One of the most decadent Afternoon Teas we have tried is the Golden High Tea by Cafe Murano, winner of Best Café – Fact Dining Awards 2015. The Pearl-Qatar’s only hotel brings its five-star luxury treatment to Afternoon Tea, with a mixture of savoury and sweet treats.
We were first introduced to the ‘golden tea’ concept when Marsa Malaz Kempinski showcased an early version at the High Tea Lounge at QIFF 2015. To reflect the ‘gold’ element there is an overuse of edible gold leaf; with generous amounts brushed, dusted and sprinkled throughout the menu. And we love it!
Café Murano
Cafe Murano is belongs to that category of understated hotel cafes that are tucked away in a back corner of the hotel. However, to underestimate it would be a mistake as the decor and service is on point and representative of a world-class luxury brand. The elegant interior screams Italian opulence with comfortable couch seating and sparkling wall tiles.
A central plinth highlights the desserts as if they were precious art pieces in a gallery. The focus here is most definitely on their sweet pastries, although there are savoury items available on the menu. But what really stands out are the floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views across the Persian Gulf. It makes for an impressive location for a ‘spot of tea’.
Golden Afternoon Tea Doha – Menu
The luxurious use of gold stands from the crockery to the cappuccino, making for a literal Golden High Tea. Light and frothy it is a perfect start to the afternoon tea.
For a special occasion the gold does add an element of surprise to the delicate menu. Although portioned for two the offerings are generous and could easily provide for three persons.
The afternoon tea menu has a varied range of canapes, sandwiches, and french pastries to keep guests happy. Golden Raisin and Plain Scones are served with clotted cream, marmalade and jam. All components are beautifully presented with precise elements that require attentention to detail and patience from the culinary team at Marsa Malaz.
Flavours were defined with stand out items such as the Chicken Curry Sandwich with Pineapple and the Mushroom Salad with Quail. The delicate Crab Salad was a perfect canape enrobed in sheer slices of radish!
The selection of french pastries are presented in a circular stand with each item given its own spot to showcase the delicate nature of the treats. It is hard to pinpoint which items impressed when they come enrobed in gold. Each individual pastry twinkles with a golden highlight or light dusting of edible gold.
Alhtough mini-sized these treats are big enough to share, with ten sweet treats to choose from. The chocolate lollipops are a gourmet delight and add to the luxury appeal of this afternoon tea. Surprisingly the pastry chefs have managed to get defined tastes and interesting flavour combinations within these fragile desserts.
A particular favourite is the Petit Eclair which brings French sophistication to the experience. But each treat has visual appeal from the fruity Blueberry Tart or the tangy Citrus Meringue. The Raspberry Delice tops the dessert stand like a crowning glory, but the Opera Cake and the Nutachio impresses with their fine individual layers. They are a perfect representation of this afternoon tea – delicious tasting treats with precise details and a golden touch!
Cafe Murano Doha
Golden High Tea is available from 2.00pm until 6.00pm. It is priced at QR220 for 2 persons including tea and coffee.
Oriental High Tea showcases regional inspirations of pastires and baklavas, and is priced at QR185 for 2 persons including tea and coffee.
In the month of March, Cafe Murano, is celebrating Tiramisu with a special a la carte menu of sweet treats and drinks created to highlight this Italian dessert.
Red Velevet Fridays (a la carte) and Chocoholic Saturdays (pp QR185) are also available.
For more information and bookings call +974 4035 5011 or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com
Pic Credits: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, and QE.
Qatar Eating was a guest of Marsa Malaz Kempinski.