Traditional English Afternoon Tea Penang

Traditional English Afternoon Tea E&O Penang

Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau

When you want to dress up and feel a little fancy, the Traditional English Afternoon Tea at the E&O Penang is an excellent option. Served in the elegant Palm Court of the Heritage Wing, guests can sip and savour in a setting fit for royalty. Polished antique furniture and period pieces are enhanced by staff in smart uniforms, providing gracious service. Alternatively, guests can choose a seat on the covered patio with views of the sea and swaying palm trees. Lovers of al fresco dining and the tropics, we head straight outdoors.

Traditional English Afternoon Tea E&O Penang

Traditional English Afternoon Tea at E&O Penang is priced at RM99 per person. It includes a three-tiered tray of sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries, and a pot of tea.

Finger Sandwiches

The finger sandwich selection is a solid assortment. Smoky salmon tartare dances on earthy wholemeal, while fresh crab slaw takes the stage on a companion slice. Corn-fed chicken ragout peeks from buttery gougeres, and truffle-scented egg holds court in a poppy seed-studded bun. The sea appears again with marinated tuna, its richness balanced by wholemeal’s bite. Organic spinach quiche offers a warm interlude before cucumber, dill, and cream cheese refresh on a Pullman loaf’s pillowy softness.

Cake & Tea Pastries

With the “healthy” component complete, we feel free to indulge wholeheartedly in the sweets. Delicate walnut brownies crumble with each bite, revealing a fudgy, cocoa-rich centre. Vibrant red velvet éclairs blush with a touch of vanilla cream. Fruity bursts of candied peel and plump raisins interweave within the dense, moist fruit cake, a timeless teatime classic. And for those seeking an extra layer of indulgence, the double chocolate tart beckons with its thin pastry shell cradling a luxuriously dark, bittersweet filling.

Traditional English Afternoon Tea Penang – Scones

The star of the tea stand, however, is the scone duo. Warm and inviting, these fluffy rounds rise in two elegant variations: studded with plump raisins for a hint of sweetness or plain. Homemade strawberry jam, bursting with soft fruit chunks, paints the scones vibrant crimson, while the pineapple jam, sweet and tangy, offers a taste of the tropics. The clotted cream and its impossibly thick texture is a luxurious counterpoint to the scones’ airy charm.

Tea, Wine or Bubbly

A wide selection of tea comes with the set, including chai, an assortment of white, green, and black teas, and herbal teas for those wishing to go caffeine-free. However, guests can also lush up their afternoon with a free flow of wine, beer and house-pouring spirits for an additional RM148, or make it free-flow prosecco for RM248.

Review

With a belly full of scones, cream, and cake (and a touch of bubbly for good measure), we think the Traditional English Afternoon Tea at E&O Penang is a pretty good deal. We chose semi-alfresco dining with sea views, but there are also lots of cosy, air-conditioned corners in Palm Court for the choosing.

Reasons to try the Traditional English Afternoon Tea E&O Penang: an elegant setting perfectly appropriate for the historical convention; choice of quality teas to accompany the set or the option to lush it up for a more celebratory occasion.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang
10, Lebuh Farquhar
10200 Penang, Georgetown, Malaysia
+(6) 04 222 2000
[email protected]
www.eohotels.com

Find more recommendations for travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.