Latest news with #LapsangSouchong
The Star
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Aromatic afternoon tea for 40th anniversary
TEAS from London Tea Exchange go beyond the usual blends. Instead, these offer something new to the palate. Tracing its origins back to 1679 during the reign of King Charles II, the London tea emporium now carries more than 2,500 rare and premium varieties. Sourced from 43 countries, its impressive collection has found its way into royal pantries and luxury hotel menus. The brand's excellence mirrors the essence of the legacy of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. The Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur afternoon tea paired with London Tea Exchange varieties. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star As the hotel celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it has partnered with London Tea Exchange to select 40 teas that represent each year of the hotel's heritage. Executive chef Scott Brands has also curated an Afternoon Tea set paired with eight London Tea Exchange offerings. Drawing inspiration from Shangri-La's culinary roots and Malaysia's rich tea culture, Brands' menu weaves together delicate flavours and aromatic infusions. 'Infusing handpicked teas into the menu allowed us to add depth and subtle flavour. 'It's a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition and creativity, all in honour of the hotel's 40th anniversary,' he said. The three-tier afternoon tea set showcases savoury and sweet treats, some of which incorporate tea flavours. Brands with the tiered set serving sweet and savoury delights that honour the hotel's culinary roots and Malaysia's rich tea culture. On the savoury side, rectangular rillettes of fresh and smoked salmon were subtly lifted with the use of gently-roasted Lapsang Souchong tea offering a tinge of earthiness. A winning combination is the Eclair of Truffle Egg Salad topped with Trout Caviar and infused with Pistachio and Truffle Tea. The flavourful caviar and creamy egg salad are appetising. As for the Caramelised Onion Mini Quiche with Charcoal Goat's Cheese, the slightly tart, earthy flavours might be an acquired taste for some but I loved it. Other savoury delights included the Lobster Chive with Avocado and Cauliflower Cream, and Porcini and Oyster Mushroom in Baked Vol-Au-Vent. For a sweet indulgence, the Lavender Pear with Spiced Honeycomb is infused with fresh hints of lavender tea. The pear-shaped dessert with a floral aroma and soothing sweetness pairs well with the selection of teas. Meanwhile, the bittersweet chocolate slice is rich in flavour. Made using peach and apricot teas, the chocolate treat offered lovely citrusy notes contrasting beautifully with the deep cocoa finish. The duet of Salted Caramel Cheesecake Macaron plus Lemon Verbena and Chia Panna Cotta is a sweet-and-sour finale. As afternoon tea is not complete without scones, the classic Sultana and Vanilla Scones are served warm with clotted cream, raspberry jam and whipped butter in a nod to a timeless tradition. Tea selections on the afternoon tea set are Premium Rose Buds, Premium Bora Bora, Peach and Apricot, Premium Emperor's Palace Tea, Premium Sencha Sakura, Premium Milk Oolong, Pistachio and Truffle, and Premium Sea of Blossoms. Besides this, guests can delight in 40 types of exceptional teas. Among the highlights was the Premium Milk Oolong which I found quite memorable. The tea leaves are steamed with milk water to release a signature creamy and fruity complexity. Simply speaking, it tasted like milk tea without the milk or calories. Another unforgettable herbal tea is the Premium Cool Mint. The infusion of peppermint, lemongrass and sweet apples gave the drink a layered complexity that I found rather interesting. Fragrant peppermint and refreshing lemongrass dance on the taste buds at first sip before lingering sweetness of apple and liquorice root step in. The Afternoon Tea set is priced at RM220 nett for two persons with free flow of coffee and tea. It is available, at the Lobby Lounge, from 3pm to 6pm daily until June 30. Guests can also take away the Premium 40th Anniversary Afternoon Tea Takeaway Set at RM188 per set. In conjunction with the 40th anniversary celebration, guests can enjoy RM40 off for every RM200 cash voucher purchased at Shangri-La Boutique until June 30. LOBBY LOUNGE, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2786 2378) Business hours: 7am to midnight. This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
BusinessToday
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
Experience An Afternoon of Taste and Tranquillity with 40 Global Teas
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is redefining the afternoon tea ritual this season with a curated experience that blends tradition, innovation, and global flair. From May 6 to June 30, 2025, guests can indulge in an exclusive Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge, created in partnership with the renowned London Tea Exchange. This collaboration marks the Exchange's debut in Southeast Asia, offering a rare opportunity to explore 40 of the world's finest teas in one sitting journey that celebrates both heritage and contemporary taste. Executive Chef Scott Brands leads the vision behind this unique offering, blending culinary precision with the depth of tea infusions. 'Each bite is designed to tell a story,' he explains. 'By weaving handpicked teas into the menu, we've added subtle layers of flavour that celebrate tradition, creativity, and craftsmanship.' The savoury selection opens with a rich Rillettes of Fresh and Smoked Salmon Sandwich, gently lifted by the smoky aroma of Lapsang Souchong. A Truffle Egg Salad and Trout Caviar éclair is enhanced by Pistachio and Truffle Tea, bringing nutty richness, while a Caramelised Onion Mini Quiche with Charcoal Goat's Cheese balances tang and warmth. Sweet offerings are equally refined, with treats such as Lavender Pear with Spiced Honeycomb, infused with Lavender Tea, and a Bittersweet Chocolate Slice paired with Peach and Apricot Tea for a harmonious blend of cocoa and fruit. No afternoon tea would be complete without scones, and here, classic sultana and vanilla scones-infused with Vanilla Supremo Tea-are served warm with clotted cream, raspberry jam, and whipped butter. For those who prefer to enjoy this experience at home, a takeaway set is also available. At the heart of this experience is a carefully curated tea library crafted in collaboration with London Tea Exchange. Each of the 40 teas represents a cultural narrative, from ancient rituals to contemporary blends. Standouts include the delicate Premium Rosebuds from Iran, the vibrant tropical blend of Premium Bora Bora, and the rare Emperor's Palace Tea from China's Fujian highlands. The Afternoon Tea is priced at RM220 nett for two persons and is available daily at the Lobby Lounge. For those wishing to enjoy the experience at home, the Premium Takeaway Set is offered at RM188 per set. Related
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best black tea to brew in 2025, according to testers and experts
Especially in the U.S., black tea is one of the most underrated beverages. While coffee often steals the spotlight for its bold flavor and caffeine kick, the best black tea quietly offers a complex range of tastes, health benefits and rich traditions that earn it a permanent spot in your pantry. Besides its caffeine content, black tea is known for being rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. "Black tea leaves are an excellent source of polyphenols, a family of compounds that have been linked to a variety of health benefits," says Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD. For instance, they've been shown to help lower insulin resistance, support brain health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Sauceda adds that polyphenols may also support gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Brewing a cup may even be beneficial for your bones, too. Whether you're a tea novice or a seasoned enthusiast, part of the beauty of black tea is that it comes in many forms, so there really is an option for everyone. From the brisk and malty Assam to the fragrant and smooth Darjeeling, there's no shortage of black teas to suit your taste. We spoke with two dietitians and two tea experts to better understand the benefits and different types of black tea. From there, I put 16 teas to the test to find the best options for your morning brew. If you're feeling thirsty and ready for a cuppa, continue reading for our picks of the best black teas in 2025. Whether you're a fan of classic blends like English Breakfast, or prefer the smoky intensity of Lapsang Souchong, there's a black tea for every palate. Here's a quick look at some of the most popular types of black teas. Assam: Native to the Assam region of India, this tea is known for its larger leaves. Susan Kelly, owner of Temecula Spice & Tea Merchants, based in Temecula, California explains that Assam is often used to make CTC (crush, tear, curl) tea for bags. In this process, the leaves are crushed, torn and curled into small, uniform pieces, ideal for quick steeping and strong, brisk brews. Assam's bold flavor makes it a key ingredient in spiced tea blends like chai. It's also the main tea found in Irish Breakfast blends. Darjeeling: Darjeeling, often called the "champagne of tea," is grown at high elevations in Darjeeling, India. "This area produces a flavor profile unlike any other tea-growing region in the world," says Kelly. Prized for its distinctive muscatel flavor, Darjeeling is a favorite among tea enthusiasts who appreciate its delicate yet complex taste. English Breakfast: This very popular black tea blend can vary in its exact makeup but generally is a full-bodied blend with origins in East Africa, Ceylon and Assam. Earl Grey: This classic breakfast tea is known for its notes of bergamot oil, which is found in the rind of the bergamot orange — a zesty complement to black tea's bold flavor. Ceylon: Originating in the highlands of Sri Lanka, this black tea is known for being especially rich in antioxidants. It has a bold, full-body flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth finish. Yunnan: "The tea from this region, also known as Dian Hong, comes from older tea bushes," says Kelly. This tea offers a delicious depth of flavor that's often described as caramel- or honey-like. Keemun: In the West, this tea is known as Keemun, but in China, it's called Qi Men Hong Cha, meaning "red tea from Qi Men. "Qi Men is a township in An Hui Province, part of the greater Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain) region, renowned for producing teas with a savory, elegant flavor profile, reflecting the unique characteristics of its terroir. Keemun is very aromatic with notes of rose and honey," explains Richard Kligler, founder of All the Tea in Charleston, South Carolina. Lapsang Souchong: This tea comes from Fujian Province, China or Taiwan. "It is a fully oxidized black tea that's been smoked over pine or fir wood. Depending on the length of time in a smoking shed and the initial flavor of the tea itself, the smoky intensity will vary," says Kelly. Nilgiri: "From an elevation of 8,202 feet, these tea bushes thrive because of the perfect growing conditions. This allows the tea to be grown virtually all year round," says Kelly. She also explains that the best harvest comes from leaves plucked from December to March, as the cold air allows the flavor to fully develop. "Like the Assam leaves and all-year growing season, this tea is commonly used for the CTC method," adds Kelly. Dian Hong: Dian Hong is known for its notes of rose, cocoa and dark honey. "Dian Hong is a relative newcomer to the red tea scene and was created in 1939. It is currently the most popular black tea in China. It was initially developed in Feng Qing in Yunnan Province and is now produced throughout the province. Dian Hong is a big leaf varietal with a string shape," explains Kligler. There are numerous factors to consider to ensure your brew offers the quality and flavor profile that you're looking for. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when shopping for black tea. Leaf grade: Leaf grade is determined based on the size, shape and final crafting of the processed and dried tea leaves, though exact rubrics vary by region. According to Kligler, the Chinese system is a reliable standard. "The Chinese tea grading system is usually numbered, and the lower the number, the higher the grade, with '1' being the highest. The grade does not have an upper number, though it is usually not higher than 7 or 9. The grading does not include the quality of the taste of the tea," he explains. Growing region/origin: Just like wine or coffee, the growing region greatly affects the flavor and nutritional profile of black tea. Blends vs. single origin: Many products feature a blend of teas, rather than just a single type. Compared to single-origins, these teas tend to be more complex in flavor and offer a consistent taste across harvests. English Breakfast is a good example of a blend. However, some people prefer the distinct characteristics of a specific tea type, making single-origin teas a better fit. Additionally, single-origin teas may offer a greater level of transparency, allowing you to know exactly where your tea came from and how it was processed. Packaging options: "If purchasing loose-leaf black tea, I prefer it packaged in tins. For individual black teabags, I recommend looking for those made from compostable materials or unbleached paper to avoid plastics and other chemicals leaching into your tea," says Megan Huff, RD, LD of Nutrition by Megan. Teabags vs. loose leaf: Tea in a box with paper teabags is often CTC (cut-tear-curl) or broken tea leaves. "The best flavor comes from whole tea leaves. Flavor and quality degrade as the leaves get broken, torn and cut into smaller pieces. 'Dust in a bag' does not equal premium Orthodox tea," says Kelly. That isn't to say you can't find high-quality black tea teabags — it might just be more challenging than shopping for loose leaf. Another consideration is ease of brewing. Loose-leaf tea requires a tea infuser or reusable teabags, which isn't as convenient as simply plopping a pre-filled teabag into a mug. Certifications: If sustainability or organic initiatives are important to you, look for teas with certifications like USDA Organic, Fair Trade Certified or Rainforest Alliance Certified. Price: Prices vary depending on the quality of the tea leaf, when it was harvested and the skill level of the master blender. "Premium tea may be sourced from a single estate, picked during the 'first flush,' dried whole. [It's often] unblended and sold pure. Lesser quality tea may be picked during the 'last flush' (late season), cut into smaller pieces and blended with lesser quality leaves," explains Kelly. Brands: While you can certainly find a good-quality brand at the grocery store or big-box stores like Target, visiting a specialty tea store or tea house is a great way to learn about new brands and maybe get to sample a cup or two."[By shopping at a specialty store,] you should find staff who are enthusiastic about their product, knowledgeable and willing to educate you about your purchase," says Kelly. Many stores will have a private label. "This is a good practice because it usually means the merchant has hand-selected each tea and stands behind their product," she adds. For this review, we consulted two tea experts and two registered dietitians to discuss the health benefits of black tea and key factors to consider when buying it. As someone who has been drinking tea regularly for years, I know what I like and have tried countless brands and products. By combining my experience with our experts' insights, I narrowed the testing pool down to 16 black teas. Over the course of several weeks, each tea was prepared according to the instructions on its packaging and evaluated based on its ease of brewing, aroma and flavor profile. When determining the "winner" for each category, I also considered the origin and quality of the tea leaves, the packaging and the cost to determine each tea's overall value. The amount of caffeine in black tea varies depending on the type of tea and how long it's brewed for. On average, one 8-ounce cup of black tea has 47 mg of caffeine — about half the amount of coffee. "This makes black tea a nice option for those who want to decrease their caffeine intake but still want a little boost," says Sauceda. Water temperature and steep time are the most important factors to brew black tea properly. Unless recommended otherwise by the brand, Kelly recommends heating your water to 190–200°F (just below boiling). Next, add you teabag or infuser into your mug and pour the hot water over the tea. Let it steep for 3–5 minutes, remove the teabag or infuser and add milk, sugar or lemon juice to taste. Another tip for a perfect brew? "Begin with the best quality water available," advises Kelly. Tap water contains minerals and chlorine, which can give tea an unnatural flavor. Instead, use filtered water (when possible) to fill your kettle. A good rule of thumb is 1 tsp of loose-leaf tea per 8 oz. of water. "Be mindful of the size of your cup because if you feel like your tea is weak your cup might be holding more water than you think," says Sauceda, who loves making lattes with black tea. "The trick to making your latte taste like you bought it is to ensure your tea is good quality and brewed strong. I will sometimes use a little more loose-leaf tea or do a longer brew time to get a stronger flavor. This way, when I add my milk, it doesn't dilute the taste," she adds. Tea should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry area. "Tin, ceramic or stainless steel is optimal. Black tea will last 1 to 2 years when stored properly. If it contains any spices or fruits, it will degrade sooner," says Kelly. Huff explains that the biggest difference between black tea and other types of tea, like green or white, is that the leaves are fully oxidized during processing, resulting in darker-colored leaves with a higher caffeine content. Besides color and caffeine, black tea's flavor also sets it apart, typically having a stronger, more malty flavor than other varieties. "Both black and green tea contain antioxidants; however, black tea is richer in theaflavins, while green tea is high in catechins," Huff says. While the exact concentration and types of antioxidant differ, most tea is a good source of these mighty plant-based compounds. Absolutely. Many people add milk or sugar to make black tea less bitter. "Some tea, like English Breakfast, especially lends itself to using milk because it helps to cut the tannins that naturally occur in black tea," says Kelly. Four Sigmatic Focus Organic Black Tea: This scoop-based instant black tea is calming and full of potential health benefits, thanks to lion's mane mushroom extract and L-theanine. Organic monk fruit extract and lemon juice round out the ingredient list, providing a boost of flavor with zero added sugar. That said, reviews on the taste are mixed, and it isn't cheap. It's also important to note that lion's mane may cause mild GI side effects in some people and isn't recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have auto-immune diseases or are taking certain prescription medications. Clipper Tea Decaf Black Tea: Featuring Fair Trade, naturally decaffeinated, organic Assam, this British-based tea is a great choice. The only potential downside is the flavor, which is a bit milder than what you'd expect from Assam tea. Harney & Sons Classic Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea: If we could give an award for best tin, this one would be it. Packaged in a beautiful white and orange tins, this tea is the perfect gift, especially during the cooler months. Thanks to a blend of black tea, cinnamon orange peel and sweet cloves, the tea is bursting with flavor. While it wouldn't be our go-to year-round, it's perfect for sipping on a crisp fall day. Twinings Lady Grey Black Tea: This reliable black tea is perfect for an afternoon cup during a break at the office. Its lovely citrus and herbal notes make it a pleasant choice. Stash Uplifting Double Bergamot Earl Grey: Another great Earl Grey option, this tea from Stash is widely available and has a lovely bergamot flavor with a bold finish. One of our testers reports, "It's a good, mild flavor, not too strong and an enjoyable cup of tea." E&E Tea Company Loose Leaf Black Tea: For fans of loose-leaf tea, this brand is worth considering. I impressed with the quality, freshness and taste of the tea. Plus, I appreciated that it's available in three sizes, making it easy to try a smaller amount before investing in a large bag. Megan Huff, RD, LD, founder of Nutrition by Megan Susan Kelly, owner of Temecula Spice & Tea Merchants, based in Temecula, Calif. Richard Kligler, founder of All the Tea in Charleston, S.C. Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
