Even though we were happy spending a quiet Christmas at home in Shanghai this year, I still wanted to find a special way for us to celebrate the season. Last year in Hong Kong we enjoyed holiday tea at the famous Peninsula hotel. Since Shanghai boasts its own branch of this luxury brand, we headed over on Christmas Day to sample its understated yet elegant version. The Peninsula Shanghai’s afternoon tea is held in the Lobby restaurant 2-6pm daily, with a holiday-themed set available from November 30 to December 25. Served on the Peninsula’s signature china, the three-tiered tray of treats was predictably impressive. There were actually so many snacks that for the first time I was unable to clean every plate. Though with so many sweets provided, an additional savory bite or two would have been welcomed. The ham quiche was excellent and I would have happily eaten a second and possibly a third.
The middle tray was overflowing with goodies: tiny spiced cakes dusted in sugar, cream puffs filled with strawberry jam, chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies and a delightful little blueberry pie. The scones, of course, were a highlight, especially an aromatic gingerbread version that went so well with the clotted cream and strawberry jam.
The top tier, always reserved for the most exquisite pieces, was remarkable. The raspberry macaroon hid a mound of luscious chocolate mousse beneath its dusting of pink and was my favorite of the day. Though the raspberry tart topped with a mound of marshmallow goo was a close second. Or was my favorite the chocolate and chestnut opera cake? They were all so good, it’s hard to decide!
In Hong Kong we stood in line for well over an hour; the wait time in Shanghai was considerably shorter and the smaller crowd made for a quieter and more intimate experience. The Lobby Strings played Christmas carols from an alcove above the dining room while quietly efficient servers made sure our tea cups were never empty. Christmas trees were beautifully decorated and lights twinkled from every corner of the room.
While the hotel has an old world Art Deco feel, The Peninsula Shanghai was opened only in 2009 and became the first new building on the Bund in several decades. Walking the marble halls, we were astounded by the attention to detail taken to recreate a scene from the 1920s. From the marquee lettering to the geometric shapes in the ironwork and the yellow-tinted light fixtures, nothing was overlooked. The fleet of dark green Rolls Royces out front and the collection of fine designer stores add to the air of luxury for which the Peninsula brand in known. With nine locations around the world, and another opening in 2013, hopefully we’ll be able to make this holiday tea a yearly tradition!
The Peninsula
Address: 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Pricing: afternoon tea costs 310 RMB per person or 564 RMB for two (51/91 USD) – includes 15% tax
Gah! Looks absolutely diVINE! But makes me seethe with jealousy as I sit here slurping my (as ever, quite delicious actually, but still) bowl of pho…
What I wouldn’t give for a good bowl of pho! That’s one thing we can’t get here in Shanghai.
What a lovely way to spend an afternoon. The Peninsula is really a beautiful place. The food looks absolutely amazing. Mom