Have you ever had a japanese afternoon tea experience, in Dubai? Did you know that Banyan Tree Dubai offers this?

Here’s what to expect, should you wish to try something a little… different.

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An introduction to Tocha

When Banyan Tree took over Caesar’s Palace – Roman Lounge was revamped to a Japanese teahouse-inspired, cafe – called Tocha. The Asian in me was secretly jumping in glee to this news.

As much as I adore the original afternoon tea – scones and clotted cream, and finger sandwiches – I’m all in for a little japanese version of the same. I would have secretly brought my own chopsticks to every meal if I could – except at Tocha, it’s the norm.

Tocha : The Space

I arrived shortly after 2pm, to meet a dear friend of mine. She had picked – I would say, the perfect spot as it was indoors, yet it was by the floor-to-ceiling glass wall. You get the best of both worlds – a cool, temperature controlled environment with a view of the beautiful Banyan Tree pool and all the trees beyond. My husband would have approved of this spot 🙂

There are comfortable couches in Tocha – should you prefer that instead. In the winter months – there’s ample seating at Tocha’s outdoor terrace as well.

The Japanese Afternoon Tea Spread : Savouries

Shortly after the welcome drink was served, the team brought out a box of the savouries.

There’s Chawan-Mushi – steamed egg layered with edamame paste at the base, adorned with sesame seeds and soya pearls. Brings back memories to our date night at Matagi, many months back.

Instead of the classic egg sandwich, you get Beef Sando which translates literally to beef sandwich (not too hard to figure that one out, right?) Tender beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickled onion, and a rich Teriyaki glaze between slices of toasted bread.

My personal favourite would be the cured beetroot salmon, placed on nori (seaweed) pearl chips with a little dallop of yuzu cream. The colours, the combination of different textures and taste – perfect.

The Japanese Afternoon Tea Spread : Sweets

Served, much at the same time – the sweets selection, on a classic wooden stand.

We discussed about every delicate piece as we bit into them. I had mistaken the manjyu bun as mochi, and my dining partner (japanese…) corrected me that this was in fact made out of dark brown sugar, so was meant to be firmer than the latter. The chocolate mochi was as expected – soft, though I had expected a different, more traditional filling than raspberry jam. However, they have used red bean in both the manjyu and in a jelly-form, so I’ll forgive them for that. It was already so good.

As a big fan of japanese cheesecake, delighted to see they had something similar on the stand. Another highlight would be the roasted soya, served in a bowl, with a little honey for that added sweetness. I can go on about every piece, but you’ll probably trail off…

Overall Thoughts

Let me say this. This, is not for everyone. If you saw ‘Afternoon Tea’ and you came here expecting scones, you’re going to be so disappointed. But look – if you, like me – adore Japanese sweets and savouries, you will absolutely love this. If your tastebuds appreciate yuzu, red bean, matcha, and soya (not all at the same time, of course) – then head over to Tocha for a delightful Japanese Afternoon Tea experience.

Did I mention that you could also order Sparkling Wine to go with your Afternoon Tea experience as well?

• Japanese Afternoon Tea @ Tocha
• Available 2-5pm, Daily at Banyan Tree Dubai
• Tea & Coffee Package 180 AED | 40 AED per glass of Sparkling Wine
• More details on banyantree.com

See also : Banyan Tree Dubai – A Luxury Family Escape in Bluewaters

Any queries and comments, feel free to ask here.

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Filed under Unique Afternoon Teas in Dubai with Bubbly

Disclaimer : We were guests of Banyan Tree to review the Afternoon Tea at Tocha.