A delightful Afternoon Tea treat at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

I can’t wait to tell you all about our afternoon tea at the Authors’ Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. We have been invited to check out their Seasonal Tea Set and new Gluten-Free and Vegan Tea Set. Who knew that gluten-free and vegan food could be so wonderful?

What a treat, thank you to Paul @chowtraveller & Andrea @midlifeadventuring for joining me to celebrate afternoon tea in style.

Taking two American’s with me was inspired. Both have seen me out of my culinary comfort zone.  We have ‘chowed down’ on all manner of Thai meals & street food together as part of our blogging and Instagram adventures. 

It is fitting that I share MY happy place and I introduce them to the delights of Afternoon Tea!

Has anyone else noticed that afternoon tea in Bangkok is changing? It’s coming of age, getting more sophisticated. Whether it’s from the Michelin effect or a growing health trend, I’m all in favour. 

In Thailand, land of ‘let’s put sugar in everything’, afternoon tea is generally seen as an excuse for a complete sweet overload. Traditionally, and in my world, cakes and scones come with the balance of a savoury selection of sandwiches and quiches. 

I’m always happy to find afternoon tea done the proper way!

Photo credit: Andrea Di Castro Midlife Adventuring

The History of Afternoon Tea 

Afternoon tea is a throwback to a bi-gone era when the leisured classes had time to languish luxuriously taking tea between lunch and dinner. I for one, am pleased to see it has stood the test of time to be enjoyed here in Bangkok.

As a Brit, I was brought up with afternoon tea. Still to this day, my parents in England will meet for tea served promptly at 4 pm. We’re talking tea brewed in a teapot, served in china teacups, milk in a milk jug and homemade cake.

My love of taking afternoon tea comes from visiting Grandparents who would make sandwiches and bake a cake for our visit. As a special treat, we would occasionally join my Grandmother for her favourite afternoon tea experience in London at the renowned Fortum and Mason’s tearooms.

I know a good cuppa when I sip one.

Photo Credit: Paul Moore Chow Traveller

What makes for a truly memorable afternoon tea?

First of all, it is all about the tea. There needs to be plenty of choices and it needs to be perfectly brewed. I am always happy to see when the teapot arrives without the tea leaves left stewing! Who can be bothered to use a tea strainer anyway?

First off, I never knew there were so many kinds of teas to choose from. I landed on a very manly Bourbon and Vanilla Tea (I wasn’t risking losing my man card) Paul Moore

In my book, you can’t just throw a few sarnies, cakes and scones on a cake stand and call it tea. Oh no. Done well, a truly special afternoon tea needs to have three magic ingredients:

We’re talking great food, in a stunning location, with great company.

Afternoon tea is a long, lingering occasion. You’d better share it with people whose company you enjoy!

Photo credit: Andrea Di Castro Midlife Adventuring

Introducing the Gluten-free and Vegan Afternoon Tea:

The legendary Mandarin Oriental Authors’ Lounge is Thailand’s answer to afternoon tea at the Ritz. They’ve recently made inviting friends with special dietary requests easy.

The clever chefs have tackled head-on the gluten-free and vegan market. Some would say that’s a ballsy thing to do.

I mean it’s a big ask isn’t? What do you think of when thinking of afternoon tea?

I suppose, if I forget the cake part, I’m straight into scones and clotted cream. How do you carry that off for a vegan AND gluten-free market?

The answer is very well, with creativity, style and flair and it tastes divine, darling.

Photo credit: Paul Moore Chow Traveller

The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

The Oriental hails from an 1876 bi-gone era but is the epitome of modern luxurious living. I know I always rave about this hotel, but I just love it.

I reckon I’m their biggest fan, not to be staying there!

Do yourself a favour and if you can’t afford to be in residence, come for an afternoon tea treat and see what I mean.

Arrive in style via the Chao Praya river

Arrive as in a by-gone era

Take a tip from me, and plan to arrive in style, on the hotel’s complimentary teak rice-barge boat. The boat departs from Saphan Taskin pier every 10 mins or so.

From the moment you enter the Mandarin Oriental world and are handed an ice-cool flannel and a bottle of water, you will know you are in for something special.

You are after all, at one of the world’s greatest hotels.

The Lobby

I could wax on forever on why I love this hotel, especially after our own amazing Thailand experience staying here during the cremation ceremony for the late King Bhumibol (Rama IX). But let’s not mention me and the foreign royalty in residence, in case you think I’ve got ideas above my station in life!

I mean just look at it, every corner of this wonderous hotel is magnificent.

Renewed Elegance and Grace

The Mandarin Oriental has recently undergone an extensive renovation. Whilst the Authors’ Lounge remains unchanged, I have enjoyed seeing what they have achieved elsewhere.  It is stunning.

They say they wanted to refresh, update and still keep the exquisite taste, finesse and historical influence. They have nailed it.

It’s posh, it is intimate but never stuffy

and it is oh so how I would love to be styled at home when I grow up!

The Authors’ Lounge

I defy anyone not to walk into the bright and soothing conservatory-style interior without a big grin. It’s the combination of the light and airy wicker chaired interior, with the lime green garden decor that takes your breath away. On the picturesque Romeo and Juliet staircase, a musician gently plays. 

I think what I love most about Afternoon Tea at the Authors’ Lounge is that it is so appealing for all manners of special occasions.

Meeting Jonathan Soukdeo Assistant Executive Pastry Chef

Photo credit: Paul Moore Chow Traveller

Service with a smile

The Authors’ Lounge staff have that effortless attentiveness which is so hard to train for.

There is none of that over the top, breaking up the chat by appearing with water jugs just at an inopportune time in the conversation. Or asking ‘more tea, Ma’am?’ when your best friend is just about to explain some life-changing event she is going through. The staff are always on hand just at the right time.

Choice of 4 lounges

The Authors’ Wing is surprisingly big, on the walls are quotes from famous author’s who have visited or even penned works here. The smaller rooms hide a multitude of natterings in its Somerset Maughan wing or on the Joseph Conrad Terrace.  For our afternoon tea, I choose to be out on the back verandah as I love the garden outlook down to the Chao Phraya river.

You won’t go wrong where ever you sit, each of the four adjoining lounges has their own charm and privacy which I like.

Why Gluten-free and Vegan?

The menu was introduced at the end of September 2019 by the newly appointed Executive pastry chef Pablo Gicquel. A big round of applause for this.

Confessions of a hopeless Mum

I know first hand what a challenge special dietary requests can be here in Thailand. 

I am still in the doghouse for being the worst Mother ever and omitting to mention my daughter needed a gluten-free and dairy-free Easter Afternoon Tea. We’d obviously clearly, completely flummoxed the five star Bangkok hotel (which shall rename nameless) by this last-minute special dietary request. My bad for not asking in advance.

Thank goodness for the stunning panoramic views from the 61st Floor is all I can say!  At least that distracted somewhat from the sad plate of fruit which arrived. It was a salutary lesson in planning well for those with special dietary needs.

Gluten-Free & Vegan Tea Set

Hooray for the Mandarin Oriental’s new Gluten-free and Vegan Afternoon Tea Set

‘Delight Your Palate and Be Healthier!’ they say. Highlights include vegan protein and vegan cheddar cheese puff, The scones are served with tofu spread. Our favourites for the sheer wow was the tofu egg and avocado sandwich.

The Precious Stone Flavoured Mandarin is a direct vegan gluten-free replica of the hotel’s signature dish.  You see that’s what I like about the menu, they’ve not gone for the easy options, they’ve taken a signature dish and ensured that everyone can experience it.

In my opinion, I’d turn gluten-free and vegan for the day for this.

We had the Gluten Free / Vegan Tea Set and will say it was excellent! Andrea Di Castro

Photo credit: Paul Moore Chow Traveller

The Seasonal Tea Sets

The Authors’ Lounge offers a variety of seasonal tea sets throughout the year.

We enjoyed the festive tea set. Served with a pretty plate of savouries, my favourite was the cherry wood smoked salmon Christmas tree and a selection of pastries. Each one was a delicate work of art, finishing with warm traditional scones with Devonshire clotted cream.

In addition, you could also choose the Oriental Afternoon Tea Set. It’s still with the scones, but including items such a steamed butterfly pea dumpling filled with peppery crab & coconut mango sticky rice.

Photo credit: Paul Moore Chow Traveller

Whether it’s a special occasion, celebration, or a treat, Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok will be decadent, delicious and memorable. 

Won’t you come to the Mandarin Oriental Authors Lounge and let’s do tea! You’ll not regret it!

Price: THB 1,500 ++ per person

Served Daily from 12 to 6 pm

Address: 48 Oriental Ave, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand www.mandarinoriental.com

Phone:   +66 (0) 2 659 9000

Email: MOBKK-AUTHORSLOUNGE@MOHG.COM (Just tell them a little bird sent you!)

Dress Code: Ladies are kindly asked to wear elegant attire and proper footwear, while gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers and closed shoes.

Thank you to Paul from Chow Traveller & Andrea @midlifeadventuring for joining me to celebrate and for the wonderful photos.

Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren and friends were guests of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. All opinions shared are my own.