High Tea at InterContinental Nha Trang
High Tea at InterContinental with a Lunar New Year Flavor
In November 2016 the Nha Trang InterContinental Hotel was the recipient of the prestigious title; “Vietnam’s Leading Luxury Hotel” at the World Travel Awards. This is deserved recognition for one of the country’s best hotels. It is the small things that make the difference, and here we highlight one of them, the time honored tradition of High Tea, to which the InterContinental has added their own special touches.
For centuries, tea and the act of its consumption has held an important place in cultures across the globe. In Asia, its history goes back thousands of years and its introduction to Europe during the 17th century literally changed the way leisure time was spent and spawned a huge industry that continues to this day. Vietnam also has a long tea drinking history and culture and it still plays an important role in its cultural fabric. Every household it seems has freshly brewed green tea (Tra), available to greet visitors and to quench thirst, and it is also an accompaniment to the morning coffee. In Britain, the tradition of ‘Afternoon’, or “High” Tea (so named because it was originally served on ‘high’ tables) goes back centuries, and remains popular to this day. It is typified by fine china, delicious, sweet and savory finger food and an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance.
InterContinental, being a famed international brand synonymous with quality has High Tea served for 3 hours in the afternoon in all its hotels, and in Nha Trang they have taken the extra step to offer a special variation to celebrate the important Lunar New Year period. Nine traditional Vietnamese cakes and snacks, typically eaten during this festival are offered along with a choice of 8 teas and several coffees.
The teas are amongst the finest available and include the classics, Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Oolong, plus some very different and exotic examples such as Alfonso, a really delightfully different taste experience. It is a lovely blend of black tea with its strength of flavour and a hint of mango, combined with secret fruits and flowers. InterContinental uses only TWG teas, a renowned French brand who provide some of the world’s finest examples.
During Tet, classic Vietnamese seasonal dishes are served in miniature such as fresh and deep fried shrimp spring rolls, a steamed banana cake that is a remarkable blend of salty and sweet notes, stuffed magenta sesame balls with coconut and multi-tiered jelly with a delightful background coffee flavour. Each offering is as unique as it is delicious, and this is the perfect way for visitors to gain an insight into special traditional local food items.
Once the Tet period is over, the High Tea menu reverts back to a more conventional form. The teas and coffees remain the same, but the 9 pastries and savoury offerings include old favourites such as scones, eclairs, double cream cheese cake, quiche and mini beef tarts among others. These are presented on a multi-layered serving basket and are quite delicious. The setting is ideal also, with great views to be enjoyed over the beach and bay, and accentuating the refined elegance of the InterContinental interior.
If you are looking for a delightful afternoon’s interlude, drop by the InterContinental Nha Trang, take High Tea and find out why it is Vietnam’s best luxury hotel!
Intercontinental Nha Trang
32-34 Tran Phu Street
High Tea: 2pm-5pm Daily
