Hidden in the hustle and bustle of London is an afternoon tea spot that lovers of Indian food will love. Nestled in Westminster, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residencies offers a unique twist on traditional afternoon tea.
As you step off the busy Buckingham Gate street near the Royal Palace, a secret door leads to a lovely restaurant where you can enjoy both classic and reinvented teas. The hotel’s Jasmine Indian Afternoon Tea is a feast for the senses, blending the rich traditions of Indian cuisine with a bold reinterpretation of a quintessentially British pastime.
Priced at £75 per person, this luxurious experience includes a range of authentic teas such as homemade masala chai, Darjeeling first flush and gunpowder. Alongside the aromatic food and drink, the table setting is a sight to behold, adorned with trinkets, flowers and beautiful china.
Expect crisp white tablecloths, stunning teapots and vibrant colours, all accented with touches of gold. Located in the hotel’s Kona restaurant, the lavish interior and top-notch service may suggest fine dining, but the atmosphere is relaxed. Guests can unwind while sipping tea and enjoying cake, reports Surrey Live.
The sweet and savory spread is beautifully arranged over three levels on a delicate silver tray stand. Each item has been carefully crafted by a team of skilled chefs and presented with elegance. On the lower level, diners will discover two saffron and elaichi scones each, served with pots of thickly whipped elaichi clotted cream and rose marmalade. Elaichi is Indian cardamom, and its seeds provide a wonderful warm and savory undertone.
The lower tray also contains individual gulabi trifles consisting of rose flavored milk, poached whey cheese dumplings and pistachios. Afternoon tea can be adapted to accommodate specific dietary needs such as gluten-free and vegan, and will appear on a separate level if dining with someone without dietary restrictions.
Other authentic canapés showcased at the booth include gajar halwa ricotta crumble, reminiscent of a moist carrot cake, and gulab jamun, a dessert you’ve probably seen on your local Indian restaurant’s menu. The gooey and incredibly sweet fried milk dumplings have been taken to new heights with the addition of a fluffy layer of puff pastry.
For those with a taste for the savory, the menu includes an aloo bonda mango chutney bun, a messy paneer bhurjee pastry and a minty chutney tart with crispy curry leaves. While these dishes may seem a little out of the ordinary to the typical British palate, they blend together beautifully and offer a unique cultural experience for those seeking something more adventurous than cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches.
The hotel offers three meetings from Thursday to Sunday, but advance booking is required. The venue also hosts the Secret Garden Afternoon Tea, a family favorite inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s enchanting children’s classic.
You can Book your afternoon tea at Taj51 in London here.
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