Raffles Dubai is known for putting together the most stunning and delicious afternoon teas. We can vouch for this having tried a few of its lovely creations, including a fashion-themed Manolo Blahnik afternoon tea in 2017.
When I saw that the current Raffles afternoon tea is flower-themed in collaboration with Forever Rose, I knew I had to try it. What can be more elegant and feminine than afternoon tea and flowers?
Booking and arrival
As the Floral afternoon tea at Raffles is very popular and they also offer other types of afternoon tea, including a Christmas-themed afternoon tea, it is recommended to book in advance, especially on weekends.
Afternoon tea is served in the lobby of Raffles Dubai. The hotel’s lobby is quite impressive on any day with its ancient Egypt-inspired decorations, imposing columns, and an eye-catching water feature. Raffles always puts up beautiful decorations for holidays, and the winter festive season is no exception. As you enter the hotel, your eyes are instantly drawn to a sky-high Christmas tree peeking through the water feature.
Both sides of the water feature are adorned with two large golden reindeer, in line with the hotel’s colour scheme and ambiance.
You can choose any table you like, even in the lobby itself away from the dedicated dining area, so it is advisable to arrive early to pick the best table.
Afternoon tea
Once you are seated, you will be asked if you have any allergies before your flowery feast can be prepared. The wait is approximately 20 minutes but you can have your choice of tea or coffee from the menu while waiting. A great thing about this afternoon tea is that teas and coffees are unlimited and you can have both if you wish.
I went for a cappuccino – it looked and tasted rather nice! You can also choose from their iced coffee menu, they are delicious and highly recommended.
It was not long until three ornate Victorian-style cake stands arrived full of delicious and colourful treats. I asked to borrow a rose for my table to fully immerse myself in the experience. The waiter brought one large rose and kindly asked if I wanted another one. I sure did! Thank you for the excellent service!
Savoury treats
The savoury course consists of 6 delicious treats: rose shaped brie mousse, hibiscus cured salmon (possibly with some beetroot – a heads up just in case you are not a fan), chilled herb poached prawn salad, wagyu beef slider, duck pastrami crostini, and jasmine tea-infused chicken roulade.
First of all, just from reading the menu (which lists the ingredients – you can find it here) you can immediately tell how much care and creativity has been put in developing the savoury treats. Usually, I find the savouries quite underwhelming and even a bit boring but this certainly does not apply to this afternoon tea!
If I had to pick one favourite, it would definitely be the prawn salad in a waffle cone. The flavours work really well together – avocado, red chili, elderflower jelly and a juicy prawn make a wonderful combination! Orange segments round up this creation with a hint of refreshing zestiness.
Etiquette tip: do not use cutlery to eat the savoury treats – they are eaten without using utensils. You should use your fingers instead, hence the name “finger sandwiches”!
Scones and condiments
I absolutely loved that the scones are presented in a small intricate treasure chest – the best presentation I have seen so far! Scones are usually the least interesting part of an afternoon tea for me, but I really enjoyed these delicious and fluffy scones. They were very fresh and quite moist, closer to madeleines than dry and crumbly scones. I must say, I prefer them the Raffles way!
The three condiments to accompany the scones include homemade strawberry jam with rose, clotted cream and orange blossom custard cream. I’m normally not a big fan of custard but the orange blossom flavour was amazing!
Etiquette tip: do not cut scones with the knife but rather break them in half with your fingers. Usually, they are easy to take apart so you don’t have to worry about making a crumbly mess! The knife is used to spread clotted cream/custard cream and jam on your scone. It does not matter what you put first – clotted cream or jam. Most people seem to prefer to put clotted cream first followed by jam – this is the Devonian tradition. Those following the Cornish tradition spread jam first followed by clotted cream. Which side of this great scone debate are you on?
Sweet temptations
The selection of sweets includes two macarons – one raspberry and one pistachio. Unfortunately, the lavender honey macaron mentioned on the menu was not available, I would have loved to try it.
I really enjoyed the two chocolate creations – the mint and chocolate bar with a cute marzipan bee and a golden chocolate pyramid (a nod to the hotel’s distinct shape and Egyptian theme).
Due to the sheer amount of items included in this afternoon tea feast, it is impossible to try them all. If you would like to take any of them home, the staff will be more than happy to put them in a box for you.
Etiquette tip: However tempting it may be to tuck into the sweet delights as soon as you lay your eyes on them, they are to be enjoyed last, after the savoury delights and scones.
Final thoughts
The rosy theme of this afternoon tea and delicate floral notes in all dishes is a delight for your tastebuds and a feast for your eyes (even if you can’t eat it all!). The service was very good and attentive.
At the time of writing, the price for this lovely Floral afternoon tea is AED 160 per person. The experience and service are well worth the price!
Bisous,
Yasmina
