TEAS from London Tea Exchange go beyond the usual blends.

Instead, these offer something new to the palate.

Tracing its origins back to 1679 during the reign of King Charles II, the London tea emporium now carries more than 2,500 rare and premium varieties.

Sourced from 43 countries, its impressive collection has found its way into royal pantries and luxury hotel menus.

The brand’s excellence mirrors the essence of the legacy of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.

The Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur afternoon tea paired with London Tea Exchange varieties. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

As the hotel celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it has partnered with London Tea Exchange to select 40 teas that represent each year of the hotel’s heritage.

Executive chef Scott Brands has also curated an Afternoon Tea set paired with eight London Tea Exchange offerings.

Drawing inspiration from Shangri-La’s culinary roots and Malaysia’s rich tea culture, Brands’ menu weaves together delicate flavours and aromatic infusions.

“Infusing handpicked teas into the menu allowed us to add depth and subtle flavour.

“It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition and creativity, all in honour of the hotel’s 40th anniversary,” he said.

The three-tier afternoon tea set showcases savoury and sweet treats, some of which incorporate tea flavours.

Brands with the tiered set serving sweet and savoury delights that honour the hotel’s culinary roots  and Malaysia’s rich tea culture. 

On the savoury side, rectangular rillettes of fresh and smoked salmon were subtly lifted with the use of gently-roasted Lapsang Souchong tea offering a tinge of earthiness.

A winning combination is the Eclair of Truffle Egg Salad topped with Trout Caviar and infused with Pistachio and Truffle Tea.

The flavourful caviar and creamy egg salad are appetising.

As for the Caramelised Onion Mini Quiche with Charcoal Goat’s Cheese, the slightly tart, earthy flavours might be an acquired taste for some but I loved it.

Other savoury delights included the Lobster Chive with Avocado and Cauliflower Cream, and Porcini and Oyster Mushroom in Baked Vol-Au-Vent.

For a sweet indulgence, the Lavender Pear with Spiced Honeycomb is infused with fresh hints of lavender tea.

The pear-shaped dessert with a floral aroma and soothing sweetness pairs well with the selection of teas.

Meanwhile, the bittersweet chocolate slice is rich in flavour.

Made using peach and apricot teas, the chocolate treat offered lovely citrusy notes contrasting beautifully with the deep cocoa finish.

The duet of Salted Caramel Cheesecake Macaron plus Lemon Verbena and Chia Panna Cotta is a sweet-and-sour finale.

As afternoon tea is not complete without scones, the classic Sultana and Vanilla Scones are served warm with clotted cream, raspberry jam and whipped butter in a nod to a timeless tradition.

Tea selections on the afternoon tea set are Premium Rose Buds, Premium Bora Bora, Peach and Apricot, Premium Emperor’s Palace Tea, Premium Sencha Sakura, Premium Milk Oolong, Pistachio and Truffle, and Premium Sea of Blossoms.

Besides this, guests can delight in 40 types of exceptional teas.

Among the highlights was the Premium Milk Oolong which I found quite memorable.

The tea leaves are steamed with milk water to release a signature creamy and fruity complexity.

Simply speaking, it tasted like milk tea without the milk or calories.

Another unforgettable herbal tea is the Premium Cool Mint.

The infusion of peppermint, lemongrass and sweet apples gave the drink a layered complexity that I found rather interesting.

Fragrant peppermint and refreshing lemongrass dance on the taste buds at first sip before lingering sweetness of apple and liquorice root step in.

The Afternoon Tea set is priced at RM220 nett for two persons with free flow of coffee and tea.

It is available, at the Lobby Lounge, from 3pm to 6pm daily until June 30.

Guests can also take away the Premium 40th Anniversary Afternoon Tea Takeaway Set at RM188 per set.

In conjunction with the 40th anniversary celebration, guests can enjoy RM40 off for every RM200 cash voucher purchased at Shangri-La Boutique until June 30.

LOBBY LOUNGE, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2786 2378) Business hours: 7am to midnight.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.