Classic British Afternoon Tea at Le Méridien Dhaka

Claiming the brisk afternoon of Wednesday, September 12, 2018, the launch marked the introduction of Afternoon Tea with its own uniquely-assorted menu available every day from 2 pm and 6 pm at Latitude 23. 

The goal here is to pay homage to a quintessentially British ritual dating back to the 18th century in the U.K. and kick-starting the launch was the opening speech of the afternoon.

“The afternoon tea was born when the Duchess of Bedford used to get hungry between lunch and dinner at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The solution was a pot of tea and a light snack, taken privately in the Duchess’ boudoir during the afternoon. Soon, it reached the ladies, lords and mayors of all houses as they began engaging in the quaint activity,” shared the General Manager of Le Méridien Dhaka, Constantinos S Gavriel.

He went on to say, “Through this, we bring Dhaka a classic British tradition through which we’ll take you through the classic and hand-crafted delicacies curated by Chef Austen Reid”. 

In the name of such delicacies, Chef Reid mastered a menu comprising of cult favourites like, local cucumber on pillow-soft, white bread with minted labneh, or smoked salmon with pickled onion on mixed-grain bread. You can even choose brioche buns that come with sliced tomato, mozzarella and basil pesto or opt for beef salami and gherkin on brown bread. 

If savoury isn’t your cup of tea, go for the scones and pastries sure to satisfy any food connoisseur. Choose from an eclectic range of eclairs, cheesecakes, tarts and different teacakes that will turn any frown upside down!

“The produce used in preparing the afternoon tea orders is locally sourced and the food here, you’ll notice, is presented in fine and elegant portions as to provide respite from the usual large meals consumed during the day. More than that, afternoon tea is a social affair where the focus is also on getting people together, enjoying tea and just having a good time and conversation,” highlighted Executive Chef, Austen Reid, who has mastered his culinary skills over decades of experience. 

And that is the true essence of the afternoon tea promoted through the inauguration done by the guest of honour, Alison Blake, High Commissioner, British High Commission Dhaka. 

“Every society has rituals and sharing meals is what all human beings do to forge connections and to celebrate family and friends. It’s only fair that afternoon tea, which seems very British, be introduced here as Bangladeshi chefs in London have given the people in the U.K. everyone’s favourite food, the chicken masala,” amusingly shared Alison Blake. 

“With the afternoon tea here, you’ll not just be reflected the best of the U.K. but the best of the world,” she concluded. And just at Tk 2,000 with an added amount of 10 percent service charge and a further 15 percent VAT per person, all that is left is relish in the deliciousness served to you during Afternoon Tea at Le Méridien Dhaka and rave about every bit of it!

By Ramisa Haque 

Photo: Le Méridien Dhaka