In a magical realm of possibilities, where the air was iced with frosted snow, lay a secret cove. Intertwining labyrinths of hotels enshrouded in twinkling neon lights were juxtaposed with cherubic water fountains, that spoke of a time where liberalism ran rampant. Despite the festivities the courtyard at Taj London was almost pregnant in its silence and the gentle trickle of the nearby water fountain brought tranquility into the hearts of its visitors. The lights gleamed and flashed electric blue, while the Christmas Tree jangled under the weight of the bulbous but nevertheless striking baubles that adorned each individual prepuce. The children peered into the heart of Taj London and found a world where make believe still existed and the only sign of ‘adulting’ were the giggling adults who had regressed into childhood and become children once more.
The Night Was Filled With Magical Possibilities
Down the steps we went and into the chamber of secrets we escaped into, where the lights were dimmed and romantic. The croaking of imaginary toads splashing around in the fountains could be heard, while the dolls came to life in small houses that overlooked Taj London. For one night only the dolls had become mermaids and as they waved us goodbye, we entered Kona, where a sumptuous feast would await us and we would binge like ravenous crows. The hunger had hit us like a pack of tumbling bricks and we sank into our chairs, famished with our efforts. The teas came first: red liquid oozing out white china cups, slurped thirstily in a less than sophisticated fashion. The nectar laced our threats like honey and our smiles grew ever bigger. White mixed with red, the colours of Christmas cheer, one tea made from red berries, the other made with incandescent flowers. The music was lilting and sweet, a soft tinkle of the piano, accompanying our ever changing thoughts.
The Frost Was Vast But It Gave Us A Peek Into Taj London’s Fantasy World
Next came the shots, arriving with majestic aplomb, frosted printed glasses, filled to the brim. “What was this delicacy” we asked, the question perched on our lips like a bird in flight. Salty caramel lassi, so creamy and sweet, with chikki toffee crunch, it sent our mouths into spasms. Like liquid gold it inflamed us and engorged our senses, we came alive that frosted night, with warmth in our bones. With a flourish the pinwheel sandwiches danced on the tables, vegetarian, pescatarian and everything in between, the magic spell had began and we were oh so entranced. We chanted 1,2,3, as the Darbari sandwiches marched down the table; spiced creamed cheese lovingly spread in beetroot bread, kachumber cut into miniature slivers. But like emblazoned streams of light, pinwheels of curried egg mayo took centre stage, sun-dried tomato its weapon of fatal seduction. The sandwiches slid down the hatchet, with the ease of a well oiled engine, but the battle between meat and vegetarianism had began.
The Christmas Tree Jangled With Precious Instruments That Tinkled Like Musical Chimes
I was the herbivore and she was the hunter, I ate plants and she devoured meat. Like two peas in a pod we had come together to ready up our taste buds for a night of delicious fun.Spiced paneer bhurjee puffs lolled on my awaiting tongue, soft and crispy like mama had ordered, while Chicken tikka pantheras were engulfed by her hungry mouth, streaming nostrils from strong spice flavour. Two different palettes collided for one night only, sated by the promise of a delicious Indian Afternoon Tea. Riots of colour and texture teased us tantalizingly with their sensual ways, red and white, milky pink, freshly plucked strawberries atop a ‘special Victoria Sponge Cake’. One sensual flavour after the other erupted in our mouths and our smiles reached our eyes as we basked in Kona’s glory. The pharaohs had long gone and the gowns of yesteryear, nothing but a distant memory, and in its place lay an afternoon tea that held glamour and charm, where the pastries melted in our mouths like butter and our parched lips sated by honey nectar from the gods.
The Nutcracker & Santa Claus Watched Over Us With A Mischievous Glint In Their Eye
Tart mixed with sweet and sour, our senses came alive. A fig chutney encased in brioche buns, aloo bonda so spiced and pure, the sweetest of the sweet gold leaf gulab jamun & cheese cake, soaked in a saccharine sugar syrup. The sandwiches had long gone, swallowed whole by eager tummies, that were filled to the brim. But the show must go on and the curtain call was coming, the cakes hopped through the gate at Taj London and into our laps, Gajar halwa macaroons like butter in our mouths. A crunch, a bite, a lick, a sip, the mouth was on working duty and each action was a pleasure intensifier. Rice pudding from childhood memories coated in royal saffron and chandi foam,fruit tarts and rasmalai cups, rose cookies and clotted cream. Cream on the nose like baking with kids, licked with one languorous large tongue. Every surface licked, scones taken home, a magical night to remember…don’t forget the fizz. Tables set for dinner, merriment in the air, bottles of fizz popping open, ringing in the new year.
The Lassi’s Gushed Down Our Throats Like Silky Sweet Liquid
The sun had long gone down and the rain began drizzling but we did not care. Like kids we skated down to the station, long limbs limbering up for post-tea action. Slipping and sliding through the hazy frost, the air was cooled with a bite of snow. The tubes whizzed through wired tunnels and we plunged into normalcy once more. A reminder of our magical night at Kona lay in printed boxes, a single almond scone, still warm from the bakers oven. We came home and there were no Christmas lights to welcome us back, nor was the tree weighed down with ornaments from festivities near and dear. The lights were out and the silence echoed, no water for mermaids to be frolicking in, no dolls come to life. One by one, the snores were heard throughout the house, couples spooning, kisses in the night. But still I lay awake, remembering.
The Bokeh Lights Were Fading Fast And Once More We Plunged Into Normalcy, Leaving Behind A World Enshrouded In Fantastical Magic
Have You Ever Had An Indian Afternoon Tea Before? What Has Been The Best Afternoon Tea That You Have Ever Tasted?
*Disclaimer
Please note me and G were invited to Taj London, Kona for Indian Afternoon Tea but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by complimentary service. Thank you to the team who made us feel so welcome and even gave as a few special items that were not on the menu which made us extremely happy.
Oh wow this really does sound like an incredible experience. I’ve never had Indian afternoon tea but would definitely like to give it a try x
Oh, wow! What did I read? I thought I was reading poetry! You write so well that I want to experience that same activity at Taj London.
I was thinking the same! You write really well. 🙂
I never had Indian afternoon tea before but would love to try it someday. Also, I hope to get offered items that aren’t on the menu.
I love how descriptive you were about everything, and I am usually really hard to impress! I’m a picky eater, and picky in general, but you made me want everything you described.
Your photography is absolutely stunning! This looks like the perfect winter wonderland! I love afternoon tea but always picture them as more of a spring / summer time treat. I’ll definitely be adding a winter tea to my bucket list!
Wow, that looks amazing! The food and drink looks great for this time of year!
How very magical and incredible was this afternoon tea, I am a sucker for afternoon tea but never tried the Indian version which would be awesome to try out. My favourite so far has been Chi Kitchen London’s afternoon tea with Asian twist.
You are one great story teller lady! And as always, I am a fan of your beautiful, well thought photos that you always put for us. So delighting to look at! Happy New Year!
What a beautiful, vivid picture this presents. I have not had tea on such a sophisticated and pretty level. I would like to very much so and of course with great company.
Yum! You describe this so so well, your writing style is so lovely and I can just picture everything happening as you describe. I’ve never had Indian Afternoon Tea-this clearly needs to change!
It sounds like your time was absolutely magical. Your pictures are stunning, and who doesn’t love a great cup of tea to make the evening all that much better. Thank you for sharing your beautiful experince.
There is so much beauty in your words! I have always wanted to do a tea house experience and you have definitely made that more of a priority. So much amazing sounding food, salted caramel Lassi just the beginning. What a wonderful way to write about food
What a time you must have had! Everything looked so festive. I’d like to try some Indian tea.
I was recently looking at ideas for an afternoon tea blog post which I’ve not yet published and I came across this and definitely want to give it a try. It’s such a nice twist on the traditional afternoon tea and it looks incredible. I love your photography too – count me as a new follower 🙂
http://www.thoselittlemoments.net
your pictures are fantastic as always! and the afternoon tea sounds dreamy! i never had indian afternoon tea but i would love to try! taj london sounds like such an amazing place! you must have had an amazing experience!
I’ve never heard of this place but sounds delicious. I’ll have to check it out next time I have an evening off!
What a vividly descriptive post – I could almost taste each mouthful with you and I certainly want to try this experience for myself!
Beautiful writing. You really set a scene well and involve the reader with all senses so that are with you for this wonderful tea and feast. Sounds like an amazing experience.
Ana this sound amazing, I never tried indian afternoon tea before and now I really want to try it out. I will look into this. xx
The photography is a thousand miles way on top! Wooow! They’re too good to not admire; the night sounds so peaceful, the frost is a scenery of itself, the Christmas bells oh my…and the yummies!!! You surely had a magical moment! Wish I could also attend an Indian Afternoon Tea someday!
Ive never tried Indian afternoon tea but you make it sound so amazing, I would love to visit here next time I am in London. Your description is perfect and conjours up an unforgettable experience!
I’ve never had Indian afternoon tea. But from your description, it sounds lovely and yummy. Love the way you describe it. I don’t usually go out for tea. But yesterday, I actually went to a tea room and had peppermint milk tea which was so impressively good.
The lassis and treats look amazing! Your writing and pictures make me wish I could go there myself. I’ve never been for a proper formal afternoon tea but I’d really like to.
This is such a brilliant review! It’s amazing how descriptive it is and makes me want to visit, it sounds amazingly indulgent.
I always love how your posts are written, they make me want to go to wherever you have been. To be honest, I have never gone for any afternoon tea at all, so I guess there are some experiences I’m missing out on and need to try out.
Stunning writing , it’s not a blog post, it’s poetry and stunning pictures too. I never had an Indian afternoon tea but you make it so appealing, I might try!
This would be such a lovely thing to do. I’ve never had Indian tea before–I need to go to an afternoon tea one day. All these foods that come with it look tasty.
I’ve never heard of an Indian afternoon tea, let alone had one! I loved this, the way you describe it, I was almost there tasting everything and seeing it all! Such a lovely experience!
This sounds amazing. Those flavours sound just magical. I’ve never tried an indian afternoon tea but after reading this I really want to
No, I have not had an Indian tea before. But, after reading this article and the way you describe the atmosphere, smells, and food, this is definitely something I will do this year. I assume that Indian afternoon teas are year round? Happy new year :))
Your writing is-as special as your photos, I have never read a review for an afternoon tea that attracts and feels like a Harry Potter’s chapter, not to mention the unconventional beautiful photos that capture magnificent moments in time and space, great job
You have a unique and inspiring style of writing I was fascinated reading your content. I love tea but I never tried this one yet and it must taste good.
You’re a great writer! I’ve been to a Turkish tea party in a home before, and I’d love to give an Indian tea in a real restaurant a try!
I love the ambiance. Never had an Indian tea before. Just chai tea, if that counts, haha. Would love to try this someday.
Oh wow this is the most magical afternoon tea I’ve ever seen. I’m so happy that you enjoyed it and the service xxx
This looks and sounds so incredible! What a magical experience. I love the beautiful photos you we’re able to capture as well.
Ana, you have such a way with words and you take the reader on a beautiful journey with you. Thank you for making me feel I was there and it sounds like a wonderful festive experience with a difference. Plus those cakes look delicious xxx
Wow, that sounds amazing! I never knew Indian afternoon teas were even a thing! The shots sound out of this world and all those pretty little delicacies!
I’ve never had an indian afternoon tea, but I love to. I’m drinking mint tea right now. Never heard of Lassi. But, this sounds very charming.
That afternoon tea looks incredible and I love the way you described it all
This sounds like it was an amazing experience. I have never had nor heard of an Indian afternoon tea, but you make it seem like something I have to try out with a girlfriend soon.
It seems I’m not the only one that’s never had Indian tea haha. You’ve described your experience so beautifully that I will be expecting a magical epiphany when I do try it 😉
Wow that looks so magical. I’ve never had an Indian afternoon tea before but definitely after reading this want to.
Your style of writing is so beautiful you really bring us there in mind. I have never been for an Indian afternoon tea but it sounds amazing and the shots show how fabulous that it was
I love your photos! Very Christmasy! That Lassi looks very delicate and I love how they have put time to make the presentation really good. I bet it was also tasty!
Oh wow what a treat!! The salty caramel lassi and chikki toffee crunch sounds amazing!
What a unique afternoon tea! Sounds delicious & like you had a really lovely time.
I’ve never been to a fancy afternoon tea of any sort. It does sound simply magical though! Thanks for sharing this experience!
It sounds like a delightful day. The rain wouldn’t have bothered me one bit either.
I’ve been to one English tea in a Philadelphia hotel but the food you describe is making my mouth water. The whole experience sounds like an incredible afternoon!
This sounds amazing and your photos are lovely too!
Wow! This sounds incredible, due in no small part to how amazing you are at storytelling. Such vivid description, I really felt like I was there!
Oh my this looks and sounds delicious. the photos are beautiful (and I love the frost one!)
Afternoon tea is one of my favourite things to do. I’ve never had one so beautifully described before though! This seems magical. There’s a small tea shop (4 tables!) in our neighbourhood that does afternoon tea and we love it.
WOW this sounds like a magical experience! Your writing is amazing it made me feel like I was right there experiencing it for myself!
I have never had the pleasure of partaking in Indian Tea. Your descriptions of the food and beverage made me feel as though I was right there with you! The Lassi sounds amazing, and the presentation of the tea and treats is so beautiful!
Sounds amazing! I just love a nice tea….and the décor is beautiful. You are a great storyteller….good job!
Going for afternoon tea is, without a doubt, my favourite thing to do. And this one sounds superb. I’ll definitely try it out if I’m ever in London 🙂
Louise x
Wow I love how you have described this experience … I am so jealous now and gutted that I live too far away to experience it for myself!
I love tea times – of course especially in London, so I know that it can put you in a mood of noblesse. But the way you describe it – almost like an Alice in Wonderland 2.0 – tops the charm and the elegance. Just mesmerizing!
What I never had, though, is Salty caramel lassi – that sounds incredibly good. Are those the lassis on the picture? I love the crown decoration on those – is is cake, something like macaron? Anyway, from your writing I get that it obviously was an inspiring afternoon – to all your senses.
Love the presentation, such a visually exciting afternoon tea. Makes a nice change from the typical scones and victoria sponge.
These photos came out so nicely! Getting afternoon tea is always a favorite of mine.
Omg this sounds like an experience in a million, I have been to many afternoon teas but never an Indian inspired afternoon tea. I would love to be able to visit The Taj for this one it sounds magical.
“pregnant silence” and “parched lips sated” you are a phenomenal writer. I enjoyed reading this.
I love a good afternoon tea. This one looks great, will have to try it out as I love going for tea
I showed this article to my girlfriend and guess what? She is amused by the writings and how you tell the story. Definitely one of our list to celebrate Christmas. The food, how you described it makes both of us craving. Great article! You just got 2 new followings, cheers!
Wow this post is amazing. It sound and smells delicious, yummy and tasty and the photographs are incredible.
I’ve never had Indian afternoon tea ever. I’d love to try it. You have nice pictures, make me wanna get that afternoon tea right now!
These photos are amazing! I absolutely love tea and this indian afternoon tea sounds amazing! I love London too <3
Awesome way to express this amazing drink lassi at Taj, London. We too have been to Taj in India and I must say their Indian beverages are just awesome. personally I love Lassi so much, we have it regularly during summers.
Afternoon tea in Taj Mahal London looks magical I’d love to experience Indian afternoon tea. The sweet assortment looks so inviting and delicious. Your photos are stunning they capture the magical experience you’ve shared here.
that looks so special! I have heard about this afternoon tea but I did not realise how unique it could be! Plus what a lovely day in London!
I’ve never tried and Indian afternoon tea but now I want to – this sounds like a fab experience
This looks like a once in a lifetime experience. Your descriptive wording made it come alive for me! Adding this to my bucket list.
I have never tried an Indian afternoon tea before but after reading this I want to now. Your photography and descriptive post was a lovely to read.
The afternoon tea sounds very posh! We love to visit Taj London but not so sure they’ll let the rabble in like me 😉
Taj London looks like a great experience! Love the christmas tree decorations. I’m going to add it to my to do list!
I hope you’re writing a novel because girl I want to read your words everyday! I’ve never been to afternoon tea, absolute madness when I think about it, not very British of me at all. The Taj London sounds idyllic for such a jaunt.
Never knew there is some place called Taj London, but seems like you had an incredibly awesome experience, and the pics you posted are gorgeous 💕
Oh this looks so lovely, afternoon teas are one of my favourite things to do and this sounds do nice
Gorgeous pictures as always. I’d love to go to afternoon tea somewhere like this. Seems so exotic almost.
Ooh I’ve never had an Indian afternoon tea although I did have a lovely Afternoon tea at Park Place in Cardiff. This one looks so gorgeous and festive, a real treat
Laura x
Taj London looks like such a great experience! Love the holiday decorations so much
Oh wow! This is a mesmerizing and lovely tea afternoon, I had never tried this one but I would really love to. How the Lassi was set up is truly amazing and mouth watery – I can’t wait to try.
This made me so hungry! I love a good tea, but haven’t had one in a while: I think after reading this I will have to at the very least make some, if not head to afternoon tea myself!
Wow you are such a beautiful writer I feel as if I was there experiencing the afternoon tea with you! Your photographs are equally as beautiful as your writing!
you have a way with words that is playful and elegant when writing your posts, it’s nice to read! I love the photos along with the story and find myself wishing I were there as well. (especially eating that incredible food!)
take care!
Holy molly, you write so well. Aside from that the pictures are great and pictured myself at that location. No, I have never experienced an Indian Afternoon Tea and I absolutely cannot wait to try. Look forward to reading more from you!
This looks like something great to do when I am in London in April. I love tea, much more so than coffee. When we were in Morocco, we watched the actual tea ceremony as tea is so big in their culture.
Taj is an indian brand from TATA group and this group is know for its quality and values .. your pictures show they are preserving culture in London too .. Chai and Lassie ..Traditional indian drinks .
I have never heard of an Indian afternoon tea, but it looks and sounds just delicious! Kaz
I live in London but have never heard of this place. It looks absolutely amazing!!! An Indian afternoon tea would appeal to me
I can’t find the right words to explain how amazed I am. I’m so excited to have an experience like this too.
When I was growing up, every afternoon without fail, my grandmother sat down for a cup of tea and a slice of whatever kind of snack cake she had on the kitchen counter. If she was by herself, she worked on the New York Times daily crossword puzzle. If I was with her, we talked about friendship, cooking, or catching frogs in the backyard. To this day, any kind of tea always reminds me of her and makes me smile. x
I’m so glad you got to enjoy Indian food that too at the Taj Hotel. It is kind of like royalty in India. I love their teas!!! Lassi is literally my favorite thing in the world.
Your description of the hotel and its ambiance transported me to a fairytale wonderland. I would love to try an Indian afternoon tea because the flavor profiles are very appealing to me. The mango lassi and macaroons sound absolutely scrumptious 🙂
I’ve never had an Indian afternoon tea but it sounds like such an incredible experience and everything looks delicious. Your pictures are so beautiful and I love the way you write.
I shouldn’t be reading this when I’m hungry! Haha. Your description of gulab jamun made my mouth water. I remember fondly my first gulab jamun in Manila. I loved the rosewater they added to the syrup and the vanilla ice cream on the side. I haven’t tried fruit-based lassis like you did, but I enjoyed this cumin-laced salty lassi I tried in an Indian restaurant back home. 🙂
No I haven’t but I defiantly need to go to one! It just looks delicious
I love these photos so much! Thank you for sharing them from your afternoon tea. I was having a stressful evening and they oddly calmed me.
I am a true tea lover but I have yet to have such a delightful afternoon tea experience like yours. Oh how I long to enter such a fairytale myself!
I am a fan of your posts and I love how descriptive they are. Loved the photographs and the description of the items you tasted. I am from India so I could relate to most of the names too 🙂 You indeed had a great time! 🙂
I adore the way you write and make it all sound so magical. Your photos compliment that perfectly.
V ❤️
I always enjoy your writing – it’s so vivid, and in this case, I could easily picture the scene and just about taste the food and drinks you described! As a long-time tea drinker, I think my favorite would be the salty caramel one you mentioned, with a toffee crunch. I’m just about salivating, thinking about it! 🙂
That afternoon tea looks stunning and unique. The Taj isn’t far from where I work so I think I’m going to have to take a look at their menu.
This sounds amazing!