In the best dining experiences, nothing is rushed—and everything matters.
From the fragrance of the tea to the precise layering of a pastry, it is the details that elevate an afternoon tea into a culinary ritual. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, marking its 40th anniversary, presents such a ritual in the form of a limited-time Afternoon Tea menu, created in partnership with the London Tea Exchange.
Offered daily at the Lobby Lounge until 30 June 2025, this elegant service is not merely a nod to tradition, but a fully realised tribute to time—celebrating four decades of hospitality with 40 distinguished teas and a curated menu that blends skill, story, and subtlety.
A Delicate Balance of Savoury and Scent
Under the direction of Executive Chef Scott Brands, the savoury selection opens with a delicate Rillettes of Fresh and Smoked Salmon Sandwich, gently enhanced by the smoky undertone of Lapsang Souchong. This is followed by a Truffle Egg Salad and Trout Caviar éclair, where richness is balanced by the mellow nuttiness of Pistachio and Truffle Tea—a pairing that reveals notable depth.
The Charcoal Goat’s Cheese Quiche with caramelised onion shows technical precision in its baking and flavour control, offering a satisfying counterpoint of tang and warmth.
Sweets with Fragrance and Finesse
Desserts are equally well-considered. A standout is the Lavender Pear with Spiced Honeycomb, its floral lift harmonised by an infusion of Lavender Tea. The Bittersweet Chocolate Slice is structured yet soft, its cocoa notes layered with the fruity brightness of Peach and Apricot Tea.
The Vanilla Scones, served warm, achieve the ideal crumb-to-cream ratio. The infusion of Vanilla Supremo Tea is restrained but present, allowing the buttery richness to come through cleanly.
A Library of Teas with Global Provenance
Central to the experience is the tea—a curated collection of 40 blends, reflecting both the reach and refinement of the London Tea Exchange. Each selection has been chosen to align with the occasion and to provide diners with a tasting tour of the world’s finest terroirs.
Highlights include:
- Premium Rosebuds from Iran: pristine, floral, and remarkably pure.
- Emperor’s Palace Green Tea from Fujian: once reserved for royalty, lightly honeyed and silken.
- Milk Oolong: handmade, with a luxuriously creamy finish that pairs effortlessly with the scones.
- Premium Sencha Sakura: a tribute to Japanese spring, floral and ephemeral.
- Bora Bora Blend: fruit-forward and lively, with excellent application both hot and iced.
The teas are brewed to exacting standards and served with attentiveness, reinforcing the sense of ceremony and care that defines the entire experience.
Celebrate at Home
For those who prefer a private celebration, a Premium Takeaway Set is available at RM188, retaining the integrity of the in-house menu. The dine-in service is priced at RM220 nett for two guests, representing significant value for the quality and breadth of the offering.
Slow Dining Experiences
This afternoon tea is not simply a meal—it is a thoughtfully composed narrative of flavour, time, and place. It is also a rare example of a hotel tea service where culinary intent and heritage storytelling are perfectly aligned.
For those seeking a dining experience marked by restraint, sophistication, and quiet luxury, this 40th anniversary edition at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is a recommendation without hesitation.
You Might Like
