How the afternoon tea has become the 'it' way to celebrate occasions

Let’s start with a little nugget from history, the origin of afternoon tea dates to the 19th century, when high tea was reserved for British workers, who had to wait until after work to enjoy tea in a newly industrialised Britain. Once people finished work, tea would be served with bigger, almost main dishes instead of tea with cakes. From then to now, the concept of the afternoon tea has not only evolved but has become a tad fashionable and desirable, especially among the women folk.

Here in the UAE, we love our afternoon tea way too much, especially as it is no longer just about humble cucumber sandwiches, butter scones and fruit cakes. And it’s also not just what’s on the three-tier stand that is drawing in the ladies to the afternoon teas, but the whole experience surrounding it as well. “Afternoon tea has gained huge popularity in the region as it presents an opportunity to gather with friends in a leisurely and relaxed fashion. Dubai is a very sociable city with residents and tourists alike enjoying a packed calendar and an enjoyable afternoon tea is the perfect way to celebrate milestone events such as baby showers and birthdays, to name a few. Women seem to gravitate towards our afternoon tea as their social gathering of choice, additionally they opt to network, strengthen business connections, and launch products over afternoon tea,” said Bruno Guillox, general manager, Voco Bonnington, Dubai.

“As a result of the new lifestyle where we are busy with work and household chores, we don’t have enough time to set up an afternoon teatime or gather all family members for this light meal. Afternoon teatime has become a good opportunity to catch up with friends after work or to celebrate special occasions, it’s not the traditional afternoon tea any more, which you have every day at 4 pm like old times,” said Mohamed Mora, director, food and beverage, Raffles Dubai. They recently offered the Treasures of Arabia Afternoon Tea with special Arabian blends from Newby Teas which included Khus Garden green tea, Oud delight, Royal Kahwa, etc. to relive the grand tradition and celebrate Emirati Women’s Day.

A perfect midday break

“While consumers have been in awe of the popular and quintessentially British tradition, we can see a growing trend for high tea in the region as it combines consumers’ love for drinking their favourite freshly brewed beverage with tasty sweet and savoury bites,” said Sameera Muramudali, director, Food & Beverage, Millennium Place, Barsha Heights. “People are beginning to realise the importance to take a break and indulge in quality time with family and friends, but of course with the city’s signature style and panache, that elevates the mundane afternoon tea into a more refined and luxurious experience,” said chef Romain Castet, Sofitel Dubai, The Obelisk, where Bijou Patisserie: Le Goûter Afternoon Tea is presented in an elegant pastel jewellery box, with a key that unlocks a mouth-watering selection of Parisian savoury bites and sweet delights, made with French precision and panache.

“I believe that guests enjoy the experience of sharing an afternoon with their loved ones over high tea. Sharing as a concept has become increasingly popular across all dining as guests enjoy new experiences with their family and friends,” said Julien Jacob, executive pastry chef, Jumeirah Al Naseem. “There is an increasing demand for healthier options, with many guests choosing tea instead of coffee as they believe it to have superior health benefits. Tea is a beverage suited to any occasion thanks to its versatility and calming effects. It can be consumed in a wide variety of settings and locations at any time of the day, whether you’re with friends or alone for some quiet reflection,” added Bruno.

purva@khaleejtimes.com