The afternoon tea ceremony is an art form you will find in many cultures around the world, so it’s almost unfortunate that tea for most of us entails a simple cup of XYZ brand and some 2% milk.
Last week, we visited splendid, five-star Majeka House in Stellenbosch for more than just afternoon tea – it was a revelation about the ancient beverage. Tea expert Mingwei Tsai guided us through an age-old Taiwanese tea ceremony, which included the use of authentic tea ceremony pots. What I found fascinating was how tea can be unique in smell and taste to the individual – the art of drinking tea is a subjective (and very pleasant) experience.
Executive Chef Tanja Kruger from Makaron restaurant at the hotel, has created the perfect sweet and savoury delights to complement afternoon tea at Majeka House. Inspired by the colours and flavours of green tea, rooibos, black Ceylon and vanilla Ceylon teas, she’s put together a smorgasbord of treats such as macarons, fruit tartlets and savoury scones to name a few.
Afternoon tea will be served at Majeka House every day between 2:30 and 5 pm and R200 gets you a special tea experience including a selection of loose leaf teas, coffee or a glass of sparkling wine.
For those looking for something even more special, afternoon tea can be combined with a spa treatment at Majeka House. The price of R700 per person includes a 30-minute back, neck and shoulder massage, a 30-minute express facial, the use of the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room – not forgetting the afternoon tea experience. Booking is essential!
OF NOTE
Where Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch
When Between 2:30 and 5pm daily
Cost R200 per person (by booking only)
Contact +27 21 880 1549, [email protected], www.majekahouse.co.za
Photography Courtesy
Douglas John Spinas