Hidden Gem Afternoon Tea OneSixFive
Words: Monica Tindall Photos: Rich Callahan
One of the prettier locations to enjoy afternoon tea in KL is at OneSixFive in InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. Presentation is always spot on, the setting is glam, and the waterfall and garden view undoubtedly add their own magic. The Hidden Gem set is the latest offering served in a powder blue set of drawers with ornate golden handles.
Just like the hotel’s lounge, OneSixFive is a hidden gem with its city centre location and secret garden, so too is the afternoon tea, hence the name. Scones, sweets and savouries are complemented by Ronnefeldt tea blends or coffee.
Hidden Gem Afternoon Tea
Scones
The most essential item for me in an afternoon tea is the scone selection. Pastry chef Chan prepares both chocolate and plain scones in this set, and if you don’t take as long as we do to take photos, they should be warm from the oven. Lather on Chantilly cream and jam to your liking.
Savouries
A quartet of savouries excites the tastebuds. Tuscan chicken, mushroom and tomato risotto balls take my fancy. Seafood fans will appreciate treasures from the ocean seasoned with sesame oil and tomato salsa under a tortilla blanket. A fun take on beef Wellington is found in the deconstructed version with hollandaise sauce. Lastly, smoked wild salmon quiche crowned with tobiko is also a tasty bite.
Pastries
Rich takes over on the tasting notes with the sweets. He reports the blueberry cheesecake as well balanced, and the mango yuzu cream puff light with a delicious fruity citrus ending. The cream apple tart has us discussing what the underlying flavour is – anis.
More elegant creations are presented with hazelnut lemon cream and raspberry jam sandwiches. And, finishing on a berry note, light mascarpone is enhanced with balsamic vinegar infused with an interesting combo of tomato strawberry, ultimately topped with crumble.
*Look closely at the garnish. Any Squid Game fans?
TeaÂ
A handful of Ronnefeldt tea blends or coffee are perfect mates for the Hidden Gem tea. Green, black and herbal options make an attractive selection. Rich finds the Moroccan Mint refreshing mid-afternoon drinking. I like the Fancy Sencha not only for its name but also for its harmony of sweet and tart leaves.
Hidden Gem Afternoon TeaÂ
The Hidden Gem Afternoon Tea at OneSixFive is priced at RM228+ for two people or RM298+ for three people. It’s available daily from 2 pm until 5 pm. Reservations are encouraged.
Reasons to try the Hidden Gem Afternoon Tea at OneSixFive: pretty setting; choice of two gorgeous sets – birdcage or chest of drawers.
OneSixFive Lounge
InterContinental Kuala Lumpur
165, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+60 32782 6000
kualalumpur.intercontinental.com
Find more spots for afternoon tea here and stay up to date with the latest culinary happenings around Malaysia here and here.
Oooooo…I love scones! That treasure chest looks awesome. Hidden gems, indeed!
Yes, they sure aced it on the presentation.
A beautiful bar which evokes such fluidity with its design! The view through the glass wall overlooking the garden oasis is stunning. Those scones are making my palate water.
Yes, the location is as much as a gem as the tea set is.
Oh my! That is a set of drawers I would love to have at home, I mean a magical one that can produce all those delights whenever I pull a drawer open. LOL! This Hidden Gems Afternoon Tea is worth checking out.
Ha ha. I like your thinking! Pull out a drawer, and presto!
What a beautiful place to enjoy some tea with friends!
Haven’t every seen something set up like that.
Coffee is on and stay safe
This looks like quite the afternoon tea. The scones look amazing. Beautiful interior set up too.
I kinda want that little chest for my table.