Eight tearooms, eight different tea sets. Inspired by the fact that the tea drinking culture around the world is shaped by climate and geographical features, the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) in partnership with Bangkok Bank welcomed summertime in Thailand by presenting the High Tea Jubilee 2018 @ Ratchaprasong.
Following the “Blossom Tea Delight” concept, the tearooms at Ratchaprasong District will offer an afternoon experience full of flowery aromas and tastes from especially brewed tea blends, canapes, and desserts, from now until the end of June 2018.
“Ratchaprasong Bangkok Downtown is recognized as a large lifestyle hub located at the heart of Bangkok; it is a complete lifestyle circle for both Thais and international visitors. This year’s event is themed under ‘Blossom Tea Delight’ as we would like to combine hidden tastes and scents of flowers, with the art and science of tea-drinking from across the globe, and the concept is depicted through the unique identities of eight outstanding tea rooms,” said Nattaporn Chevamongkol, from the RSTA.
Tearooms participating in this promotion are the following:
French-Style Refreshments in a Parisian Ambience
Where: R Bar, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel (1st floor)
What: Bite-sized munchies and desserts by chef Matt Mittnacht. A French-influenced afternoon tea set with strong flavors and the aroma of roses and French vanilla. The tea set is served with coconut strawberry pannacotta, raspberry and yuzu mousse, cherry chocolate brownie, berry éclair, blueberry scones, and strawberry smores. On the savory side, beetroot-cured salmon canape, charcoal macaron with foie gras, and smoked duck on red velvet sponge. Jasmine green tea is recommended.
When: Daily from 2–5 p.m.
How much: THB 750++ for two people. Bangkok Bank credit card holders get a 20 percent discount.
Bookings: +66 2 125 5105
Summer Flowers-Inspired Teas and Pastries
Where: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel (Lobby)
What: 
Chef Laurent Duffaut has crafted three compelling tea blends from Mariage Frères:
- Eléphant Blanc (White Elephant), a fruity and flowery black tea positioned as the hotel’s signature tea blend
- Lune Rouge (Red Moon), a green tea blend made from tea leaves harvested in Chiang Rai, a part of the Golden Triangle, and a mixture of flowers, honey, ginger, and tints of French rose scent
- Temple De L’aube (Temple of Dawn), a mix of mild green tea, French flowers, citrus fruits such as lemon and orange, as well as wild fruits
The chosen tea blend will be served with a pastry set inspired by summer flowers: Rosella Panna Cotta, Spring Butterfly Pea Supreme, Chrysanthemum Cremeux, Sweet Purple Potato Scone, Hibiscus Smoked Salmon with
Tea Gel, Chicken Pandan, Tea Dip, Chamomile and Brie French Toast, and more.
When: Daily from 2–6 p.m.
How much: THB 850++ for two people on weekdays and THB 950++ per person on weekends. Bangkok Bank credit card holders get a 20 percent discount.
Bookings: +66 2 126 8866
Blooming Tea Blends in Your Cup
Where: Zing Bakery, Centara Grand at CentralWorld Bangkok Hotel (Ground Floor)
What: Blooming flowers shape the principle of this meticulous tea set revamped by chef Thawat Prathumpuang, featuring fragrances of rose and orange blossom infused into the tea for a refreshing sip. The “Blooming Tea” blend is a Chinese tea made with the ancient Chinese method in which green tea leaves are tied together with white tea leaves, as well as flowers such as jasmine, bachelor button, or chrysanthemum; then the mixture—rolled and packed in golden aluminum foils—expands when in contact with hot water, and become a blooming flower in the cup to symbolize growth and prosperity. Tea is served alongside sweets and canapes with shapes and textures resembling summer sunlight.
How much: THB 699++ for two people. Bangkok Bank credit card holders get a 20 percent discount.
When: Daily from 3–5 p.m.
Bookings: +66 2 100 6255
Cooling Off the Traditional Thai Way
Where: Erawan Tea Room, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel (2nd Floor)
What: 
This tea set has been gracefully adapted from an old-time supper set of Thai nobles by chef Achara To-ussami. It comprises butterfly pea flower tea, beal-pandan tea, lemongrass tea, and jasmine tea, which is paired with Thai-style canapes—infused with lotus pollen and decorated with lotus leaves—namely Meang Gaysorn Bbua, Thung Thong, Chor Muang Sai Poo, Yam Tua Plu Goong Sod, Wi Hok Non Rang, and Thai desserts like Khao Niew Mamuang, Kanom Krok, Kanom Mor Gaeng Med Bua, Kanom Bueng, Kanom Chan, Look Chub, and many more.
When: Daily from 2:30–4:30 p.m
How much: THB 600 per person and THB 1,200 for two people. Bangkok Bank credit card holders get a 20 percent discount.
Bookings: +66 2 254 6250
Sweet Lotus Meets Sour Strawberries
Where: Balcony Lounge, InterContinental Hotel Bangkok (Lobby)
What: Chef Saiful Huda has included in the “Strawberry Afternoon High Tea” a specially selected tea blend highlighting the sweetness from sacred lotus. Traditionally, Vietnamese tea masters would select and bake tea leaves for this blend for the elite, and this practice was then welcomed by other Asian tea lovers. The tea blend is paired with the aroma and taste strawberries used in macaroons, Japanese shortcake, strawberry pistachio lychee tart, strawberry lemon cheesecake, and more. Light canapes include turkey sandwich topped with apple and mustard-mayonnaise sauce, corn and cheese pie, as well as smoked salmon and crème cheese on a bagel. Other options besides the pink lotus tea are Moroccan mint tea, fruit tea with sunflower seeds, French-made Earl Grey, chamomile tea, and oolong tea.
When: Daily from 2:30–5:30 p.m.
How much: THB 550++ for one person and THB 850++ for two people. Bangkok Bank credit card holders get a 20 percent discount.
Bookings: +66 2 656 0444 ext. 6476
Afternoon Tea in a Flower Garden
Where: The Lounge, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam (6th Floor)
What: The “Blooming Summer Afternoon Tea Set at The Lounge” by chef Warattha Boonpitak uses seven floral tea blends namely, Rose tea, Butterfly Pea Flower tea, Lavender tea, Jasmine tea, Chrysanthemum tea, and Chamomile Tea Blooming tea—a Chinese tradition of turning tea leaves into a blooming flower in a cup—enhanced with green tea foliage. Dessert assortments catered to match with the tea include Mango Sticky Rice, Jasmine Aa Lua, Snow Skin Mooncake, Macaron, and Crispy Bael Fruit Jelly, while a la carte offers include Spicy Salmon Salad with Thai Herb, Flower Spring Rolls, and Cheesy Shrimp Cake.
How much: THB 950 net per person. Bangkok Bank credit card holders get a 20 percent discount.
Bookings: +66 2 209 1700 ext. 8704
A Tea Set with Cultural Refinements
Where: The Drawing Room, The St. Regis Bangkok Hotel (Lobby)
What: Chef Thitiphong Suanborae would like to pass forward the art and science of afternoon tea drinking through the timeless elegance of the St. Regis – a hotel chain originated in New York. Half a decade of tea drinking legacy left by its founder, the Astor family, is depicted through the “Western Afternoon Tea,” which includes the signature TWG 1837 Black Tea mixed with fresh berries and unique flowers found in the Bermuda Triangle to smoothen the taste, plus the spiciness from star anise, and sweetness from caramel. Munchies are served inside a bird’s cage and they include Boston lobster Tom Yum on top of bread, Truffle Puff Mousse, Norwegian Salmon with Honey Mustard, Orange Cannoli, and Hazelnut Cake.
When: Daily from 2–5 p.m.
How much: THB 1,500++ for two people. Bangkok Bank credit card holders get a 20 percent discount.
Bookings: +66 2 207 7826
A Marriage of Authentic Chinese Tea and Thai Fruits
Where: 1823 Tea Lounge by Ronnefeldt, Gaysorn Village (1st Floor)
What: Nalinthron “Caren” Triwittayaslip, a silver medalist tea master from the German institution for tea masters Ronnefeldt, is presenting two exclusive blends reflecting a longstanding relationship between Thailand and China:
- “Bangkok Blend Set” is a combination of authentic Oolong tea leaves mixed with Thai fruits such as papaya and pineapple. It reflects Caren’s root as her family resides in China, a country with a profound tea drinking tea culture.
- The “Gaysorn Blend” offers a touch of Bai Mudan White Tea from Fujian, China, and a citrus aroma from mango and orange.
Tea is served along with the Signature Mango Sticky Rice and Strawberry Gazpacho with Poached Prawn in Dragonwell tea. Each dish uses Ronnefeldt’s first-rate tea as its base ingredient.
When: Daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How much: THB 1,370++ for two people. Bangkok Bank credit card holders get a 20 percent discount.
Bookings: +66 2 656 1086
High Tea Jubilee 2018 @ Ratchaprasong
When: From now until June 30, 2018
How much: See above. Privileges available for Bangkok Bank credit card holders at bakeries and tea rooms in the Ratchaprasong District:
- Get a 15 percent discount from Eric Kayser, Iberista, The Mandarin Oriental Shop, Tea Lounge, Kuppadeli, CC Café, Camelot, Harajuku Café Crepes, Ampersand Boutique, Gelate, Sulbing Korean Dessert, Divana Signature Café, Godiva, and Jones Express.
- Get a 20 percent discount on all the tea sets described above.
Where: Ratchaprasong District, BTS Chitlom (see above for exact locations)
More info: www.bkkdowntown.com, www.facebook.com/HeartOfBangkok
