As delicate white puffs float in the breeze, one thing is clear: Spring has officially arrived in Beijing. What could be a better way to embrace the season than with a sophisticated afternoon tea? Various locations in the capital have unveiled seasonal offerings, and whether you're in the mood for traditional scones with clotted cream, creative savory delights, or desserts that are nearly too stunning to eat, here are some of the top spring-themed afternoon teas available this year.
The Peninsula Beijing
In honor of Miffy's 70th anniversary, The Peninsula has collaborated with the beloved character to introduce a Miffy-Themed Afternoon Tea Set. The hotel's pastry team has designed a variety of sweet and savory treats inspired by Miffy and her friends, all elegantly displayed in a picnic basket resembling a miniature garden. On the savory side, you'll find Miffy’s Favorite Tuna Sandwich and a uniquely shaped Smoked Salmon Snail Roll. On the sweet side, there’s the Mango Pineapple Coconut Almond Crisp featuring Miffy's charming likeness, the Coffee Caramel Bear inspired by Miffy's friend Boris, and other treats. The set also includes freshly baked scones and two specialty Miffy-themed drinks.
Price: RMB 688 per set
Time available: 2pm-6pm, until July 31
Where: The Lobby Lounge, The Peninsula Beijing
Reservation: 010 8516 2888 ext. 6759 or email [email protected]
Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center
Kempinski's Executive Pastry Chef Joerg has crafted a Spring Awakening Afternoon Tea Set inspired by the beautiful scenery along the Liangma River. This tea showcases seasonal flavors with sweet selections like Matcha & Yuzu Cremeux and Sakura Mini Gateau, alongside savory options such as Buffalo Mozzarella with Green Melon and Chervil Pesto, and Air-Dried Ham with Caramelized Loquat and Rye Crouton. The set also includes two cups of coffee or premium TWG tea.
Price: RMB 288 per set
Time available: 2pm-5pm, until May 31
Where: Lobby Bar, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center
Reservation: 010 6410 4225
Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza
At the Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza, a collaboration with The Heart of Beijing has resulted in their Spring Theme Afternoon Tea. Drawing inspiration from the Beijing Central Axis, it offers beautifully crafted delights that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Savory items include Parma Ham Rose Strawberries and Snapper Seaweed Roll with Japanese Chili Sauce, while sweet treats consist of Caramel Jasmine Mousse, Italian Vanilla Panna Cotta, and Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cake. The set also includes Black Sesame Scones and Hawthorn Cranberry Scones served with strawberry jam and cream, paired with special Chinese green tea.
Price: RMB 498 per set
Time available: 2pm-5.30pm, until May 2
Where: The Patisserie, Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza
Reservation: 010 6510 9024
St. Regis Beijing
In celebration of spring, the St. Regis has created The Whispers of Spring Afternoon Tea Set, inspired by the freshest spring produce. Sweet options include Matcha Opera Cake with White Chocolate Layers and Vanilla Citrus Profiteroles, while savory selections feature Foie Gras and Red Date Tartlets and Smoked Salmon with Crème Fraîche on Rye with Dill. The set also comprises their Classic and Black Sesame Scones, served with kumquat marmalade, clotted cream, and apricot compote, along with seasonal drinks.
Price: RMB 588 per set
Time available: 2pm-5pm, until April 30
Where: Garden Lounge, St. Regis Beijing
Reservation: 010 64606688 ext. 2381
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing
The Ritz-Carlton has partnered with the luxury German jewelry brand Schaffrath to present the Forever･Arum Lily Co-Branding Afternoon Tea Set. Inspired by Schaffrath's iconic Arum Lily and Colortaire jewelry collection, this innovative afternoon tea features five specially designed themed desserts, four savory specialties, two types of scones, and Arum Lily-themed beverages.
Price: RMB 698 per set
Time available: 1.30pm-5.30pm, April 18-July 31
Where: Lobby Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Beijing
Reservation: 010 5908 8180
Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
The Empark Prime Hotel is offering a peony-themed Spring Afternoon Tea Set to celebrate the season. The sweet selections include Blueberry Lavender Mousse Cake and Colorful Coconut Cake, while savory options feature Smoked Salmon with Quail Eggs and Cucumber Vegetable Roll. Oat
What better way to honor the season than by enjoying a sophisticated afternoon tea?