I recently had the pleasure of attending an extraordinary collaboration between Saicho and Mandarin Oriental at The Rosebery in London’s fashionable Hyde Park. A blend of traditional British tea-time and luxurious sparkling tea offerings, the event was a delightful culinary exploration.
A Quintessential Experience at The Rosebery
With enchanting views over London, The Rosebery provided the ideal backdrop for a quintessential Afternoon Tea experience. Head Pastry Chef, Emmanuel Bonneau, with his award-winning finesse, crafted a tea menu reflective of London’s summer, including special pastries inspired by Royal Ascot, Henley Regatta and Wimbledon. The experience was made even more special with a complimentary glass of Saicho’s sparkling tea during the month of August. At £96.50 per person, the British Summer Season Afternoon Tea included an array of delicious pastries and sandwiches, expertly paired with Saicho’s Jasmine, Hojicha, or Darjeeling.
Saicho’s Sparkling Collection: A Culinary Exploration
Saicho’s launch event at the Mandarin Oriental was more than a showcase of sparkling teas; it was a culinary exploration that took guests on a sensory journey through innovative food pairings.
The robust and dependable Darjeeling tea was a personal favourite, expertly paired with an array of desserts that enhanced its unique muscatel flavour. Notes of mandarin, ginger, and wood spice mingled with the sweet indulgences, creating a satisfying finale to the tasting experience.
The Hojicha, a roasted green tea from Japan, was masterfully paired with Scottish smoked salmon and Cornish mackerel. This rich, savoury combination highlighted the tea’s deep umami character, leaving a lingering taste of roasted hazelnut and delicate smoke.
Light and uplifting, the Jasmine tea was artfully matched with scones, rose petal jam and summer fruit jams. This fragrant green tea danced on the palate, marrying well with the delicate sweetness of the desserts. Beyond the Mini Collection, Saicho also showcased its full-sized sparkling teas, thoughtfully paired with chocolates. These luxurious combinations added a new dimension to the sparkling tea experience, offering a rich and indulgent exploration of flavour.
A Personal Journey Through Flavour
I found Saicho’s teas to be remarkable in their flavours and pairing. The rich Darjeeling offered a satisfying finale with its muscatel flavour and desserts pairing. The savory Hojicha complemented smoked salmon and mackerel beautifully, and the delicate Jasmine tea added a graceful touch, paired with lighter fare. The collaboration was a delightful fusion of tastes from China, India, and Japan with Britain, offering an exclusive taste experience that transcended traditional tea-time.
A Lasting Impression
Saicho’s sparkling tea collection promises to transform the way we celebrate, socialise, and savour our meals. With offerings ranging from the Mini Collection to full-sized bottles paired with chocolates, there’s a world of flavours waiting to be explored. Whether a gift for a friend who doesn’t drink or a luxurious indulgence for oneself, Saicho provides an elegant and thoughtful alternative to traditional drinks.
To discover more, visit: mandarinoriental.com and saichodrinks.com
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All imagery courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited and Saicho.