Showing solidarity with spot of tea

Pink Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur for breast cancer awareness month. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

Part of proceeds from delightful pink afternoon spread to benefit breast cancer campaign

Pastries are a sinful treat few can resist.

These baked goods are especially delightful when paired with a warm cup of tea.

The Western afternoon tea dining experience that centres around sweet and savoury pastries is popular among locals looking for something sophisticated and luxurious.

Often, these delicate pastries are served on three-tiered serving stands and Instagrammable.

In conjunction with breast cancer awareness month, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with Estee Lauder Companies has come up with Pink Afternoon Tea until Oct 31.

Hotel executive pastry chef Kevin Pannier created the pastries in accordance with the theme and made sure to incorporate a French touch to his cakes.

Compared to Europeans and North Americans, Asians preferred their pastries less sweet, said Pannier.

“We can make some overly sweet desserts in Europe.

“However, when I was working in Shanghai, I learned to reduce the sugar in the cakes,” he said while introducing some of the cakes and pastries served for Pink Afternoon Tea.

Pannier is a French pastry chef with over 18 years of experience.

Pannier is a French pastry chef with over 18 years of experience.

He excels in creating pastries that showcase a balance of flavours and adapting to the taste buds of the guests depending on the occasion.

His passion for pastries began in his home kitchen, where he helped his parents prepare desserts using traditional French techniques.

Pannier has chosen to feature macarons in his special menu.

“The macaron comes from France and is a classic dessert.

“There are many versions of how it gained popularity but based on the one I know, an Italian queen came to France and introduced this dessert.

“Soon the popularity of this dessert spread around other European countries and now it is globally known and enjoyed.

“Macarons contain 50% almond powder and since Italy has more almonds, I think this story on the origin of macarons makes sense,” he said.

Another item in the afternoon tea is Raspberry Vanilla Cupcakes.

Here a French butter cake technique is used, similar to madeleine but with buttercream on top.

The buttercream is pink and infused with raspberry vanilla.

The cream is piped in the shape of a pink rose, making it a pretty addition to the selection.

This writer’s favourite was the Cherry Blossom Cheesecake, with cheese mousse infused with Sakura flower flavour and garnished with dried rose petals.

The classic Raspberry Vanilla Tart is another mouth-watering treat that pairs well with tea.

Besides the most sought-after pastries, there are sandwiches and scones.

The sandwiches consist of Grilled Fresh Tuna with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Red Shiso, Bresaola Tortellini Stuffed with Red Capsicum Cream Cheese Pesto, Strawberry Bruschetta with Ricotta Cheese and Reduced Balsamic, Chinese Roasted Chicken with Spicy Tomato Relish and Five Spiced Bread.

For breast cancer awareness this month, 10% of the sales of Pink Afternoon Tea goes towards Breast Cancer Campaign 2023.

The menu is priced at RM188 nett per person, inclusive of free flow of hot beverages for up to two hours.

Afternoon tea is available at Lounge on the Park daily from 2.30pm to 6pm.

LOUNGE ON THE PARK, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone]).

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.