3 themed afternoon teas to try: Harry Potter magic, Art Deco, durian dessert buffet

Photo: Platform 1094
Photo: Platform 1094

There’s no reason why feasting should be kept strictly to breakfast, lunch, and dinner times. Especially in Singapore. Where tasty treats are available around every corner, at all hours.

You can probably guess what we’re getting at — afternoon teas. Yep, that time of the day when you’re sort of peckish but not completely ready to wolf down an entire meal. These mid-day menus are pretty standard at most hotels, but come on now, this is Singapore. Of course we have themed varieties. Of course we do.

Like, magical Harry Potter delicacies. Or tiered sweets and savories served in a grand, Art Deco space. A bout of durian madness, even. Take your pick from the three new afternoon teas below.


Atlas

Photo: Atlas

The high-ceilinged, Great Gatsby-esque space may be where the night owls flock to for dinner and drinks, but it also whips up a wicked afternoon tea set. With sunny rays filtering in from the tall windows, Atlas makes quite the transformation from night to day, inviting ladies who lunch and business acquaintances to get cozy on its plush couches.

On the newly-refreshed menu, guests are served bite-sized treats on a gorgeous two-tiered rose gold stand (you will be tempted to bring the entire thing home with you, just sayin’). Start with savories like croque monsieur, wagyu eclair, Iberico jamon on toast, crab croquette, basil panna cotta, and a margherita pizza-inspired pasta cracker topped with mascarpone, tomatoes, basil, and oregano.

Then, on to sweets such as madeleines, canelés, scones, hazelnut cremeaux, mango jelly, cotton cheesecake with candied lemon, and a tropical tartlet with passion fruit curd. As if that’s not enough, the afternoon tea ends with an Earl Grey ice cream lollipop coated with white chocolate and a coconut Oreo popsicle.

After hitting your sugar quota for the day, it’s time for tea: fragrant teas from the Atlas Selection or the Prestige Selection, with recommended brews like the Atlas Art Deco Blend of black tea, dry gin botanicals, elderflower, and yuzu. But if you’re feeling particularly fancy, pick one of the three champagnes to pair with the set for an additional $18 to $65.

Mon-Sat 3pm-5pm at Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Rd. $52-$56. 

Marriott Cafe

Photo: Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

Smell that stink in the air? Yeah, it’s the annual invasion of the King of Fruits. Marriott Cafe is all over the durian season, with an entire high tea buffet dedicated to the creamy delicacy that has been a deal-breaker for many a relationship.

For the next month or so, the flesh of Mao Shan Wang and D24 will be churned into pastry and dessert creations, to be displayed in all their lusciousness. More than 50 creations feature at the free-flow spread, including durian bread and butter pudding with coconut sauce, durian crème brûlée tartlets, glutinous rice with durian and coconut cream, durian mousse cake, and baked durian strudel. Let’s not forget staples like durian crepes, mochi, panna cotta, and ice cream, too.

When you’ve stuffed yourself with enough durian to last you through the next year, hit up the savory section for oysters and prawns, laksa and nasi lemak, dim sum bites and typical high tea items like scones, sandwiches, and muffins.

Until July 31; daily 3pm-5:30pm at Marriott Cafe, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd. Adults $45-$48, children aged 5-12 $27-$30.

Platform 1094

Photo: Platform 1094

The only wizard-themed cafe in Singapore just launched its magical set with items inspired by, of course, Harry Potter. Named Hagrid’s English Afternoon Tea, the enchantment begins with the Bewitching Tuna Sandwich and the Potato Slyther-in Bacon with Cheddar Cheese, followed by Avocado Salmon Weasled with Chicken Floss on Edible Magical Ladle and Turkey Bacon Quidditch Quiche. (Sounds like they certainly did their best to insert all the Harry Potter references possible.)

As for desserts, the Owl Hootdoo Macarons, Chocolate Frogs, and Rasp-BerryPotter with Mango-Nagall Mousse are tucked into a golden bird cage, looking a tad too cute to be consumed. A green tea drink resembling a potion brew called the Green Frog Flexi is included as well, or you can just throw in $6 to get a cup of caffeine topped with in-theme latte art (only available on weekends).

Oh, and diners also get a “Harry Potter Wand”, which may or may not work a splash of magic when you wave it around. Guess you’ll only know when you try it out for yourself.

Tues-Sun 2pm-6pm at Platform 1094, 1094 Serangoon Rd. $55/two people. 



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