Indulge in Spring Flavors With These Afternoon Teas

As wisps of white fluff drift through the air, one thing is certain: Spring has firmly settled over Beijing. What better way to celebrate the season than with an elegant afternoon tea? Numerous spots across the capital have launched seasonal sets, and whether you're craving classic scones with clotted cream, inventive savory bites, or desserts that look almost too beautiful to eat, here are some of this year's best spring-themed afternoon teas.

The Peninsula Beijing

In celebration of Miffy’s 70th anniversary, The Peninsula has teamed up with the beloved cartoon character to launch a Miffy-Themed Afternoon Tea Set. The hotel's pastry team has crafted a selection of sweet and savory treats inspired by Miffy and her friends, all beautifully presented inside a suitcase picnic basket that's been designed to look like a mini garden. Foodwise, on the savory front, they’ve got items like the Miffy’s Favorite Tuna Sandwich and a creatively shaped Smoked Salmon Snail Roll. For sweets, there is the Mango Pineapple Coconut Almond Crisp, featuring Miffy's adorable likeness, the Coffee Caramel Bear, inspired by Miffy's friend Boris, and more delights. The set also includes freshly baked scones and two Miffy-themed specialty drinks.

Price: RMB 688 per set
Time available: 2pm-6pm, now until Jul 31
Where: The Lobby Lounge, The Peninsula Beijing
Reservation: 010 8516 2888 ext. 6759 or email thelobbypbi@peninsula.com

Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center

The Kempinski's Executive Pastry Chef Joerg has created a Spring Awakening Afternoon Tea Set inspired by the vibrant scenery along the Liangma River. The tea highlights seasonal flavors with sweet offerings like Matcha & Yuzu Cremeux and Sakura Mini Gateau, while the savory offerings include delicacies such as Buffalo Mozzarella With Green Melon and Chervil Pesto and Air-Dried Ham With Caramelized Loquat and Rye Crouton. The set also includes two cups of coffee or premium TWG tea.

Price: RMB 288 per set 
Time available: 2pm-5pm, now until May 31
Where: Lobby Bar, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center
Reservation: 010 6410 4225

Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza

The Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza has collaborated with The Heart of Beijing for their Spring Theme Afternoon Tea. It draws inspiration from the Beijing Central Axis and offers some beautifully crafted delights that look just as good as they taste. Savory bites include Parma Ham Rose Strawberries and Snapper Seaweed Roll With Japanese Chili Sauce, while on the sweet side, they've got bites like Caramel Jasmine Mousse, Italian Vanilla Panna Cotta and Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cake. The set also comes with Black Sesame Scones, Hawthorn Cranberry Scones served with strawberry jam and cream, and special Chinese green tea. 

Price: RMB 498 per set
Time available: 2pm-5.30pm, now until May 2
Where: The Patisserie, Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza
Reservation: 010 6510 9024

St. Regis Beijing

To welcome in spring, the St. Regis has crafted The Whispers of Spring Afternoon Tea Set, which is inspired by the freshest spring produce. They have sweet treats like Matcha Opera Cake With White Chocolate Layers and Vanilla Citrus Profiteroles, along with savory delicacies such as Foie Gras and Red Date Tartlets and Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche on Rye with Dill. The set also includes their Classic and Black Sesame Scones, served with kumquat marmalade, clotted cream and apricot compote and seasonal drinks. 

Price: RMB 588 per set
Time available: 2pm-5pm, now until Apr 30
Where: Garden Lounge, St. Regis Beijing
Reservation: 010 64606688 ext. 2381

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing

Another spot doing a collaboration is The Ritz-Carlton, which has joined up with renowned German Luxury jewelry brand Schaffrath to create the Forever･Arum Lily Co-Branding Afternoon Tea Set. Inspired by Schaffrath's iconic Arum Lily and Colortaire jewelry collection, this innovative afternoon tea is comprised of five tailor-made themed desserts, four specialty savories, two kinds of scones and Arum Lily-themed drinks. 

Price: RMB 698 per set
Time available: 1.30pm-5.30pm, Apr 18-Jul 31
Where: Lobby Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Beijing
Reservation: 010 5908 8180

Empark Prime Hotel Beijing

The Empark Prime Hotel has launched a peony-themed Spring Afternoon Tea Set to celebrate the season. On the sweets front, they've got offerings like Blueberry Lavender Mousse Cake and Colorful Coconut Cake, while on the savory side, they've got Smoked Salmon With Quail Eggs and Cucumber Vegetable Roll. Oat Scones and Matcha Scones are also part of the set, along with your choice of coffee or tea.

Price: RMB 399 per set
Time available: 2pm-5pm, now until Jun 30
Where: Manion, Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
Reservation: 010 6513 6666 ext. 6799

Regent Beijing

The Regent has embraced spring blossoms with their A Touch of Pink, A Statement of Love, Regent Pink Afternoon Tea. All of their sweet offerings are a lovely array of pink hues, and many feature floral flavors like the Sakura Mont Blanc Chiffon Cake and Rose Vanilla Macarons. For savories, they have an array of classic sandwiches such as Egg & Cress, Smoked Salmon & Cheese and Herbs Roasted Prime Beef as well as nibbles like Light Smoked Chicken Mousse Mini Tartlets. 

Price: RMB 498 per set
Time available: 1.30pm-6pm
Where: Lobby Lounge, Regent Beijing
Reservation: 010 8522 1888

Marriott Beijing Northeast

Another spot highlighting floral flavors is the Marriott Beijing Northeast with their Foréal Tea Ensemble, which is served in a lovely suitcase picnic basket. Featured in the set are sweet offerings like Oolong Peach Puff, Pistachio Matcha Brownie and Strawberry Tiramisu, as well as savory items such as Mini Chicken and Avocado Sandwich and Zucchini Roll With Fresh Shrimp. For drinks, they have an array of coffees and teas available. 

Price: RMB 298 per set
Time available: 1.30pm-6pm, now until Jun 30
Where: Lounge, Marriott Beijing Northeast
Reservation: 010 5927 8308

Hilton Beijing

For a limited time, Café Cino at the Hilton is bringing back their Blooming Spring Floral Afternoon Tea. It includes their savory classic Tomato and Cheese Sandwich, a range of sweets such as Pistachio Puff, Matcha Mousse and Strawberry Macarons, and seasonal drinks. 

Price: RMB 268
Time available: 2pm-5.30pm, now until May 31
Where: Café Cino, Hilton Beijing
Reservation: 010 5865 5070

F.Bistronome

F.Bistronome has two different Paris-themed afternoon teas up for grabs. The first is called the Roue de Paris Afternoon Tea Set, which includes a range of savory canapés such as Beetroot Smoked Salmon Tartlet With Dill Sour Cream and French Foie Gras Terrine & Cherry on Crispy Toast, sweet canapés like Assorted Chocolate Mousse With Raspberry and Vanilla Panna Cotta With Persimmon Jam as well as a few other sweet treats plus coffee or tea. The other afternoon tea is the Eiffel Afternoon Tea Set, which is a more reduced version of the previous set, but it still has a range of savory canapés and sweets. 

Price: Roue de Paris Afternoon Tea RMB 428 per set (add one glass of Moscato Pink Vino Spumante Dolce for RMB 46); Eiffel Afternoon Tea RMB 368 per set.
Time available: 2.30pm-4.30pm
Where: F.Bistronome
Reservation: 010 8595 0771

READ: Events and Happenings in the 'Jing This Weekend (Apr 11-13)

Images: the Beijingers, courtesy of the venues