Welcome back to another afternoon tea blog from Tea With Me and Friends, this time we are joined by the lovely Sarika from Pearls Bounce as she shares with us some more of her international afternoon tea adventures.
We always love hearing about where Sarika has enjoyed afternoon tea, and seeing her scrummy photos....this time she has been sampling wonderful Christmas afternoon teas.....
Santa Claus comes to Tea in Beijing
My Festive challenge : Find 3 fantastic Christmas Inspired Afternoon Tea's in Asia. December festivities have taken me to the Great Wall of China, the city that never sleeps - Hong Kong and Singapore for a Singapore Slinging Christmas. Starting the advent month with an exhilarating trip to Beijing with temperatures of -4C, a cosy and warm Festive Afternoon Tea @ China World Hotel Lobby Lounge felt Christmas fitting! Reviews by City Weekend rated China World Hotel as the leader for Afternoon Tea in Beijing. With limited time in Beijing I took on their ranking and paid a visit to the busy China World Trade Centre. The hotel was decked out in full Christmas cheer and had me excited with anticipation of what an afternoon tea service would be like in China.
The Christmas Afternoon Tea set is priced at RMB328 +15% service charge and includes two teas, coffees or hot chocolate. Tea selection is broken down into three categories with multiple options available in each selection: Classic Tea Selection (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Assam and Sencha), Chinese Tea Selection (Jasmine, Pu’er, Chrysanthemum) and Herbal Tea Selection (Peppermint and Chamomile). For an added indulgent there is also a Champagne Afternoon Tea option available which I took along with my option for a hot chocolate.
The table setting was quite vintage with white lacy dollies and striped armchairs. The hot chocolate was divine and rich, I had two cups! The Perrier Jouet Brut was accompanied with the most moorish sweet popcorn, I just couldn't stop!
The Tea Stand was presented in true festive glitter…it just brought the biggest 'big kid' smile to my face...I knew this was going to be a tasty tea!
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| An impressive Christmas afternoon tea stand |
Santa just stole the show. He looked so cute and endearing, a part of me felt bad about eating him, however it had to be done once I knew it was a white chocolate Santa!
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| Oh no Sarika - what are you doing to Santa?? |
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| Oh my! |
The battenberg cake was a famous inhouse bake and considering I'm not really a fan of marzipan I found it to be one of the lightest and tastiest battenburgs I have ever eaten. Perhaps Battenberg converted.
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| Afternoon tea sweets |
Chinese snacks were next in line for demolishment. The BBQ Pork Pao was decent not like the delicious ones you get in Hong Kong or Singapore but still fun to have at tea time.
The scones were good and the variation of a chocolate scone was interesting but the real highlight was the Clotted cream, one of the best Tea condiments I have tried in Asia. The egg custard tartlet was also a great alternative option but lacked a little on taste.
The finger sandwiches were a good palate cleanser to make way for more sweet pastries, of which the Cinnamon Stars were a favourite.
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| Afternoon tea savouries |
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| Christmas afternoon tea |
The China World Hotel is one of the few afternoon tea events in Beijing that requires a reservation to ensure a seat at their fantastic Tea.
Top Tip: I would highly recommend doing a bit research before heading to Beijing, the Internet and language can be a bit of an obstacle if you are not mandarin speakers. City Weekend was a helpful guide for dining and restaurant reviews.
If you have enjoyed an afternoon tea somewhere around the world, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch with your afternoon tea adventures!
Thank you for popping by today,
Rachel & Lorna
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