If you're in Bangkok and have a couple of hours to spare, don't cheat yourself out of a delicious high tea buffet at Shangri-La – it's definitely worth the adventure.

Are you in Bangkok with a couple of hours to spare? Feeling peckish? In need of some luxury? And perhaps craving an extra treat at the end of your (possibly) long journey? May we invite you to a high tea buffet at Shangri-La?

We had talked about it even before we arrived in Bangkok. We wanted to treat ourselves to a high tea – and preferably one of the grandest kinds. We dreamed – or to be completely honest, I dreamed of trying a high tea buffet at Shangri-La.

Not because there aren’t plenty of exciting alternatives, because there are, but I have tried it before. Many years ago, at Shangri-La in Singapore. And as I remembered it, there was something about grand piano music, ice swans dripping and chocolate cakes that ‘cracked’ when I cut a piece. I might be exaggerating, I am quite the foodie.

Back in Bangkok, I managed to persuade Peter (Sebastian agreed smoothly) to spend the (nearly) last 400 DKK on a high tea buffet. It took a bit of time, because who says that just because the place is called Shangri-La you will get something extra delicious? – and most importantly, would we get an adventure out of it?

No one could guarantee us that, and I had to take responsibility for splurging the 400 DKK on – maybe nothing. The argument became: ‘It’s Sunday – today is the day they have the high tea buffet, and when will we be back in Bangkok?’

The most exquisite high tea in Shangri-la, Bangkok

The decision was made, I booked a table, and we showed up at the elegant hotel, nicely dressed – and in Teva sandals. We certainly had style. We went in and were received like kings and queens.

Shangri La, Bangkok
Shangri La, Bangkok

Everything was lined up with silver platters and fragrant dishes. Well-dressed guests began to appear, beautifully adorned with lipstick, flawless nail polish, and high heels.

A small orchestra started playing, and the service began. We were excited and very, very hungry. Now Sebastian would eat as he had never eaten elegantly before. We explored the many dishes.

Sebastian Chooses Delicious Cakes at Shangri-La, Bangkok
Sebastian Chooses Delicious Cakes at Shangri-La, Bangkok

What is a high tea buffet actually?

High tea is served in the afternoon, usually between 2-4 p.m. High tea originated in England where, for the wealthy, it was a social event with tea and cake, but for the working class, it was more like a late tea with food.

High tea typically consists of tea, small sandwiches, scones, cakes, and other delicacies. Many times, the selection is also expanded to include vegetables, fish, and meat dishes. Similar to brunch, which is a mix between breakfast and lunch, high tea is a blend between lunch and dinner.

Kager Var Der Nok Af   Og De Var Lige Så Lækre Som De Ser Ud. High Tea, Shangri La, Bangkok
Der Nydes Og Smages Igennem.

Shangri-La’s high tea buffet is a blend of Western cuisine and Asian delicacies. Everything was meticulously and beautifully arranged. We were introduced to the various dishes and given options on how we could combine and compose them.

Hot dishes are also served at the High Tea Buffet.
Hot dishes are also served at the High Tea Buffet.

At the Shangri-La high tea buffet, you get the most delicious cakes, petite desserts, chocolates, warm coconut sauce with grilled bananas, fruit, Chinese cakes and desserts, fresh sushi, seafood, spring rolls, Peking duck, tom yum goong soup, Chinese and Japanese dishes that I can’t even name but got to taste.

To accompany all these delights, you get tea, coffee, or iced tea ad libitum.

Alle Mulige Retter Fra Asien Og Europa Serveres
Lækre Friskfangede Fisk Og Sushi

What surprised us the most?

There’s no doubt that the food was fantastic. It was as expected and then some. But that was just what we hoped and wished for.

What surprised us, on the other hand, was something entirely different.

Just as we were enjoying our delicious high tea, some of the Chinese ladies stood up and took to the floor, starting to dance. And then it dawned on us that we were spectators to a group of wealthy Chinese women who were on a ‘dance adventure’ with young stylish Chinese men.

And they danced until the chandeliers trembled. And they were good. And they went all out.

Some of the women might have been 70-80 years old, but they were clearly made younger with plastic surgery. Yet they were dressed as if they were on their hottest travels. They wore short skirts, high boots, and provocative, sheer fabrics.

It was amazing to see them twirl to the music of the orchestra, enjoying life while we enjoyed ours in our own way.

Chinese women dancing tango with young men.
Chinese women dancing tango with young men.

Why did we find it so fantastic?

We love street food. We love small treats. We love small restaurants and food stalls. We love the diversity of tasting food in all its variations under different circumstances. One day we’re into Thai food, the next it’s Vietnamese, the next it’s Chinese, Mexican. Yes, food is beautiful, life-affirming, and one of the great experiences for all three of us when we travel.

We loved it so much, here at Shangri-La, because the food was sublime, beautiful, and extremely well-balanced. We sat by the large windows facing the Chao Phraya River, watching the bustling life out there with long-tail boats, cargo boats, and taxi boats.

And it was the culmination of our journey. We had reached the end of our nearly 4-week-long trip. Here we were, in the heart of the East, in air conditioning while the tropics almost crawled in through the windows.

It was our luxury treat. It was for us. That’s why.

Cargo boats, just outside, there's hustle and bustle on the Chao Phraya River.
Cargo boats, just outside, there’s hustle and bustle on the Chao Phraya River.

  Links

Book a table for your high tea (Shangri-La) and dress code.

  Find Shangri-La, Bangkok. Thailand