The ritual of afternoon tea is an age-old British tradition that is increasingly gaining popularity in Singapore, especially among women. Whether it is an intimate catch-up session with girlfriends, a splurge-worthy special occasion, or simply to perk yourself up on a sleepy, dreary afternoon, there is always a reason to indulge in afternoon tea.
Located in the heart of Marina Bay, Axis Bar and Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Singapore is a relaxed but classy place with beautiful views of the city, and serving up artisanal teas and unique and elegant sweets and savouries. The presentation is as delightful as the food is delectable, offering a visual treat as much as it is one for the taste buds.
The chefs’ inventiveness and attention to detail indeed sets Axis Bar and Lounge apart from other restaurants serving up afternoon tea, ingeniously injecting local tastes and flavours into the traditional bites, yet still retaining the classic British touch in the form of the requisite scones, macarons and pastries. If you are looking for a lavish afternoon tea selection that channels a uniquely Singaporean vibe, Axis Bar and Lounge is definitely right up your alley.
The five-course spread commences on a high note with two savoury courses. Of particular mention is the sambal marinated shrimps tartlet with lemon aioli – the fusion of light spiciness with a touch of sour definitely hits all the right spots. The asparagus and tofu maki rolls with wasabi mayonnaise also offered a refreshing Japanese-inspired alternative that was packed with flavour, including a subtle tangy kick. Axis has even ridden on the latest salted-egg yolk trend that has taken Singapore by storm, delivering an unusual salted egg crab in mini pita pocket that was unexpectedly delicious. Many of the savoury creations were delightedly meaty – meat lovers will definitely love the mini cha siu bao and otah-otah sub with chicken floss.
The first two savoury courses are a visual feast as much as they are one for the taste buds, and go perfectly well with the diverse array of tea available for selection.
The sambal marinated shrimp tartlet with lemon aioli is packed with flavour and hits all the right spots, while the mini cha siu bao would definitely appeal to meat lovers.
The fresh traditional scones and pastries follows, but with subtle, interesting twists that make for a more satisfying experience. The Tahitian vanilla scones and bandung rosella scones were well-complemented by the lemon butter, raspberry jam and clotted cream, and the sumptuous, perfectly flaky pastries – braised beef rendang pie and nonya potato curry puff offers a harmonious balance to the sweetness of the scones. Finally, the picture-perfect three-tiered dessert platter is loaded with delicate bites executed with much finesse. Whether it is the mara de bois strawberry cheese tart, ondeh-ondeh macaroon or the caramel banana pound, the imaginative, artisanal desserts are sure to tantalise your taste buds and provide the ultimate finale to a grand afternoon tea session.
The Tahitian vanilla scones and Bandung rosella scones are perfectly complemented by the fresh flaky savoury pastries – braised beef rendang pie and nonya potato curry puff.
The picture-perfect three-tiered dessert stand is executed with perfection, and the mara de bois strawberry cheese tart, ondeh-ondeh macaroon and caramel banana pound are particularly tasty.
The dessert platters provide the perfect sweet ending to a delightful and classy afternoon tea session at Mandarin Oriental Singapore.
Axis Bar and Lounge
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
The afternoon tea set is priced at S$42 per person and S$80 for two (subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax).
