High tea is typically a dainty affair: a few finger sandwiches, a scone or two, fine china, and soft conversation. The stylish Pacific Emporium at Pan Pacific Singapore does it differently. The key elements are all there. Savoury bites that satiate, sweet nothings that delight, the best tea and coffee brands on offer, and a three-tier stand to complete the pretty picture. But instead of being a filler like in many restaurants, high tea at Pacific Emporium is the main show. And we’re all the better for it.
Stepping into what I consider one of the prettiest hotel lobbies in Singapore, I can never stop marvelling at the pods seemingly floating under the sky-high atrium. Imagine my delight as we were led to take our seats in one of those. It was an Alice in Wonderland moment for sure, a fantasy world where you can eat dessert first, ensconced in your cocoon, hidden away from the world.
Warm service ensures you are well taken care of, even if you are hidden from the public eye here. A call button in the wall allows you to ring for service, should you need something, though the attentive staff makes sure the opportunity never arrives.
Served in two seatings at 1pm and 3pm, the Weekday English Afternoon Tea is an indulgence to say the very least. We were greeted with flutes of the welcome drink, a mellow iced tea to set the tone for the afternoon. Only moments later, the famed three-tier stand arrived; to my delight, a replica of the very pods were seated in.
Two tiers of savoury bites were the perfect way to start, given that we had chosen the 1pm slot. The Mini Salmon Bagel was scrumptious, a close second to the Virginia Ham Quiche - a tiny bite with parmesan and an underlying sweet note, just enough to lift the salty ham, not overpower it. And as much as I love soft finger food like the moist Chicken Tea Sandwich, the star of the savoury show was Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, a spectacularly delicious bite, assured to please children and adults alike. Brushed with a black-currant glaze, the bacon lifted the shrimp to greater heights, a wonderful way to tie up the savoury course.
The afternoon tea set at Pacific Emporium also includes a choice of main course. We tried the Fish and Chips, which comes without the aforementioned chips but the crispness of the fish compensates well. And as full as we were, we couldn’t get enough of the Classic Chicken Pie in Alfredo sauce. The 15-minute wait was well worth it, each bite creamy and comforting.
The sweet selections in the tiered afternoon tea are the perfect way to end this extravagant afternoon. The pastry chef has outdone herself, crafting intricate delicacies with layers of complexity. Take for example, the Pink Grapefruit Mint Gâteau, an innocent-looking pink globule. Cut into it to discover elements of grapefruit mint mousse and grapefruit pear compote, covered with a gel-like rosé wine elasto. Or, for chocolate lovers, the Raspberry Hazelnut Royaltine, layered with raspberry compote, hazelnut chocolate mousse, and flourless sponge cake.
No self-respecting afternoon tea is complete without the quintessential English scones. Having relished scones in the famous Scone Palace in the UK, I can attest to the authenticity of the ones at Pacific Emporium. Flaky and light, the warm scones have yuzu bits but that’s the only transgression from the classic. Served with clotted cream, raspberry jam and honey, the scones are the perfect end to this magnificent feast.
The English Afternoon Tea at Pacific Emporium within Pan Pacific Singapore is more than just a meal; it is an occasion in itself. An occasion to escape the humdrum of the city, and of routine life for a blissful afternoon. To pause, indulge, and enjoy. A well earned break, because you deserve it.
