The romantic season of spring is washing over Raffles Hotel’s grand lobby yet again with the comeback of their highly-anticipated sakura afternoon tea, which consistently garnered great hype in earlier editions. 2024’s version retains some of the previous years’ favourites, while introducing delectable new morsels – this time inspired by the chef’s own virgin sakura experience in Japan.
The savoury items include cold bites like the kanikama hosomaki roll, salmon sushi roll with avocado, and tamagoyaki with ikura and Japanese pickles, though our to pick is the beef sando with katsu bechamel – served warm, juicy, and with a touch of moreish crispiness from a panko coating.
This year’s sweet treats are arguably even more of the feast for the eyes than before – as they are for the belly – with cherry blossom motifs and attractive shades of pink. Turns out, special custom moulds are used for some of the sakura-shaped motifs seen in items like the sakura tea strawberry tartlet and sakura coconut sable. These are complemented with the sakura matcha mochi profiterole – a favourite at the table – as well as the sakura raspberry roll cake and palate-cleansing sakura yuzu verrine.
Adding on to that is a variety of not one, not two, but three home-made scones, each in a different flavour: original, raisin, and a less commonly-seen savoury version with bacon and chives infused in the batter. You’ll also get your choice of Mariage Frères tea, or a custom Raffles coffee blend.
The sakura afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel is priced at $108 per person, and is available from March 25 to April 28, 2024 from 12pm to 5.30pm daily. Find out more and make a reservation here.
