Singapore-inspired High Tea
During our staycation at Grand Copthorne Hotel, we set aside some time (and tummy space) to try their Singapore-inspired afternoon tea set at Tempo Bar. Considering that it might be a unique experience for those who have yet to try our local delights, we decided that as Singaporeans who grew up eating these ‘kuehs’ (means bite-sized snack in Hokkien) should give it a try to see if it stays true to the local flavour.
On the tiered high tea stand, there is a total of 11 desserts for you to savour. Most of them were local heritage snacks like the Kueh Lapis Penang (9-layered Rainbow Kueh), Ondeh-ondeh (glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar syrup), Ang Ku Kueh (a Chinese pastry filled with mung bean and peanut fillings), Red bean soya curd with Chendol and Durian Pandan Swiss Roll. These were nostalgic food items which bring back memories as I grew up eating these ‘kuehs’ as a child.
The Sweets
Top tier: Macarons, mochi, Durian Pandan Swiss rolls, Black sesame Panna Cotta
Middle tier: Eclairs, Red bean soya curd with Chendol, banana muffins
Bottom tier: Kueh Lapis Penang (or 9-layer kueh), ondeh-ondeh, Ang Ku Kueh, Chendol agar-agar
The Savouries
Shortly after nibbling the desserts, the savour food platter came. There were also sauces to go along with it. The western sandwiches (Spicy Tuna with Cucumber in Mini Croissant and Smoked Salmon Sandwich) and mini chicken pies were tasty.
I prefer such afternoon tea sets which provide a good balance of savoury and sweet food items.
Just when we thought that we were done, there’s more food served up to our table. We received a basket of fried Mexican chicken wing, deep fried Otah Otah dumpling (served with tomato chutney, Achar and Thai sauce) and lemongrass chicken skewers.
We were incredibly full after the afternoon tea. Judging by the wide selection of bite-sized snacks they offer, it might be able to feed more than two people.
Is it worth it?
We enjoyed the savoury bites more than the desserts actually and the food overall was decent. The local delights did not disappoint us at all. It is very value for money and affordable considering the amount of food served. We only wished that the sandwiches were served warm and crisp.
Singapore-Inspired Tempo Tea at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
Daily, from 2.30 pm to 5 pm
$48++ for two (includes free flow of coffee or tea)
For reservations, call 6233 1100 or email dining.cw@millenniumhotels.com
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel (Tempo Bar)
392 Havelock Road Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 6733 0880
Email: enquiry.gcw@millenniumhotels.com
Website: www.grandcopthorne.com.sg
