Afternoon Tea Khao Yai – Tea Carriage
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau
We’re sitting on the deck of a restored 1900s railcar. Birds coo in the surrounding lush greenery, swans drift across the lake below us, and the air is alive with butterflies. There’s a refreshingly clean scent that only nature can deliver, accompanied by a gentle, cool breeze. We’re sipping on tea and nibbling on scones. There’s nothing like the English countryside Thailand’s north to evoke nostalgia for a time gone by.
That’s right, this gorgeous location is actually three hours northeast of Bangkok in Khao Yai. The area is slightly elevated and lusciously green, home to Thailand’s first national park, gifting cooler temperatures and respite from the tropical heat. The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is home to the Tea Carriage, where 56 old train carriages have been rescued from all over Thailand to create this one-of-a-kind luxury property. More on that will come in future posts.
Afternoon Tea in Khao Yai at the Tea Carriage
The classic afternoon tea menu at the Tea Carriage is divided into three sections: sweets, savouries, and scones. It also comes with a free flow of espresso-based coffee or tea.
Sweets
Despite the savoury options, our willpower crumbles after a long journey from Kuala Lumpur. The sweet selection on the Tea Carriage’s afternoon tea is simply too tempting to resist. We dive into the pastries tongue first. Mango sticky rice gets a whimsical presentation in a pastry cup, while choux pastry gets a double dose of indulgence with both parmesan cream and coconut cream fillings. Dainty madeleines are studded with pistachios, and banana cake boasts a rich cream cheese frosting. The platter continues to impress with matcha green tea brownies and a classic French Opera Cake. While only one of each is shared between two, there are so many of them that we are more than satisfied.
Savouries
The Tea Carriage knows how to tempt weary travellers with a two-part savoury selection. The first plate features a trio of bruschetta. Creamy avocado and petite quail eggs resemble mini avo toasts. Another boasts the classic elegance of smoked salmon, and for something bolder, a pepperoni bruschetta delivers a satisfyingly spicy punch.
The second plate takes a global turn, combining Thai and European flavours. A refreshing cucumber sandwich with Greek yoghurt provides a light counterpoint to richer options like the Tom Yum Gong vol-au-vent, a flaky pastry filled with fragrant and spicy Thai flavours. For a taste of Thailand’s vibrant cuisine, the Larb Gai quiche offers a savoury minced chicken filling with a hint of lime.
The adventurous eater won’t be disappointed either. Bite-sized Boeuf Bourguignon promises the rich, decadent flavours of the classic French stew. For a unique Thai twist, Thai beef tartare crostini, seasoned raw beef, perches atop crisp toast. The final two options combine Western and Thai influences: a Thai crab yoghurt salad in a soft brioche sandwich and crispy pork bacon with mushrooms on a toasted brioche base.
Scones
The Tea Carriage also boasts classic scones with homemade jam and clotted cream. These warm, buttery pastries are the perfect vessel for a dollop of rich clotted cream and a spoonful of tart, homemade jam, offering a timeless and satisfying end to an afternoon tea experience.
Signature Iced Coffee & Tea
There’s a handful of fancy tea and coffee drinks if you want to put a touch more pizzazz into the afternoon. We try the Ayutthaya (BHT 250++) with a house blend of Thai coffee mixed with vanilla milk and 1883 Orange Syrup. It’s on the less sugary side of the craft caffeinated beverages but still ends on a sweet citrus note. The Bandai Mah (BHT 250) comes highly recommended from the tea creations menu. It’s a combo of Dilmah Elixir Black Tea with rose and vanilla, 1883 rose syrup and lime juice. Both are beautifully garnished with a garden of toppings. Try to snap your photos before the ice melts!
Afternoon Tea in Khao Yai Review
I can’t imagine a better place in Khao Yai to indulge in afternoon tea than the Tea Carriage. The immaculately fit-out railcar and exceptional service are only enhanced by the view over the lake. Swans drift past, the air is alive with butterflies, and there’s a gentle breeze cooled by the lush forest surrounding us. Add good food in just the right portions, and you’re set for a memorable afternoon.
Reasons to visit the Tea Carriage for Afternoon Tea in Khao Yai: beautiful location overlooking a swan lake; one-of-a-kind train carriage setting; kind service; well-sized portions with enough to satisfy but not overwhelm.
Afternoon Tea at the Tea Carriage
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort
262, Pong Talong Sub-District, Pak Chong District
Nakhon Ratchasima 30450, Thailand
+66 44 082 039
khaoyai.intercontinental.com
@intercontinental_khaoyai
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort on Google Maps
Afternoon Tea at the Tea Carriage Opening Hours
Wednesday to Monday: 11 am – 6 pm
Tuesday: Closed
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