Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is celebrating the Year of the Horse with a limited time Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea that brings festive flavours into the classic afternoon tea experience.
Guests are treated to tiers of Scones, Savouries and Sweets along with Loose Leaf Teas. Cocktails are available as add-ons.
I started with the warm Jasmine Earl Grey and Classic Buttermilk Scones served with tea cream and citrus preserve, which felt like a comforting way to ease into the experience while catching up at the table. I always look forward to the scone tier, and these were especially enjoyable with the fragrant tea notes.
On the savoury tier, the Prawn Toast with Szechuan glaze and kewpie was crisp and flavourful, and the Char Siu-inspired Salmon Mi-Cuit with yuzu aioli added a bright contrast. The Smoked Duck Ham in Steamed Bao was also a fun nod to Lunar New Year flavours, and I appreciated how the Soy Scallion Quiche and Shanghai Braised Pork Belly with turnip cake added variety across the selection.
For sweets, the Sesame Miso Biscuit and Mandarin Sago Pudding felt especially fitting for the season, while the Green Tea Brownie and Raspberry Macaron added familiar afternoon tea touches. The Red Velvet Cake finished things on a comforting note, and by this point we were happily full but still tempted to try one more bite.
This year’s experience also includes an exclusive tea blend created with the Chinatown Storytelling Centre and TEALEAVES, along with a Year of the Horse illustration by Vancouver artist Justine Crawford that adds a thoughtful local touch to the tea room. Some guests will also receive Lucky Gifts during the season, which makes the visit feel even more festive.
On Lunar New Year day, February 17, a Lion Dance performance will take place throughout the lobby and Notch8 Restaurant, adding to the celebration if you happen to visit that day.
Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea runs Thursday to Sunday until February 22, so reservations are a good idea if you are planning to go during the holiday period.
