SKAI is back with another themed afternoon tea experience and this time, it’s the Gathering of The Greats, A Wave from The East, inspired by Kaysushika Hokusai, the artist behind Japan’s most famous woodblock prints.
Out of the many high tea sessions I have attended, very few have impressed me as much as this one. The afternoon tea takes place from now until 1 July on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, where you’ll get to savour the brand-new menu with panoramic city views. The high tea costs $68++ per adult and comes with your choice of TWG tea or gourmet coffee.
At the entrance of SKAI, we were greeted by a small exhibition showcasing Hokusai’s life and artistic style, including replicas of his most celebrated works from the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series. The spacious interior also saw Hokusai-themed flags and drapery that recall the artist’s iconic depictions of nature.
This artistic theme is reflected further in the three-tiered high tea stand, which resembles a Japanese tree with cherry blossoms.
We got our appetite rolling with the menu’s five savoury creations: Cauliflower topped with caviar and wakame, Salmon with Granny Smith apple and wasabi, Duck rillette with raspberry and chrysanthemum petals sitting atop an oat cracker, Celeriac with beetroot and mustard on sourdough bread, and finally, Eel with hummus and olive oil pearls hidden under an edible print of The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.
I loved the desserts as they were sweet without being too cloying. The presentation was also gorgeous, particularly the Chocolate Fuji, a Mount Fuji-inspired item with mango passionfruit coulis. It specifically references Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series, which portrays the volcano in thirty-six distinct compositions.
There’s also the Sudachi Macaron, a tangy treat imprinted with an imagery of The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. It’s infused with cream cheese and Japanese citrus.
Other desserts include Vanilla Cloud Mousse with raspberry marmalade, Yuzu Cremeux with citrus confit, Rose Grapefruit mascarpone choux pastries, and Matcha Santo Sandwiches.
Madagascar Vanilla Scones and Cocoa Nib Danish Croissants are served separately in a gorgeous bamboo box, alongside Devonshire cream and strawberry marmalade to complement.
While we were there, we also tried a couple of a la carte beverages, including the Horizon Glaze Cocktail ($22++) with gin, blue pea flower, and passionfruit, and the Umi No Kisu ($10++). The latter is a non-caffeinated tea latte with butterfly pea flowers and sakura, topped with coconut shavings to resemble the snow on Mount Fuji.
Alternatively, champagne is available from $75++––free flow for 90 minutes.
If you’re looking for affordable high tea sessions, check out our affordable high tea in Singapore guide. For more food places to dine on a budget, read our list of cheap dim sum in Singapore, as well as halal buffets in Singapore starting from just $7.90.
Address: 2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore 178882
Afternoon tea hours: Daily 3pm to 5pm
Tel: 6837 3322
Website
SKAI is not a halal-certified eatery.
Photos taken by Aldrich Tan.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg