Café 103 collaborates with luxury lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang for an exquisite afternoon tea set inspired by its rich heritage with a modern twist.
Celebrating Shanghai Tang’s 25th anniversary this year, the afternoon tea set transforms the brand’s iconic aesthetics and craftsmanship into edible works of art. The Chinese-inspired afternoon tea set boasts an intriguing combination of both savory and sweet delicacies.
“I incorporated more Chinese elements into the Shanghai Tang afternoon tea,” says the Executive Pastry Chef. “Ingredients such as red dates and lychee that are often seen in Chinese desserts were used, for example, to highlight Shanghai Tang’s Chinese legacy.”
“As part of our 25th anniversary celebration this year, Shanghai Tang is thrilled to team up with The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong to offer an exclusive afternoon tea set for a limited time only,” says Victoria Tang-Owen, Creative Director of Shanghai Tang. “The Silver Jubilee tea set pays tribute to the brand’s 25 years of heritage and serves up a delicious taste of Shanghai Tang’s authentic and disruptive spirit with every bite.”
The three-tiered afternoon tea stand is shaped to mimic the birdcage – an iconic collectable in Chinese culture. The four savory bites and six desserts are especially designed to highlight modern Chinese aesthetics and Shanghai Tang’s signature motifs. Shanghai Tang’s Silver Jubilee Capsule Limited Edition is a key source of inspiration for the afternoon tea sets.
The Mandarin Almond Financier with Mandarin Cream and Freeze-Dried Mandarin features a dash of silver foil on top, echoing the Silver Jubilee of Shanghai Tang. The sweetness of the almond financier is perfectly balanced by the hint of sourness from the mandarin, while the freeze-dried mandarin elevates the dessert even more by adding more layers of texture. Another highlight of the desserts is the Licorice Gelée and Cream with Red Dates, Coco Crumbles. The unconventional combination of Chinese-inspired ingredients creates a unique sensory journey for your palate. Shanghai Tang’s iconic “SHT Motif” – a revived and reimagined logo from its archive and also a key highlight for the brand’s 25th anniversary – is transformed into chocolate art in the dessert as well.
To echo the Chinese influences of Shanghai Tang, Chef Richard updated the signature scones of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The new Ginger Confit Scones, served with Chinese Plum and Ginger Jam, are a match made in heaven which will delight you with every bite.
Apart from the desserts, the savory bites also seamlessly blend traditional Chinese and Western flavors. The Baked BBQ Pork with Cheese and Onion Egg Tart uses “Char Siu” in the egg tart for its intense flavor and tender texture.
Another favorite is the savory Swiss Roll which features traditional salted egg, pink crab mousse and basil gel. Even for the Foie Gras Mousse with Caviar Blinis, Chinese preserved limes are added to reflect the afternoon tea set’s Oriental influences. Shanghai Tang’s famous Ginger Flower scent has inspired the special drink – Osmanthus and Red Date Ginger Tea with Honey and Lemon.
Guests who enjoy the Shanghai Tang “Back To The Roots” Afternoon Tea can receive a complimentary limited-edition notebook upon any purchase at Shanghai Tang stores in Hong Kong.
The afternoon tea is available from now until November 17, 2019 at HK$428 for one, HK$698 for two. Subject to 10% service charge.