As the holiday season approaches, it is time to start thinking more deeply about what to do to best maximise the holiday experience. There are many ways to enjoy a holiday, and having a delightful afternoon tea session surely is one of them. Spending quality time with friends and family, munching on delectable tea-time treats, and basking in the festive holiday air.

But why go for afternoon tea instead of a jolly, hearty Christmas dinner?

They may seem similar because both are considered ‘meal times’, but essentially, the two are different. Everyone loves a magnificent dinner feast. Some may even argue that dinner is the most important meal of the day. But the wait from lunch to dinner may prove to be a challenge, and a light snacking session would do the job just nicely.

This dates back to the history and origin of this British tradition now known as the afternoon tea. Did you know that the ‘afternoon tea’ tradition started in the 1840s, when a Duchess was feeling slightly hungry around 4pm, and dinner was still a few hours away? So, she asked for tea, scones, cakes, and finger sandwiches to be sent to her room. She then started inviting her friends over for these sessions, and eventually, it became a tradition for the entire country.

Afternoon tea has its own charm. Sometimes you just want to have a light snack. Having delicate finger food, satisfying your cravings with small delights, and sipping on a warm cup of tea. Filling yourself just enough to be rid of that peckish feeling, but still having room to enjoy a great dinner later in the evening.

Here in Malaysia, many hotels and resorts are offering the best afternoon tea experiences, complete with special holiday-themed treats to get into the festive mood. After all, what better way to indulge in the Christmas spirit than spending time at a stunning hotel with the perfect holiday setting, along with the people you love.

The Westin Kuala Lumpur

In collaboration with Dilmah Tea and led by Chef Suzana Anwar, this hotel located in the heart of Bukit Bintang is offering a wide selection of holiday treats for afternoon tea. With a savoury Grilled Chicken Waffle Sandwich as the signature dish, they also have a lovely spread of Christmas-y delights including Bread Stuffed Roulade with Cranberry, Orange Ginger Financier, Strawberry Santa Hat Mousse, Moroccan Mint Green Tea Pyramid, and Vanilla Rose Cheese Sphere.

Conveniently located near Pavilion KL, The Westin Kuala Lumpur provides a serene and elegant setting to enjoy these festive delights and create lasting memories with loved ones.

For more information, click here.

Le Méridien Petaling Jaya

This hotel, connected to Paradigm Mall, serves scrumptious Christmas-themed treats for its Christmas-themed afternoon tea. Headed by Chef John and Chef Zulkifli, the signature dish at the hotel’s afternoon tea session is the Tuna Pomegranate on Toast, accompanied by the Steamed Christmas Pudding with Crème Anglaise and Strawberry Santa Cream Puff. 

For more information, click here.

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre 

Where festive flavours and cozy vibes blend together. This hotel offers a lovely afternoon tea spread served by Chef Zuwairi Shuaib and Chef Alan Wong. The signature dishes include Homemade Smoked Salmon, Sour Cream, and Sourdough. Other delights offered include one of the most signature flavours of the Christmas season; which is ginger. Savour the sweet and spicy taste of the Ginger Caramel Mousse, the warm Ginger Cookies as well as the Magic Mushroom Apricot and Meringue.

For more information, click here.

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

Have an indulgent, chocolatey Christmas at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral with the hotel’s afternoon tea delights. Made by Chef Zahrin and Chef Iskandar, the signature dishes served are Kataifi Wrapped Hokkaido Scallop with Mango-Avocado Salad, complemented with Buttery Scones & Dark Chocolate Cranberry Scones with Maple Drizzle and Santa Framboise Chocolate Tartlet.

For more information, click here.

Sheraton Petaling Jaya

This hotel’s warm and inviting atmosphere provides the perfect setting to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones, making it an ideal spot for creating lasting memories. The afternoon tea treats offered at the hotel are prepared by Chef San, Chef Afiq, and Chef Hakim, and feature signature dishes including Sustainable Prawn Tartlet with Chive Sour Cream and Caviar and Tuna Tartare with Sago Chips and Tobiko, paired with a variety of festive sweet delicacies such as Winter Wild Berry Mousse, Petite Chocolate Log, and Golden English Fruit Cake.

For more information, click here.