Usher in spring with the long-awaited Sakura afternoon tea experience at the Grand Lobby

The much-anticipated annual Sakura Afternoon Tea experience returns to the elegant, timeless Grand Lobby at Raffles Hotel Singapore. Revel in the radiant beauty of Japan’s beloved cherry blossom season through the heavenly Sakura Afternoon Tea with Japanese-inspired sweets and savoury delights, exclusively available from 27 March to 4 June 2023.

Bask in the radiant beauty of Japan’s beloved cherry blossom season with exquisite Japanese savouries and sweet treats.
Bask in the radiant beauty of Japan’s beloved cherry blossom season with exquisite Japanese savouries and sweet treats. Photo courtesy: Raffles Hotel Singapore

Bask in the grandeur of The Grand Lobby and indulge in a delectable selection of curated delicacies presented on a three-tier silver stand. The Sakura Afternoon Tea comprises of a scrumptious spread of classic Japanese sweets by Executive Pastry Chef Tai Chien Lin, perfectly encapsulating the wondrous beauty of the cherry blossoms in Japan.

The specially curated sweet creations include the exquisite Sakura Strawberry Mont Blanc; typically made with chestnuts, chef’s iteration takes on a pretty pink exterior and uses strawberry reminiscent of the cherry blossom theme. Guests can also enjoy Kinako Mochi Almond Profiterole, an airy choux pastry filled with a nutty filling; and Genmaicha Rollcake, a pillowy sponge cake decadently layered with bittersweet green tea and roasted rice cream. To cap off the sweet extravagance and commemorate the beginning of spring, guests may enjoy the traditional Japanese sweet, Sakura Nerikiri Wagashi. Presented beautifully in the shape of a cherry blossom, it is revered for its dainty and refined design that often features motifs inspired by nature in Japan.

Continue the indulgence with an assortment of delectable savouries and finger sandwiches, including Salmon Sushi Roll with Avocado, a well-loved classic sushi pairing, Beef Sando with Katsu Bechamel, a beautiful, panko-crumbed steak sandwich made with premium beef tenderloin, glazed with house made Katsu Bechamel sauce for the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet. Also available in the section of savouries is Tamagoyaki with Ikura and Japanese Pickles, a lightly sweetened Japanese folded omelette topped with plump salmon roe and preserved cucumber. To complement the savouries, guests may relish in the Japanese Fruit Sandwich, a Japanese specialty of fluffy white bread interlaced with layers of fresh fruits and luscious whipped cream.

The Sakura Afternoon Tea is served alongside The Grand Lobby’s signature home-made original and raisin scones, complemented perfectly with clotted cream and exquisite strawberry rose jam. Guests may choose to elevate the experience with a choice of “Mariage Frères” loose tea leaves or Raffles custom blended coffee beans. 

The Sakura Afternoon Tea experience is priced at S$108++ per guest and is offered alongside the signature Classic Afternoon Tea.