Much has been written about the afternoon tea at the Ritz Carlton. The concept of the British High Tea should not be new to all of us by now. A tradition of British aristrocrats (high society so to speak), it refers to tea time with a selection of bite-sized savoury and sweet items, the usual being classic buttery scones with clotted cream, jams as well as cucumber cream cheese or salmon sandwiches.
And of course, let’s not forget the tea.
After much written about coffee, I’m now interested to learn more about tea. I have had my fill of Boh teas, visitations of tea plantations in Cameron Highlands and of course, TWG teas. Frankly, these teas had never left an impressionable impact enough for me to want to learn more. My recent experience with tea mixologist Robert Dilmah at the World Gourmet Festival Bangkok altered my perception slightly.
And just a few weeks back, I took a sip of Ronnefeldt tea during my afternoon high tea session at the Ritz Carlton KL and it’s my favourite brand for teas now!
Ronnefeldt is a brand originating from Germany. As we know, Germany is not exactly a tea producing country and thus tea leaves for the Ronnefeldt brand are actually sourced from renowned growing areas in the world such as Sri Lanka and India.
The 4 selection of Ronnefeldt teas at the Ritz Carlton are Black Tea, Green Tea, Herbal and Fruit Teas.
Vincent, one of the bartendars at Lobby Lounge will gladly explain and assist your choice of tea during your visit. Take the opportunity to smell and explore each type of tea too if you are so inclined.
Myself and Karen was fascinated with some of the names of the teas. Irish Whisky, Royal Gunpower and Cape of Good Hope? The founder of Ronnefeldt sure did have a sense of humour!
To illustrate further on the special features of Ronnefeldt teas, Vincent showed us the contents within the tea boxes. Ronnefeldt teas are produced only by hand, which means no automated plucking methods but strictly through skilled human labour. The freshly plucked tea leaves are gently processed in all phases with the utmost of care and for the infused teas, the added fruits, flowers or herbs are in its dried but natural form.
For the example of below, the Lemon Grass infusion has actual dried lemongrass while the Pure Camomile consist of real, whole camomile flowers in the tea can itself.
The moment Vincent opened the can the waft of gorgeous uplifting smell of tea leaves and its infusion hit us. I have never inhaled such a strong but pleasant smell from a can of tea before! Other than from the cans, transparent vials of equivalent tea for you to sniff at before selecting.
We couldn’t resist the Irish Whisky Cream, though we were forewarned that there are no traces of alcohol inside whatsoever.
Well, our curiosity was more on how a non-alcoholic tea could taste like one, since the name hinted at being alcoholic. The description on the box says “A malty Assam autumn tea with whiskey and cocoa aroma“. Assam is an area in India that grows tea, if you are unaware.
While you can purchase excellent tea leaves, the process of brewing the tea also plays an important role for your perfect cup. For Ronnefeldt teas, guidelines for brewing is on the can itself (bottom).
Amount of tea per pot: 2 heaped teaspoon
Brewing time: 3-4 mins.
At the Ritz Carlton, your tea would be brewed at the optimal level of water which is 12 ounces per teapot and at the ideal temperature of 80C. Vincent advised that boiling hot water is not recommended as it would damage the delicate tea leaves.
The teapot sits on top of a metal canister with a candle inside. This candle will last for about an hour and will keep the tea warm as you slowly enjoy your afternoon tea.
The harp plays a melodious tune as we sat back, relaxed and chatted the afternoon away.
The bar serves other beverages as well if you wish for drinks other than tea.
I added an order of hot chocolate. I’m currently on the quest of seeking the best hot chocolate in town so I have been drinking hot chocolate almost everywhere. Anyone would like to recommend me a place?
For RM75++, your afternoon tea set comes with one pot of tea with unlimited refills. A full pot fills a tea cup thrice before you need to refill your pot. Other than the initial pot where the tea leaves are brewed for the first time, the subsequent brews requires about 2-3 minutes resting time before you should start to pour the tea out.
From experience, Vincent said a pot could be refilled up to 3 times while still retaining its full flavour.
Sip on your delightful chosen tea and munch on some pastries from the Ritz Carlton kitchen. A tea set at RM75++ feeds 2 easily.
The topmost tier of the set is for cakes and pastries, of which you are supposed to choose 4 from the dessert trolley.
Here’s my choice; chocolate mousse, pistachio madeleine (or was it financier?), cream puff and a white chocolate with dried fruits.
Other than the tea sets, the ala-carte menu is tempting too. I was almost tempted to order the Wagyu Burger. Yes, ‘almost tempted’ but never did cos the price was a hefty RM180++!
If you are a tea connoisseur, or simply a lover of teas, you can brew your own Ronnefeldt tea at home. Just head over to Carlton Gourmet and grab a pack.
Prices start at RM150++ per packet for the herbal infusion, black and fruit teas. For the green teas, it is RM250++ minimum per pack. The weight of each package differs according to the type of teas.
For an elegantly contemporary Afternoon Tea experience at The Lobby Lounge, Ground Level of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur please call 03-2142 8000 or email [email protected].
Available daily from 3.00pm until 5.00pm (except Sunday).
Afternoon Tea is priced at RM75++ per person.
Is there any difference in taste when the green tea of Chinese origin is presented in a Western setting?
No, the setting doesnt affect the taste for sure. The brewing yes. And for this Ronnefeldt tea, the green tea is not like the Japanese type. The green here refers to the way it was processed. Green here means non – dried fully/ or something to that effect. Quote from their site” Preventing fermentation of the leaves creates green teas.
Enzymes in the freshly plucked leaves normally start the
fermentation process.
To create green teas the leaves are treated under very strong
heat after the withering process thus preventing fermentation. In
Japan the withered leaves are steamed, in China the tea is pan
roasted.”
ooo, this is the tea used for ytl’s majestic hotel’s afternoon tea too. the irish whiskey-cream is nice, with a richer-than-expected flavor 😀
Ohhh! Then I know what to expect for the tea at The Majestic then!
Wow dear, I wanna go there after seeing all the photos. U sure had a lovely tea time!
Heheh, none in Vietnam? Any hotels like this?
I would like to try some of the black teas…so how’s d hot chocolate in the Ritz?…hehe =)
It was ok. Decent and doesnt come with sugar so I controlled the sugar level 🙂
Remember the Favola Tea? U kept asking me to go, why ah? What’s so special?
Favola High Tea lar…RM88++…it’s a buffet spread with soups, antipastos, salads, pasta, risotto, meats etc…I tot u knew?…hehe =)
No, didn’t bother to check lol ..cos I never have time for tea. But this doesnt sound like tea leh! Sounds like a full meal!
Haha…it’s High Tea…not Afternoon Tea…hehe =)
OHhhhhhhhhhhhh
oh Yuko-san still plays harp there 🙂
Spoilt for choices of tea selection !
Very superb tea too! First time I fell in love with tea!
TWG is overrated after you try Ronnefeldt teas right??
Hey! Great review 🙂 Do I have to reserve a table?
I don’t think you have to Din. But if you’re going in a big group, you better do! 🙂
Don’t expect too much for the pastries/sandwiches. I enjoyed the tea more hence I focused on the tea.
Alright, thanks for the advises!
Enjoy! 🙂
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What was the pastry with the thinly sliced almonds on top? Looked yummy…would love to recreate.
The lounge is smoking area isn’t it?Is it safe for infant or kids to come along?
Have you try Miss Ellie Tea House at Melawati? Can you give a review?
You should try Strawberry Chocolate at Levain’s. Its delicious!
Hi Nikz!
No I havent tried Ms Ellie’s and I’ve been planning to do so for ages!
As for the smoking part, no I don’t think it is smoking area as the lounge is air -conditioned. Definitely ok for kids. Yo ucan call and check when you make your reservation 🙂
As for Levain, I’ll try it if I go there. 🙂
I hardly eat at such commercial bakeries anymore. Thanks for the recommendation though!