Afternoon Tea The RuMa Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Afternoon Tea The RuMa

Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Rich Callahan

There’s something about the concept of afternoon tea, no matter how fancy or straightforward that stimulates calm. The idea of taking a small amount of time from the day’s duties to replenish, refresh and respire holds especially important in today’s seemingly constant harried routine. Afternoon tea at The RuMa Hotel and Residences is notably restorative with its serene setting, and here we uncover the menu to match.

Afternoon Tea The RuMa Hotel & Residences KL

Afternoon Tea at The RuMa is priced at RM 115 nett per person inclusive of a pot of tea and runs from 3 pm to 5:30 pm daily. You can top up with a glass of Bollinger Champagne for an additional RM 15, which is a darn good deal for bubbly.

Drawing inspiration from local culture, a handwashing ritual begins the experience. Gracious waitstaff pour water from a dimpled copper jug over our hands and provide a cotton cloth to dry them.

Menu

Changed monthly, there’s always something to look forward to at afternoon tea at The RuMa. This month, we’re hot off Valentine’s appeal so find lots of seductive red in the palette of sweets.

Petit Fours

Diving straight into the middle tier, a strawberry and cream cheese religieuse is an impressive bite showcasing the pastry chef’s skill in managing the details. Perfectly aerated choux pastry holds strawberry and cream cheese. The top is dusted with strawberry powder, and tempered chocolate matchsticks cross the crown. In contrast, a strawberry, cherry blossom and pistachio tartlet is quite mild in taste. Finally, on this plate, there’s a dulcey and calamansi praline (“blonde” chocolate and lime). It’s an unexpected combination, but it works surprisingly well. Sweet paired with acidity performs almost in a similar manner to salted caramel – the contrary tastes make us want to keep going back in for more.

On the very top of the display, there’s a rich raspberry and rose macaron flecked with gold. The passion fruit and chocolate entremet that partners it confirms my thoughts that I could never be a pastry chef. It must be incredibly time-consuming to craft these tiny works of art. Then… to see them disappear in seconds – not for me.

Savouries

The savoury plate offers variations on sandwiches. The smoked duck is cuddled by pickled cabbage and mustard on rye, providing a robust mouthful. Tiger prawn and avocado fill a poppy seed bagel, and lastly, salmon, dill, cream cheese and roe are rolled in a thin wrap. The fourth savoury, a mushroom vol au vent with pecorino and thyme, is still warm from the oven – I recommend heading here towards the beginning… after the scones.

Scones

Both plain and fruit scones have obviously just been baked, and they are very good. As suggested above, this is the best spot to start. Many hotels offer an acceptable scone, but the chef here has accomplished an excellent balance. The outer edge dissolves with a slight crunch while the inside is dense yet soft. It takes a few chews to swallow, and you need to lick your teeth to encourage the remains to follow suit. Homemade jam (strawberry and calamansi) and clotted cream are yummy companions.

Drinks

A pot of tea is included in afternoon tea at The RuMa with a wide selection by Voyage Tea. There are the classic black, green and Chinese leaves for the choosing alongside an interesting collection of fruit and flower varieties. The French Superblue Lavender and Blood Orange catch our eye not only as they sound delicious but also for their vibrant hues.

For an additional RM 15, you can add some effervescence to your day with a glass of Bollinger Special Cuvee Champagne. A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier, this sparkling wine offers fine bubbles and a complex array of ripe fruit in the bouquet. In the mouth, we find structure, vibrancy and a hint of spice.

Afternoon Tea The RuMa Review

Afternoon Tea at The RuMa Hotel and Residences is an elegant and intimate experience. The set menu is top-notch, and the scones are excellent. The well-priced Champagne add-on makes it even more attractive.

Reasons to have afternoon tea at The RuMa: excellent scones; top up with a glass of Champagne for an additional RM15; peaceful and intimate setting.

Afternoon Tea The RuMa Hotel and Residences
LIRBRARI
7 Jalan Kia Peng,
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+60 3 2778 0888
[email protected]
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