Ottoman Whispers Afternoon Tea @ Park Hyatt Dubai

Park Hyatt Dubai has paired up with Chef Silvena Rowe, introducing an arabic take to the classic British afternoon tea – aptly named ‘Ottoman Whispers’. Off we went on a Saturday afternoon to the other end of town to review the afternoon tea, set in the Lobby lounge. It typically would be held in the more private Seventy Seventy bar, but as there was an art exhibition held at the same time, the event was moved to the same location. No issues for us – both venues were meant to be really nice.

Kids with the husband and our friends at the Kid’s Club (newly opened, did you know?), I left solo – to meet up with a friend at the Lobby Lounge for a girly afternoon. After all, it was meant to be a ladies-only afternoon tea, and whilst little people are allowed – I chose to have a more peaceful afternoon so I could have my ice latte without fear of it crashing all over the very nice white tablecloth coverings.

So, how was it?

As you walk in, you’ll see the afternoon tea presented on a table by the windows, sprinkled with red rose petals. All sweet and savouries out on display and for you to snap away – it is a pretty sight.

Taking one of the corner couches by the window, we were offered a welcome drink served in a delicate crystal glass. Tea or coffee, our server asked. Ice latte for me please, thanks.

While we were catching up, I noticed that the silverware used in the Lobby Lounge were all very fine. Makes me want to upgrade my entire cutlery drawer. Maybe I should have added that to my Christmas list.

We were first served a little puff pastry with liver pate within. Not my usual cup of tea I’ll admit but pate lovers will be happy with it. Scones came after, together with little pots of jams. This was probably my first afternoon tea since March so I quite pleased.

The staff then asked if we would like to proceed with the savouries – and they proceeded to pick it up from the display table to serve to us at the table. This is where things are a little different for the usual afternoon tea goers – you get black truffle scented soft cheese muffin, and Za’atar beetroot cured salmon served creamy ricotta. Unique, and each little piece was delicious.

The highlight for us was probably the desserts as they were presented on a copper plated 2-tier frame – you’ll get mini sweets including crispy walnut baklava, white chocolate and cardamon mousse and saffron rice pudding.

If we wanted to, we could ask for more – which was quite nice, and again different to most of the afternoon teas around in Dubai. This is of course reflected in the price which is on the higher end – at 275 AED per person or 495 AED a couple. Note that typically there will be workshops for ladies to participate in, which is already included in the price. These include flower arrangement, cake design or pottery – which would really make it a nice afternoon out with the girls. I would not be able to comment on it as it was not held on the day that we went – let me know if you do go?

Overall thoughts?

I would recommend those with a refined palate (and wallet to suit) to try out the Ottomon Whispers afternoon tea – especially for a nice girly afternoon where you could participate in the workshops. From the terrace, walk down to the courtyard afterwards and just get lost wandering in the Park Hyatt grounds – it’s beautiful there this time of the year 😉