Asian takes on the classic British afternoon tea.

TRAVEL ACROSS ASIA WITH THESE AFTERNOON TEA DELIGHTS

Scones with jam and clotted cream, dainty cucumber sandwiches and mini desserts have always been part of British afternoon tea tradition and they are all delightful. However, here in Asia we have learnt to add Asian touches to the classic. Guru lists a few places where you can enjoy a lovely afternoon with delights from our side of the world.

SINGAPOREAN AFTERNOON TEA at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Step into the light-filled dining space of Tuxedo Espresso Bar on the ground floor of Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit. Chef Kan Bright San, a Malaysian-native, prepares Singaporean and Peranakan favourites for the newly-launched Singaporean afternoon tea.

Expect a variety of desserts: subtly sweet kueh dadar (a sticky mixture of palm sugar and grated coconut wrapped in pandan crepes), gula melaka (palm sugar) steamed cakes served with dark palm sugar syrup, egg tarts and choux au craquelin stuffed with mild durian custard. All these items are best washed down with an iced tea sweetened with condensed milk. If you prefer lighter drinks, choose from a selection of TWG teas. The pink flamingo (a blend of green and hibiscus tea), with its tart, fruity tone, is highly recommended.

The savoury items presented are chicken and sardine curry puffs, chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes served with preserved radish), two portions of nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaves and two bowls of laksa that come with fish cakes, a boiled egg and dried bean curd.

The Singaporean afternoon tea is served daily from noon to 4.30pm and is priced at B1,080++ for two or B1,380++ with two glasses of prosecco.

Tuxedo Espresso Bar, Ground Floor of Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Road / Call 02-090-7888, visit www.carltonhotel.co.th.