On the trail of the dessert disciples

THE PASTRY chefs from eight leading downtown hotels and tea rooms are busy in their kitchens right now rustling up some exciting treats for the new incarnation of international cake day.

Hosted by the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, the High Tea Jubilee festival draws inspiration from the ever-growing popularity of afternoon tea. Stalwarts the Grand Hyatt Erawan, the InterContinental, the Renaissance, the St Regis and Centara Grand at CentralWorld are this year being joined in the sweet celebration by Anantara Siam, 1823 Tea Lounge by Ronnelfeldt and Twinings Tea Boutique.

At the InterContinental’s Balcony Lounge, executive pastry chef Saiyud Huda, who arrived in Bangkok just two months ago, is presenting a traditional Moroccan-style afternoon tea, called Minty Moroccan Treats, which features a wealth of popular North African and Middle Eastern desserts and snacks.

“I’m originally from Indonesia and for the past decade I’ve been working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Iran and Oman. October to December is high season in Morocco and a time when families like to gather over high tea. With most tea rooms influenced by English and French traditions, I thought it would be nice to bring a new experience to Bangkok,” Saiyud says.

Among his tempting treats are savoury Stuffed Dates filled with pistachio, goat cheese, yoghurt and pepper, Zataar Chicken on Brioche Boule, Feta cheese rolls stuffed with olives and cucumber and Muhammara, a hot pepper dip that’s usually spread on toast.

On the sweeter side are Cinnamon and Date Scones served with mixed orange and fig jam and smooth whipped cream and the sinfully delicious Petit Honey Basbousa Cakes made from Moroccan corn and coconut, topped with fresh cream and orange peel as well as macarons filled with orange blossom and chocolate.

Arab cookies abound, among them Butter Nut Cookies and sticky Pistachio Nougat. The savoury and sweet delights are paired with Moroccan Mint Tea, a green tea infused with fresh Sahara mint from TWG. The set is priced at Bt550 per person or Bt850 for two.

Over at Renaissance executive pastry chef Warud Watcharapanyanoon is offering both the Thai Taste and Western Tea sets at R Bar. The Thai set, priced at Bt770, offers desserts and drinks made mainly with juicy nam dok mai mangoes, taro and young coconut from Samut Sakhon’s Ban Phaeo district.

“I want to promote Thailand as a source of quality ingredients while demonstrating how a modern presentation gives Thai food an international look. And all my desserts taste great with iced tea,” Warud says.

His savoury creations include a Mini Burger filled with spicy pork and basil, sandwich roll filled with smoked salmon spiced up in a tom yum marinade, Lab Kai in Vol-au-Vent (spicy chicken salad in a crispy French puff) and sweet-and-sour grilled Tiger Prawn Skewer with tamarind sauce. 

Sweet treats include Pandanus Coconut and Durian scones with strawberry jam and cream, soft layered Taro Coconut Chiffon Cake and Belgian Chocolate Coconut mousse cake infused with jasmine. His Mango Sticky Rice Sandwich Cake is topped with coconut milk caviar and his Thong Muan Candy is coated with white chocolate. The set comes with a glass of sweet Iced Mint and White Chocolate Green Tea.

Over at the St Regis, Matthew Woolford is offering La Dolce Vita set laid out on a stand that looks just like a birdcage. 

“Our Jojo Italian restaurant is very popular so we decided to offer a high tea reminiscent of the Italian lifestyle,” he says.

Customers arriving at the Drawing Room are greeted with iced TWG 1837 tea along with four canapes boasting Vine Ripened Tomato and Basil, Hand Cut Parma Ham, Pumpkin and Goat’s Cheese and Oven Roasted Tomato. Warm Chocolate and Orange Scones are served with passion fruit and strawberry jam, clotted cream and whipped cream.

The second level of the birdcage tantalises the taste buds with Crisp Cannoli Frangelico Scented Cream, Crisp Fried Bombolini with passion fruit curd and Torched Italian Meringue. The bottom layer meanwhile features Pistachio Biscotti, Classic Tiramisu Shot, Lavender Honey Panna Cotta and Hazelnut Semi freddo with chocolate parfait. The set is priced at Bt1,250 for two and includes premium teas from TWG. 

 

 

HUNGRY FOR HIGH TEA

>>The festival runs through December 31 at all venues except Twinings Tea Boutique (October 15) and the St Regis (November 15). 

>>Balcony Lounge is on the Lobby Floor of InterContinental Bangkok. The set is available from 2.30 to 6pm. Call (02) 656 0444 extension 6476.

>>R Bar is on the first floor of Renaissance and high tea is available from 2 to 5pm. Call (02) 125 5105.

>>The Drawing Room is on the 12th floor of the St Regis and tea is served from 2 to 6pm. Call (02) 207 7826.

>>Erawan Tea Room is situated on the second floor of Erawan Bangkok. The set is available from 2.30 to 6pm. Call (02) 254 6250.

>>The Lobby Lounge at Anantara Siam offers high tea from 2 to 6pm. Call (02) 126 8866.

>>The Zing Bakery is on the first floor of the Centara Grand and the set is available from 3 to 5pm. Call (02) 100 1234, extension 6485.

>>1823 Tea Lounge by Ronnefeldt is on the first floor of Gaysorn. It’s open daily from 10am to 8pm. Call (02) 656 1086.

>>Twinings Tea Boutique is on the first floor of CentralWorld. It’s open daily from 10am to 10pm. Call (02) 613 1230.