Stepping into Author’s Lounge at Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental will transport you back to a time when afternoon tea was first and foremost, an indulgence. Visited by notable literary authors such as Joseph Conrad, this Bangkok establishment is a celebrity favorite in Asia. Plus, if you’ve never tried a Traditional “Thai” Tea Set (I certainly didn’t until then!), there’s no place quite like Author’s Lounge. First, the House Blend Black Tea at Author’s Lounge deserves a special mention. If you’re a coffee person like me, you’ll know why it requires a great cup of tea to truly impress! Tea aside, the Pandan scone with touches of ginger was just amazing. Still warm and fresh from the oven, the scone incorporates traditional Thai ingredients wonderfully. Don’t forget to smother on a thick layer of clotted cream and jam for an extra touch of creaminess!
The traditional afternoon tea set was definitely delicious, but for first-timers, I’d highly recommend the Thai Tea Set. It incorporates a lot of fun and traditional Thai desserts such as Tong Yip (an egg yolk tart), Khanom Duang (sticky tapioca and coconut milk+shreds), and Takoh (coconut cream jelly). Plus, it comes with a Pandan-Coconut macaron which I adored!
As always, I’ll let the following pictures do the rest of the talking x.
Author’s Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
The afternoon tea menu illustrating each course of the Traditional and Thai Tea Sets
A greenhouse like tea room with beautiful blooms everywhere in the room
Jim Thompson-styled design in the lounge
A classic cup of black tea
The Traditional Afternoon Tea Set and the Thai Tea Set side by side!
Traditional Tea Set
Traditional Tea Set: scones, cakes, finger sandwiches
Top tier: English fruit cake and chocolate apricot cake
Second Tear: fruit tart, little cakes, chocolate tart, and coffee mousse
Bottom Tier: smoked salmon sandwich, savory proscuitto tart, and spinach turnover
Classic smoked salmon sandwich, up close and beautiful!
Smoked ham and tomato sandwich with honeydew melon
Mini chocolate fleur de sel –my favorite!
Thai Tea Set
The Thai Afternoon Tea Set!
Top Tier: Pandan scone, sweet cakes, and cake marinated in citrus
Thai cakes, coconut macaron, and traditional thai rice snacks
Delicious twist on Thai sandwiches+lobster roll
A delicious coconut pandan leaf macaron!
Spiced corn in puff pastry shell
A delicious mix of Turmeric chicken on top of a rice cake
My absolute favorite: Pandan scone with clotted cream and jam. Absolutely delicious!
And lastly, the sweetest man serenading the room as you relax your afternoon away
Time flies by so fast! Mizuha and I returned from our trip a couple weeks ago and my Thailand round-up post still isn’t up (I blame my busy schedule for it!). But when it is up, it’ll include delicious street foods from Bangkok’s famous Chatuchak Weekend Market as well as island snacks on Ko Samui.
Stay tuned and stay warm!
love,
eatprayjade x.
Author’s Lounge, The Mandarin Oriental
Address // 48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Phone // +66 (2) 659 9000
Website // http://www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok/fine-dining/authors-lounge/
*To get to Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok: Take the BTS, to Saphan Taksin station and get on the Mandarin Oriental Boat (it’s part of the experience!)
I miss afternoon tea! Would give anything to have a slow, relaxing afternoon filled with sweets…
Peninsula round 2 is mandatory! Slash lets meet up in NYC soon for a day of eats? It’s an obligatory foodie+blogger date.
Come Come! I’m always down for foodie dates <3
Dear Jade
Thanks so much for this spectacular blog review, delighted to hear you had a wonderful time! love the photos and content. I have shared your post on our Mandarin Oriental Shop Facebook Page.
Thanks again and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
warm regards
Michael Nurbatlian
Director of eCommerce
Thank you for the Facebook share. I look forward to returning to the Mandarin Oriental next time!
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