“Tea plays an integral role in Chinese society, and has done for thousands of years.” Hakkasan
Dim sum and desserts, what a great and yet somewhat surprising combination. Hakkasan Abu Dhabi has introduced an elegant afternoon tea that offers diners both of these savoury and sweet treats accompanied by a selection of teas and champagne.
A completely new perspective on traditional afternoon tea, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi located in the East Wing of the Emirates Palace hotel serves its Chinese style tea ceremony in the sophisticated blue backlight dining area of the restaurant daily from 3pm – 6pm. Finger sandwiches and scones that are normally associated with afternoon tea have been replaced with the Chef’s signature dim sum served alongside a selection of miniature desserts, all beautifully presented on a circular shelved blue stand. A menu of specialty Taiwanese and Chinese teas compliments the food and those who fancy some bubbles can upgrade and enjoy a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne.
The teenager and I enjoyed our baked and fried handcrafted dim sum, a vegetarian assortment for me and for her roast duck pumpkin croquette, chicken taro croquette and her favourite, Jasmine tea soaked mini Wagyu beef ribs, all served with three varieties of chilli dipping sauces. The sweet treats included a Hakkasan signature blue macaron (that perfectly matched the restaurant’s interior), classic truffles with crunchy outside and a smooth rich chocolate filling, a light and tasty tiramisu pot, a chocolate puff and a black & white chocolate mousse cake, all equally delightful and it would be really hard to choose a favourite. The portions weren’t huge but were certainly more than adequate for our appetites, if you are a big eater you may require a larger share.
Tea has played a fundamental role in Chinese heritage for thousands of years, both medicinally and as a social pastime. In fact it’s claimed that China was responsible for introducing tea drinking to the rest of the world, a tradition that has been embraced across the globe. Hakkasan is celebrating this tradition by offering guests a selection of teas from the two regions. The choices include four different Blue teas, Dragon’s Well Green tea (enjoyed by the teenager), Old Puer Ya Jian Dark tea, Jasmine Flower Green tea and Silver Needle White tea as well as speciality coffees if you prefer.
Reasonably priced at just AED 98 per person or AED 198 with a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne, afternoon tea is an affordable way to sample what Hakkasan has to offer. The food was extremely delicious, the service was impeccable as always and I really liked the concept, in fact I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it if you are looking for a different afternoon tea experience or have something to celebrate and are looking for a classy venue. As Hakkatini Nights starts at 6pm why not stay on at my favourite bar in the city and enjoy a signature cocktail or two and some more tasty dim sum, rude not to really!
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 690 7739
E-mail: hakkasan@emiratespalace.ae
Website: hakkasan.com
Afternoon Tea – Available from 3pm until 6pm daily. A selection of dim sum and dessert with a choice of Taiwanese or Chinese tea – AED 98 per person. Afternoon tea with one glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne – AED 198 per person
Hakkatini Nights – Choose two from a selection of signature cocktails accompanied by three classic dim sum. Available at the bar and lounge daily from 6pm until 8pm and every Saturday evening from 6pm – AED 80 per person
I was invited to this restaurant but all the views are my own. Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2016. All rights reserved.
Read more about Hakkasan Abu Dhabi in my previous posts Review: Hakka Brunch, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi and Review: A Taste of Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi
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