Are you looking for a delightful mid-day retreat? The Local-Inspired Afternoon Tea at Pacific Emporium might be just what you need. Set in the elegant lobby of Pan Pacific Singapore, this experience invites you to relax in charming floating pods. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon while savouring a selection of teas, coffees, or even a glass of champagne, accompanied by an array of delectable sweet and savoury bites.
We recommend beginning with the savoury items and then moving on to sweet treats, alternating between the two for a balanced experience. Explore a twist on beloved Southeast Asian cuisine with dishes such as Singapore Chilli Crab Meat in Egg Custard with Mini Bun, Hai Tien Lo's Salted Egg Yolk Yam Puff, and Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin.
Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin 3.5/5
Singapore Chilli Crab Meat in Egg Custard with Mini Bun 3.5/5
While the chilli crab meat sauce was well-balanced with a satisfying mix of sweetness and spice, the egg custard at the bottom lacked flavour. Additionally, it was challenging to combine all the elements into a single, cohesive bite.
Baba Ghanoush Avocado Tart 3/5
Originally, this item was served on a baguette, but customer feedback indicated that the baguette was too hard, leading to a switch to a tart shell. Unfortunately, the tart shell overshadowed the filling, which was relatively mild in flavour. As a result, the taste of the tart shell dominated, leaving the intended flavours of the filling barely noticeable.
Crabmeat on Melon 3.8/5
We also sampled an additional item from the savoury tier - Crabmeat on Melon Stick, elegantly topped with ikura. This dish offered a refreshing twist on the classic Italian Prosciutto e Melone, featuring sweet crabmeat paired with juicy melon for a delightful and visually appealing presentation.
Keyaki’s Wagyu Beef Sando 4/5
Our standout of the day was undoubtedly the Keyaki's Wagyu Beef Sando. This dish features a generous slab of exquisitely seasoned wagyu beef, nestled between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. The wagyu was tender and richly flavourful, complemented by the crispy, golden-brown toast that added a satisfying crunch.
Moving on to the sweets, we were presented with a selection of picture-perfect treats featuring local flair, including Mango Pomelo Sablé, Coconut Bandung with Chendol, and more. While there were a few hits and misses among the offerings, the overall experience was delightful and made for a charming afternoon tea.
Coconut Bandung with Chendol 3/5
Encased in a chocolate shell was the Coconut Bandung cream, topped with chendol and desiccated coconut. We had high hopes for this treat, but unfortunately, the flavours did not shine through as expected. The predominant taste was of the chocolate shell, overshadowing the subtle coconut and bandung elements.
Mango Pomelo Sablé 3.8/5
Hazelnut Crunchy Dark Choc 4/5
Our favourite of the sweets was the Hazelnut Crunchy Dark Chocolate. This treat struck a perfect balance, not overly sweet, and packed with robust hazelnut flavour in every bite. The dark chocolate provided a rich, slightly bitter contrast that complemented the crunchy texture and nutty essence.
Apple Yuzu Citrus 3.5/5
Raspberry Sakura Red Velvet 2.8/5, Pulut Hitam Brûlée Mousse 3/5
Two of the sweet items are available only from Monday to Friday. The Raspberry Sakura Red Velvet didn't quite suit our palate, but the Pulut Hitam Brûlée Mousse was a delightful twist on a familiar local dessert. The mousse combined the classic flavours of pulut hitam with a creamy brûlée texture, offering a refreshing and inventive take on a beloved favourite.
There are Local Experience Live Stations if you come on the weekends, where you get to try out five tantalising local delights of Prawn Noodle Soup with Fresh Tiger Prawn, Water Spinach, and Sliced Pork, Penang Tangy Assam Laksa, Wok Hei Char Kway Teow with Pacific Crab Meat, Local Fruit Rojak, and D24 Durian Crêpe.
For just an additional $20, you can elevate your afternoon tea experience with a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, enhancing your tea or coffee with a touch of luxury.
We've also heard that the menu will be updated around October, so be sure to check their website for the latest offerings and updates.
Mondays to Fridays $68 per person | Includes a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee $88 per person | Includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne in addition to a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee
Saturdays and Sundays (with Live Stations) $78 per person | Includes a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee $98 per person | Includes a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne in addition to a pot of TWG tea or a cup of Lavazza coffee
Two daily seatings from 1pm to 3pm (1st seating) and 4pm to 6pm (2nd seating).
Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)
Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]