best afternoon teas in Kuala Lumpur

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, Afternoon Tea

Words: Hannah Staley Photos: Monica Tindall

The ritual of afternoon tea dates back to the 1800s during a time when it was common to eat only two meals a day. It served to stem the hunger and anticipation of the late evening dinner. Fast forward to the 21st century, and where better for an English girl living in KL to partake in this quintessentially British experience than at the recently refreshed Lobby Lounge of the Ritz-Carlton for the launch of their new Afternoon Tea.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Tea Time

As one would expect from this luxurious hotel situated within KLs prestigious Golden Triangle District the setting is elegant. The walls are marble, the table is laid with Narumi bone china and a string quartette plays in the background providing the perfect setting for Monica and I to relax in our huge comfy chairs. On this occasion representatives from the hotels long-term tea partner, Ronnefeldt, are on hand to explain the high quality tea pairings.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Afternoon Tea Set at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

Science part over the three-tiered trays arrive at our table stacked with the afternoon delights and each layer is explained. We start at the bottom with the savories (the correct way one should take ones high tea of course). Beef Pastrami and Mozzarella Sandwiches cut into fingers with a hint of mustard, Mushroom Quiche stuffed with chunky flavorsome mushrooms and Mini Chicken Pie straight from the oven, just how they should be, with a light and flaky pastry set the bar high for the following tiers.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Sandwich from the bottom hot savoury layer

The savories are paired with Fancy Sencha, a light green tea with an aromatic touch of sweetness preparing us perfectly for the freshly baked scones that follow. We are treated to two varieties: wholemeal cranberry and lemon, and the classic (the perfect excuse to indulge in more than one) along with individual servings of clotted cream, strawberry preserve and tangy marmalade. Monica and I are in a deep debate as to whether itโ€™s โ€˜skonโ€™ or โ€˜skoanโ€™, clotted cream first and then preserve (or vice versa) but we can agree that the taste and combination of flavours is absolutely divine. Iโ€™m informed by a very helpful member of staff that itโ€™s completely down to personal preference as the next tea pairing โ€˜The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Blendโ€™ is poured. This exclusive tea is a green oolong with a sweet caramel aftertaste providing the perfect union to my generously topped clotted cream scone.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Scones Jam and Cream

We move on to the middle tier of attractively presented and deliciously fresh Tuna, Chicken and Egg Salad sandwiches, a must for any self-respecting afternoon tea. Paired with Darjeeling Summer Gold, a black tea with a refreshingly well balanced taste. If my eyes hadnโ€™t been ogling the top tier of stunningly colourful and mouthwatering desserts I could have happily gone in for a second helping.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Platter of Sandwiches

Thankfully I still have room for the sweet treats on offer of which there are generously eight varieties. Paired with a naturally caffeine free Raspberry Royal tea I indulge in the Chocolate and Orange Ganache Cake, which is to die for, The Mixed Berry and Custard Tart served in a shot glass has a lovely light custard and The Morello Cherry Cheesecake with white chocolate discs looks as good as it tastes. The Cranberry Flapjack and Red Fruit Globe compliment the fruity tea impeccably.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Sweets

We leave the lobby lounge with content taste buds, full tummies and certainly no need for a late evening dinner.

* The new afternoon tea is priced at RM 91 per person and is served daily from 3pm to 6pm.

Reasons to visit: Elegant and relaxed setting, quality tea selection in particular the exclusive Ritz-Carlton blend, generous and mouthwatering selection of desserts.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
168 Jalan Imbi
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
www.facebook.com/RitzCarltonKL

16 Comments

  1. Wowwwww!!! This is so aristocratic, sophistication overload.

    Yes, clotted cream or preserve first – I always go clotted cream first and my cousin from the UK said that is so British – her hubby’s English…and she goes preserve first. LOL!!!

    • Yes! I’ve read that in Devon it’s cream then jam, but in Cornwall it’s jam then cream! For me, jam is easier to spread directly on the scone, and then blob the cream on top. I find it a little tricky trying to spread jam on cream, but then again, I suppose I could just drop a spoonful on too, without the need to spread. If the absolute truth be known though… my favourite way to have scones as a child was with butter and vegemite! Kids’ taste buds. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  2. love all the cream allotted for the scones … i have a weakness for cream! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. What an exquisite afternoon tea…with 3 types of tea….served in beautiful bone china tableware! I noticed the dessert platter comes with 6 different sweet treats….that means those have to be shared (by two)? ;D

    • There’s actually a much larger selection of tea to choose from, but these were the ones suggested to try for each section of the spread. Mmm.. I’d have to check on the details, but I believe that is a set for two.

  4. Looks a lovely afternoon tea.
    I notice that the creme is on top of the jam…odd indeed.
    Creme goes on first as in place of the butter, then the jam on top.

    • Ha ha… Margaret… you have to read my response to Suituapui above. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Apparently butter should be out of the equation altogether. I wonder what traditionalists would say about Vegemite. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • You had Vegemite on on scones, oh dear, but then I expect that’s ok. Must try it next time I made scones.

  5. Hannah Staley

    Personally I say ‘skoan’ and add my cream first:)
    I can confirm it was exquisite. There were a choice of 8 sweet treats in total that could easily be shared between two. Lemon and caramel eclair and blueberry financier were brought out later (to ensure freshness I assume?).

  6. Classy. I need to try it some day, no idea when though…

  7. Hello dear, when I read yourย post my heart melted. I am an Afternoon Teahoolic. This is so aristocratic, so elegant, so beautiful. Love the tableware, love the attention to details. Love theย happy cakes/mini sandwiches
    platter and you’ve captured the real essence of what an afternoon tea is, great photos. I’m longing for a fabulous afternoon tea like this one. Have a nice week ahead Monica

  8. Nice post! My next stop in KL from Singapore will be this high tea. ๐Ÿ™‚

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