Indulgent Afternoon Tea with a View

It feels like it's been a while since I've enjoyed a tiered afternoon tea, so I took advantage of a day with no particular plans to pretend to be a person of leisure for a day with a friend. Salisterra on the 49th floor of The Upper House offers a very comfortable environment with a world-class view. I brought an Australian friend here for afternoon tea last time she was in town for a holiday. The restaurant's current afternoon tea is a collaboration with London's Cafe Hotel Royal, which I'm quite interested in trying. The afternoon tea starts with an Amuse Bouche, a single cheese puff topped with a generous amount of shaved truffle, exuding a fragrant aroma. Starting with the sandwiches at the bottom, there are four different colors and flavors: salmon cucumber, truffled egg, coronation chicken, and beef sandwich. To be honest, the bread was a bit dry, but my personal favorite was the coronation chicken, which had a pleasing hint of curry flavor. A small cup of elderflower sorbet to cleanse the palate, then on to the various cakes. The four cakes are a bit larger than those typically found in afternoon teas. The two cakes in the middle layer are strawberry vanilla cream and chocolate éclair, one firm and one soft, both of a good standard. My friend prefers the rich éclair, while I have a fondness for the refreshing cake, truly to each their own. The two items on the top layer are relatively light, which I think is quite suitable. After all, the cakes in this afternoon tea are relatively large, and if they were all rich, it might be too cloying. Don't forget, scones are a must with British afternoon tea, and of course, they're no exception here. The slightly crispy yet soft scones are delicious with clotted cream and jam. I particularly enjoyed their orange-flavored jam. Coffee or tea, hot or cold, is at your discretion. Also, the service here is commendable, attentive but not overbearing~ Restaurant Information: Salisterra 49/F, The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Pacific Place 39681106