The Author’s Lounge
Tea time: Daily noon-6pm
The price: B1,005 net
The quintessential afternoon tea setting: white wicker furniture, a historical building and salon music. The Oriental set comes with scones, sandwiches (lime chili prawns, lemongrass tuna, chive), curry puffs and a selection of Thai desserts. But we recommend you stick to the traditional set with more classic sandwiches. To go with the food, you get to choose one tea from a good range of Mariage Freres teas. However, at this steep price, we expect a bit more.
The Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Ave., 02-659-9000.
Bel Guardo
Tea time: Mon-Fri 3-5pm
The price: B350
At this quiet glass-wrapped eatery, you can enjoy afternoon tea, Italian-style. An afternoon tea set here is served with homemade sandwiches, Italian mini pastries and delicate pralines, accompanied by a pot of tea. A decent option for those in need of a break from shopping.
G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9380
The Living Room
Tea time: Mon-Fri 2-6pm
The price: B500
The Living Room didn’t fare that well in last year’s high tea round-up because, at B470, it wasn’t that good a deal. But now that its B500 for a limitless buffet of sandwiches, cakes and other tasty little tidbits, served along a selection of tea and coffee, the offer is very sweet. But since it is a jazz bar at night, it’s hard to resist the urge to order beer and peanuts.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8353.
The Lobby
Tea time: Mon-Fri 2-6pm
The price: B650/set, B750 for a weekend buffet.
Retro-cool interior complemented by five-star service and sophisticated tunes from a string quintet, The Lobby is your typical palace high tea experience. The food lives up to its looks: devilish brownies, chocolate cakes, scones and tartlets will send those with a sweet tooth straight to seventh heaven, while savory items like smoked chicken brioche and foie gras custard breathe some originality into the classic afternoon ritual. On weekends, there’s even a buffet, allowing you to stuff yourself for B750. Highly recommended!
The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Rd.,
02-250-1000.
Lobby Lounge
Tea time: Daily 2:30-5:30pm
The price: B450
Expect a variety of canapés such as tuna avocado tartar with caviar, foie gras and duck breast baguette and rock lobster salad with mango, along with petite desserts like mini cheese cakes and scones. The set comes with your choice of tea or coffee. The price is reasonable considering you also pay for attentive service and a tranquil atmosphere.
The Dusit Thani Bangkok, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000.
The Lobby Lounge
Tea time: Daily 2-6pm
The price: B650/set, B790 for a Sunday afternoon tea buffet.
The Lobby Lounge offers 89 different Ronnefeldt teas. But you get to choose only one tea to go with the set. Our favorites are the aromatic Irish Malt and the fruity Strawberries with Yogurt. As for food, there are scones, yummy baby sandwiches and sinful cakes. Live music keeps you company on weekends, 3-6pm, when there’s an afternoon buffet on offer at B790. This is not the cheapest option, but with the stunning river views, your tea should taste twice as good.
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, 02-236-7777.
Orchid Lounge
Tea time: Daily 3-6pm
The price: B380
Usually, the snacks served for tea are always heavy on the sweet side, but not at Orchid Lounge. While the view here can’t compete with riverside hotels, Orchid Lounge is a good option for those who are looking for a hearty afternoon high tea. The buffet spread includes mostly sandwiches and savory pastries and pies. There’s even dim sum! For drinks, if you are done with hot tea, opt for its coffee creations such as Milky Way Mocha and Tiramisu Latte instead. A more Starbucks version of teatime.
Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok, 981 Silom Rd., 02-238-4300.
Zest Piano Bar
Tea time: Daily 2:30-5:30pm
The price: B390
For something a little different, head to Zest Piano Bar, where you can enjoy Japanese tea served with views of the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangkok. The East-meets-West set mixes together a selection of salmon sashimi, sushi and tempuras with scones and crème brulée. Don’t expect much from the tea, though. There are only three kinds on offer— Twinings, Dilmah and Japanese.
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-207-8000 ext. 8140.
