Afternoon Tea in Jakarta: Shangri-La Jakarta Afternoon Tea

Up until now, I still don't know whether people actually do "Afternoon Tea" for luxury, lifestyle or daily needs, well, if it comes to me, I think I am pretty much in between, not exactly needing it but in the same time whenever I am meeting a client and have a slightly more relaxed conversation on the afternoon without having heavy meals, then I go with 'afternoon tea'.

FYI I sometimes wonder if the correct term is either "Afternoon Tea" or "High Tea", because sometimes I notice it's written "Afternoon High Tea" or both mentioned. Probably no right or wrong, but I personally love using the term "Afternoon Tea" for no specific reason.

The term 'Afternoon Tea' is slightly turning from its most basic definition, because technically it could also mean "having your tea in the afternoon", most basic DIY if not having a stand alone tea or with some breads or homemade cookies, but nowadays, it is not a strange scene that most fancy hotels and restaurants are now 'marking' their own signature afternoon tea, and of course *ahem* in a fancier way. I do love afternoon tea for its fashionably delicious presentation and the yummy cakes, but sometimes I found it hideous that people would spend let's say 500k just for snacks and tea, and but that's their money and I don't have the power to control it, but still... *scratch head*

So I went to the awesome Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta to try out their Afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge. FOR THE RECORD, what they refer as "Classic High Tea" set is going to only be available during 3 PM - 6 PM (daily) for only IDR 185k++, well for hotel as notable as Shangri-La, I was quite stunned that the pricing was quite reasonable-affordable.

The set already included free complimentary of scones, which by the way were dead good and that strawberry marmalade and clotted cream to go along.... MAZOR ZOMG! Not to mention they have these sweet little treats like the butter cookies and the chocolate cookies which were also good.

White sugar and brown sugar blocks.

SCONED to 'death', frankly speaking, Shangri-La's version of raisin scones were not like those you've probably tasted before in life, they were way smoother and softer, almost bread-like texture but that buttery flavor and scent was just addicting.

The "Classic High Tea" set consist of three towers of treats starting from the sweet to the savory ones:
Tower one: SWEET SECTION, consist of Chocolate Trilogy Layer, Vanilla and Fresh Raspberry Creme Brulee, Pecan and Maple Tarlet.

Tower two: COLD SECTION, consist of: Dill & Yuzu Marinated Prawns with Avocado in Brioche a Tete, Grilled Baby Vegetables with Pesto Aioli on Rocket Bread, Beef & Enoki Teriyaki Rolls on Dark Rye Bread with Cornichons.

Tower three: HOT SECTION, consist of: Lemongrass Marinated Chicken Lollies with Mango and Sago Dipping, Prawn Tempura and Healthy Vegetable Chips, Mini Beef Fillet Mignon Rosini Burger with Duck Foie Gras.

Okay, I would spill my unbearable emotion here because apparently... Shangri-La's Classic High Tea set happened to be one of the best I've had so far. Let me start with the sweet section: the desserts were created nicely and definitely professional looking and my favorite one gotta be the Chocolate Trilogy Layer! It was just chocolaty, in a way rich but not overpowering, smooth mousse texture that wouldn't make you feel noxious, it was just a lovely dessert. Both the 'hot' and 'cold' section were also memorable, my favorite one from the cold section was a tie between the Grilled Baby Vegetables with Pesto Aioli on Rocket Bread or Beef & Enoki Teriyaki Rolls on Dark Rye Bread with Cornichons. Both were pleasant! Meanwhile, hard call but I EVENTUALLY LOVE EVERYTHING from the hot section, the tempura was simple but yet delicious, the fillet mignon burger was also pretty decent even though the Foie Gras was a little lack of seasoning and the Lemongrass Marinated Chicken Lollies was the bomb!

In a nutshell, having this set brought back the memories of the not-so-worth-it amount of money that I've spent in other places, definitely more expensive than this but not as pleasuring as Shangri-La's.

Pecan and Maple Tarlet

Chocolate Trilogy Layer

Left: Vanilla and Fresh Raspberry Creme Brulee, Right: Chocolate Trilogy Layer, 

Left: Grilled Baby Vegetables with Pesto Aioli on Rocket Bread, Right: Beef & Enoki Teriyaki Rolls on Dark Rye Bread with Cornichons.

Lemongrass Marinated Chicken Lollies with Mango and Sago Dipping

Mini Beef Fillet Mignon Rosini Burger with Duck Foie Gras.

Lemongrass Marinated Chicken Lollies with Mango and Sago Dipping, Prawn Tempura and Healthy Vegetable Chips, Mini Beef Fillet Mignon Rosini Burger with Duck Foie Gras.

Prawn Tempura and Healthy Vegetable Chips

After having a glorious afternoon tea, Joris walked us to the herb garden just behind the famous Shangri-La pool, it's one of their personal CSR campaign to contribute to the society, community, and environment by running the "GO GREEN" campaign. The garden was not exactly spacious, but it looked like it's pretty well care taken and oh, the plants here are all organic.

I also managed to learn some new words I never knew before! Totally virgin for this one.

SO GREEN, eh!

If you consider yourself an "Afternoon Tea" enthusiast or you're just a human being with appetite, then I would highly recommend you having Shangri-La's "Classic High Tea" creation. Top to bottom..wasn't disappointing, and yet, told you guys that this is one of the best flavors I've tried so far, how can you not believe me? LOL!

A little recap, for IDR 185k++, you're getting the "Classic High Tea" set which consisted of the high tea towers, Shangri-La's signatures scones and selections of tea, coffee or hot chocolate to accompany you (pictures above).

It was a fine afternoon well spent with chit chats and delicious treats, Special thanks to Joris for the kind invitation! Pleasure meeting you after some time ;).

Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta (Lobby Lounge)

Lobby Level Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta

Kota BNI Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 1
Jakarta 10220

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