The Peninsula is reputed to have the best tasting and most authentic afternoon tea set in Hong Kong. How true that statement is depends on whether you are a regular paying guest or a VIP. To clarify, hubby and I had afternoon tea there twice. Once as regular paying guests and once as courtesy of House Hunters International and The Peninsula.

The first time we had the afternoon tea set at the Peninsula, we had to wait one hour. The only way to avoid the line was if you stayed at the hotel, otherwise the wait is at least 40 minutes.

This was served to us after waiting almost an hour:

The Peninsula tea was was beautifully presented. Everything looked gorgeous, but the taste was average. The sandwiches were slightly stale as the bread was dry and crusty. The pastries were not fluffly nor moist. As for the scones, nowever as good as the Four Seasons. The only redeming factor was their tea.

The second time we had ”afternoon tea” was at 10:30am in The Peninsula Lobby. We met the executive chef and then this batch of just prepared goodies was brought out:

Everything was spectacular and extremely fresh. The tastiest of the bunch was the pistachio cake, the lobster sandwich, and the turkey pretzel sandwich. Notice how all three items was not present at our previous afternoon tea set. If only this was what their regular tea set was like then the hour wait would be worth it.

I also ordered tea with milk and this was by far the best hot milk tea I ever had anywhere. It was smooth with just the right amount of richness and a great aftertaste, that I drank four cups in a row, and the cups were by no means miniature. I did not care that I will look fat or bloated for TV because this tea was definitely worth it.

Summary: The Hong Kong Peninsula can make the most amazing afternoon tea set. The problem is that they serve two kinds, one for the tourists and the other for the VIP’s.