
Afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
The plain, modern exterior of the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur belies its decadent, yet classic, interior. A haven from the stifling humidity and traffic-packed streets of Malaysia’s capital city, I’d come to sit back and relax over an afternoon tea in the renowned hotel chain’s lobby lounge.
Afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Classic black and white marble greeted me as I walked across the reception area to a small escalator, which took us up to the first floor lobby lounge. Elegant seating and coffee tables stretch out along the long, open space, with its marble floors and gold leafed ceiling. At its centre there’s a large circular sofa banquette, which leads off to a balcony with an impressively large chandelier, a further dining space and cake display waiting for you on the other side.
Once welcomed and taken to our cosy seats by the window, our server brought over an amuse-bouche for us to enjoy while we perused the tea menu. This tasty salmon and cream cheese mousse, with accompanying crackers, disappeared quicker than it took us to choose a tea, as the menu was made up of 40 different black, green fruit and herbal infusion teas to choose from. I was torn between trying something unique, like the black tea with rose petals or going for a classic, but when I saw Orange Pekoe on the menu, my decision was made.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Blend
However, my server said we couldn’t leave without trying the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Blend, exclusively crafted for the hotel, so they also brought us over an extra pot just so we could try it.
Made from green Oolong Tie Guan Yin – a tea served to royalty since the Tang dynasty I’ll have you know – I enjoyed its subtle, light flavour. I thought it had quite a creamy taste to it, and even smelt a bit like cream soda. Definitely not like anything I’d tasted before!
One of the special touches I liked here were the cute teapot warmers – each teapot had its own little candle warmer to stop the tea from cooling down. Now I really want to get one of my own!
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A unique savoury selection
As much as I love a classic afternoon tea, I do love seeing hotels and restaurants offer their own twists and takes on the British tradition and the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur didn’t disappoint. For me it was the savouries that stood out – in particular the warm mini chicken pie and petite chicken and beef burgers.
Brought out fresh from the oven, they were all super tasty, managing to each go down in two mouth-watering bites.
These was joined on the savoury tier by fresh spinach quiches and funky ham and pastrami sandwiches, gentle flavours given a little kick thanks to the addition of mustard and onions.
Freshly baked scones
Perfectly timed to coincide with us finishing the last of the savouries, our server returned to our table with a plate of freshly baked scones; both plain and fruit. Letting the cream melt into the still-hot scones, these went down a treat, and we sat back to enjoy some more fresh tea before moving onto the sweet finale.
This final top tier had an interest mix of sweets, including a nod to local cuisine in the form of a Chinese egg tart. Although they look very similar I discovered that they are sadly not a patch on the Portuguese custard tart. To be fair though, although more bland than their Portuguese cousin, I still found them enjoyable, they just lacked a wow factor.
The orange and chocolate meringue was, in my opinion, just like eating a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, and we both really enjoyed the gooey marshmallow with its coconut base, the strawberry and cream tart topped with pistachios and also the very, very rich dark chocolate cake (possibly again with a hint of orange).
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What we thought
I loved the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur’s setting for afternoon tea. The Lobby Lounge is a light and airy space and set up and away from the reception area and main restaurant, I found it one of the most peaceful settings I’ve had for afternoon tea!
I also just couldn’t get enough of the string quartet that entertained me throughout my visit. These guys had a wicked sense of humour and would spend a lot of their time playing renditions of modern songs or quirky unexpected numbers. For example, during the two hours or so we spent there, the music included tunes by Maroon 5 and Ed Sheeran, interspersed with arrangements of cheesy songs such as the Lion Sleeps Tonight and even nursery rhymes like This Old Man!
The service was high quality, without being over attentive, and as for the actual afternoon tea itself, well it got a big thumbs up! I thought the drink choice was impressive and particularly liked the fact a decaffeinated blend was available – something I haven’t seen before. Plus I can’t fault the food – particularly loved the savoury offerings. The mini burgers were absolutely delicious and I have to say I never think I’ve had a pie as part of an afternoon tea before!
At 80MYR/£14.50 (at time of writing) for afternoon tea for two, I also have to add that I think it offers real value for money. A great choice for afternoon tea in Kuala Lumpur, I heartily recommend it to fellow tea-loving visitors.
Pin for later!
Afternoon tea at the Ritz-Cartlon, Kuala Lumpur is available everyday in the Lobby Lounge between 3-6pm. It costs 80MYR for two people.
Our afternoon tea was complimentary for the purposes of this review. However, as always, all views are my own.



28 Comments
California Globetrotter
I’m obsessed with afternoon tea! I’ve booked us one for London in March and this weekend for my birthday, I’m hosting my own afternoon tea! Pinned this for nay future visit to Kuala Lumpur! #WanderfulWednesday
Keri
They’re the best, aren’t they?! Where are you going for AT in London? Love the idea of hosting your own – hope it goes well!
Sara
I love the colors and designs of the chairs – both the gray and the blue hues are gorgeous!! I don’t know how I would choose from 40 teas, so I would probably do the same and try their own special blend. The fresh scones sound so delicious. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a fresh scone that I didn’t make myself now that I think about it!
Keri
Really?! I think I’m the other way round, I’ve never had one at home that I’ve made lol!
Esther
Oh, this looks absolutely wonderful. What a treat!!
#WanderfulWednesday
Keri
I enjoyed every bite Esther!
Sarah
Omg those mini burgers get me!!! That’s so fun!!
Keri
I got quite excited when they came along Sarah – super tasty too!
Rhonda Albom
That does seem like a great value. I think the string quartet really ups the ambience. This is the sort of elegance that I will definitely partake in next time I’m in KL.
Keri
They were elegant but also quite tounge in cheek Rhona, I particularly liked that they didn’t take themselves too seriously!
Rachel
I am a big fan of afternoon tea so I’d be all over this. There’s nothing quite like a serene hotel lounge in a busy city! I imagine the AC was welcome, too. I wonder whether they had a gluten free option? I’m very keen to go back to KL again one day and if so, this will go right at the top of my list!
Keri
Oh yeah, can’t beat aircon in Asia! Most places offer GF versions now, but I have to say I didn;t check on this occasion as I was being naughty! 😉
Caity Pfohl
I love everything about the ritual of afternoon tea, from the delicious snacks to the beautiful tea sets! This looks like an especially lovely place to enjoy it. 🙂 #farawayfiles
Keri
Me too Caity – I can’t get enough of them!
Vanessa Brune
The quiche looks so yummy! I love how they combine sweet and savoury things – perfect!
Keri
I love the cute little mini dishes best I think, so cool!
Jessi (Two Feet, One World)
Man I haven’t gone for an afternoon tea in ages – I love what a wonderful treat they are!
Keri
Go on Jessi, treat yourself! 😉
Corey | fifi +hop
Looks divine! I wish we had afternoon tea in the States, it seems like such a civilized thing to do, and I love tea. And little bites of course! Good to know they have a decaf offering – I only drink decaf as my body can’t handle caffeine. #farawayfiles
Keri
Do you not have many Corey? I’ve had one in NY, but not looked elsewhere yet…
Courtney {Alkeks Abroad}
I love a high tea! My friends had my baby shower at a high tea and it was so fun. Those tea warmers are so cute, I’ve never seen that before.
Keri
Me neither Courtney, I loved them!
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles)
I love afternoon tea – it’s one of my favourite foodie treats and good to see the variations around the world. I’ve stayed in a few Ritz Carltons and they’re always special. This looks really good value. #FarawayFiles
Keri
I’ve not stayed in a Ritz Carlton yet, would love to though. I can imagine they’re totally up to my standard lol! 😉
Kat
Afternoon tea at Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur has always been THE place for English-style afternoon tea but I think the hotel is now competing with another hotel – The Majestic Hotel. I have tried afternoon tea at The Majestic Hotel – the cakes and savouries are lovely but I didn’t like the ambiance. After a while, the lounge was noisy and the pianist was practically banging on the keys instead of playing softly – hahah! I would love to try Ritz Carlton some day 🙂 #Citytripping
Keri
I um’d and ah’d about which to choose Kat – the Majestic’s setting of the orchid garden sounds amazing, but I’d read so many really mixed reviews. Really glad I went with the RC, loved it there.
Cathy (Mummytravels)
Wow that is quite a bargain – especially with warm scones, delicious! I would be a bit surprised to spot burgers but the local twists are fun! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Keri
Yeah the burgers were odd but tasty, I love how everyone tries to make their tea unique! x