseries and signature madeleines, in addition to an extensive offering of teas from around the world, ranging from bold Assam tea from India to delicate green tea from China, locally produced Vietnamese teas and more. The classic afternoon tea is priced at VND 690,000++ (USD 30). For more information or to make a reservation, please contact the hotel’s food and beverage department at Tel: 024 3826 6919 or email: H1555-fb3@sofitel.com.

Afternoon Tea Comes in Various Themes on Cam Ranh Peninsula

Afternoon tea aficionados are spoilt for choice at The Anam Cam Ranh. The Colonial Restaurant serves four different themed afternoon tea experiences – ‘Vietnamese’, ‘Asian’, ‘Classic’ and ‘Degustation’ – daily from 3pm-5pm. The Vietnamese, Asian, Classic and Degustation afternoon teas offer savoury items such as five spice marinated beef on a lemongrass skewer, crab cake with mango salsa, smoked salmon with brioche and mustard sauce, and crisp tortillas with citrus tuna tartare respectively, as well as sweets such as Hanoi green sticky rice cake, mochi, freshly baked scones, and raspberry cheesecake. Priced at VND 400,000++ per guest (USD 16.90), the affair is anchored by a selection of Dammann and Vietnamese tea, coffee including Espresso, cappuccino, Americano, latte, and Vietnamese iced coffee, and even hot chocolate. For more information visit theanam.com/the-anam-cam-ranh

Afternoon Tea Accompanied By Live Pianist

Alma Cam Ranh’s afternoon tea is served at Alma Lounge, a café and bar defined by flowing, curved open spaces and a spectacular view of Long Beach. The resident pianist Ben tickles the ivories of a grand piano, making for a mellow soundtrack to ‘Emily’s Afternoon Tea’, priced at VND 660,000 (USD 27.90) net per couple and served daily from 2-5pm. The afternoon tea’s savoury and sweet items include smoked salmon sandwich, roast beef and mustard sandwich, sausage puffs, opera cake, fruit tartlet, macaron, pralines, vanilla choux, chocolate choux, raisin scone, and baked cheesecake. The tea selection includes black teas, herbal teas, green teas and fresh ginger, fresh mint and fresh lemongrass teas. Single and double espresso, macchiato, Americano, cappuccino, café latte, café mocha and Vietnamese iced and hot coffee are among the afternoon tea’s coffee selection. For further information visit alma-resort.com

A Vietnamese Take on Afternoon Tea at Lang Co

Few resorts in Vietnam pay heed to the nation’s unique heritage quite as rigorously as Banyan Tree Lang Co. Known for its phong thuy (feng shui), the traditional architecture of its villas and its stunning location sandwiched between the mountains and the East Sea, the resort exudes a very Vietnamese atmosphere. This reverence for tradition is to the fore when it comes to afternoon tea. Every day, villa guests are served an exquisite selection of local teas and treats in their villa by staff wearing ao dai — the nation’s national costume. The repast is transported in bamboo baskets balanced on a ganh, a time-honoured method of carrying goods and food in Vietnam that is still used by many street vendors. The spread, which is complimentary for residents of the resort and is served daily at 3pm, features a choice of premium teas and local snacks such as nem lui (pork on lemongrass skewers) and banh ngot (sweet cakes).

‘Femme Fatale’ Afternoon Tea in Phnom Penh; Exceptional Éclairs in Siem Reap

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in the Cambodian capital has introduced a “Femme Fatale Afternoon Tea Set” inspired by the visit of former US first lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1967. Served daily from 2:30pm-5:30pm in the Writer’s Bar, the afternoon tea is priced at $20++ per person (add $12++ for unlimited Femme Fatale cocktails). The hotel has also launched a Weekend Pâtisserie featuring an array of decadent French pastries and desserts, available every Saturday and Sunday from 2:30pm-5:30pm with prices starting from $6++ per pastry (add $15++ for a glass of Champagne; $18++ for unlimited pastries). In Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s Afternoon Tea includes a free-flow spread of pastries, cakes and exceptional éclairs. The special experience is priced from $25++ per person ($12++ with a glass of Champagne). For more please visit https://www.raffles.com/phnom-penh/ or https://www.raffles.com/siem-reap/.