An Afternoon of Royal Tea @ Shangri La Palace

June 11, 2016 Deena Pinto

With the evening showers upon us, in Namma Bengaluru, and the temperature in the atmosphere just right! One is tempted to just sit down, and unwind, with a nice hot cuppa tea. There is no point in indulging in afternoon tea if it does not make you feel a tad bit special. With so much hype around lunch and dinner, this age old custom of just taking a break when the clock strikes 4 has for some reason lost its charm.

I was had the pleasure of some lovely company, the gorgeous Communications Manager at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Aishwarya Devaiah, along with the Head Chef of Shangri La Hotel, Antonio Tardi.

Chef Tardi brings with him over 20 years of culinary experience gained at five-star hotels and luxury hotels. In a tête-à-tête with him, he told me how he conceptualized idea and how he made note of the way tea was served across the middle east in the busy laden streets and across some parts of India where men sit around sipping hot tea and smoking hookah! Well minus the hookah and the busy streets, he incorporated the best part about serving and having tea to give it a one off Shangri La experience.”

The lobby is the perfect setting for a spot of afternoon tea. The chandeliers that light up the place are appealing and portray pure decadence. I loved it. The huge lobby is so welcoming and you can see the guests walking in and out being greeted by the lovely staff at the hotel. It is a perfect balance. Sitting in a 5-star hotel, and if you happen to face the entrance of the lobby, you’ll have a great time people watching!! Besides my table and across, sat a couple of businessmen in their suits looking all sharp and deep in discussion. The ambiance was just perfect with the light music playing in the background whilst I waited for my tea. I was told it is the only unique style served here in Bangalore city.

Overall I had a wonderful time, and did not want to return home as the afternoon tea was unique and very befitting of a Royal Afternoon Tea! Have you enjoyed an afternoon tea recently? I’d love to hear all about it, so do leave a comment below if you know of any other special tea stalls around Bangalore.