Tea Total
Make like a lady (or gentleman) of leisure and indulge in a decadent afternoon tea buffet, writes Winnie Yeung.
Ah, afternoon tea, that elusive fourth meal of the day that no one really needs, but that everyone relishes once in a while. And heck, if you’re going to stuff your face full of goodies, why not plump for a buffet and get your money’s worth? Here are some of the best afternoon tea offers in town.
Chocolate Indulgence
If you feel as though you could plow your way through three tiers of bite-sized cakes at the Mandarin’s high tea, go for the chocolate tea buffet at Clipper Lounge instead, where for the same prices as a high tea set ($208 for one, $378 for two) you get to enjoy savory snacks, scones and an unlimited number of over 50 kinds of chocolate desserts, created by executive chef Uwe Opocensky and executive pastry chef Yves Metthey (who believes, incidentally, that chocolate is good for you). There are also chocolate drinks at your disposal, and in case you were wondering, yes, those trays holding the desserts are chocolate too. The buffet is available until Feb 28.
Mezzanine, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd., Central, 2825-4007.
Bigger and Better
The ever-popular buffet mecca The Greenery at The Royal Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui East has expanded its tea buffet with more savory and sweet items. For $188, you get to pick popular dishes from the café’s rotating menu, such pasta and crème brulee, all made to order. The dessert table now has more than 30 different items, including new recipes (chestnut mountain cake) and old favorites (Saint Honore gateau). The Greenery is popular with locals for its good value, consistently good-quality food and friendly service. So reservations are highly recommended.
2/F, The Royal Garden, 69 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2733-2030.
One for the Ladies
Pretty up at Café on the PARK at The Royal Pacific Hotel, where they are offering “A Beautiful Life” afternoon tea buffet. In addition to staples such as sashimi, stir-fry dishes and desserts, the café offers bird’s nest dishes, which are said to have beautifying properties due to their high levels of collagen. Dishes include a bird’s nest and grape shooter, double-steamed bird’s nest and apple with chicken, and even turnip cake with bird’s nest. Available 3:15pm-5:15pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for just $158.
2/F, The Royal Pacific, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2738-2322.