Walk with me through the Museum of Floral Culture and let’s stop at Cafe Botanica for a floral high tea treat. Both parts have long roots in modern civilization and tea is an excellent fit for flowers. After the quick Cafe Botanica afternoon tea review, I would like to share some written blossoms with you.
The Most Floral High Tea in Bangkok?
First thing first, let’s get clear what is this floral high tea about. In Bangkok, you will find many afternoon teas, no matter the taste. If you are looking for the most floral high tea in this metropolitan city, you must visit the Museum of Floral Culture, where you can enjoy one of the most pleasant high teas in Bangkok. Hey, what about Author’s Lounge High Tea at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok? Yes, that one is even more floral, but here my friends you are sitting in the lavish garden with singing birds around you. No joke!
Grandma’s cooking is the best, and there must be a grandma in Cafe Botanica’s kitchen. At least the taste of cakes had this message. All the desserts were fresh and comforting.
The Ambiance Around The Museum of Floral Culture
OMG, the sight itself is outstanding! First, there is this century-old teakwood house rearranged into The Museum of Floral Culture. This beauty with the lush garden was inspired by the western influences at that time. So to speak colonial-style serves her well, with elegant balcony, big garden and direct approach to the canal. Back in time, the most important houses were situated near the canal.
However, the canal here is not in existence anymore, but at Jim Thompson’s house, it still is. No matters how cool this house is, the real gem is at the back of the house – the garden.
Drinks at Cafe Botanica
On the Cafe Botanica menu, we got to choose among floral teas with its roots from all around the world. We decided to give a try to Ten -Thousand-Miles-Scented-Tea and Iced-Payom-Flower-Tea with Honey. Both were different than expected and felt more authentic. Besides that, they also have coffees and a variety of Sodas.
Scones at Floral High Tea
Raisin scones had the firm crust that I didn’t get enough of. Especially when they were combined with their clotted cream and homemade berry jam. The homemade tag comes to about 90% of the food on their menu. Though the clotted cream was somewhat different than I expected, I loved it with all my heart.
Sweets at the Cafe Botanica
Let me start with a handful of traditional Asian sweets. They are more than suitable to the environment, which is deeply connected to the history. I’m talking about the Collection of Thai, Indian and Chinese traditional sweets. All of which were surprisingly to Ian’s liking. The Luk Chup even refreshed the memory of our time at the Erawan Afternoon Tea.
Anyway, the cakes were absolutely delicious. Due to the hot day, my first focus was on the mixed-berry Frozen yogurt. Although this could easily serve as an excuse for not combining it with their famous Ongkarak Cake. Never mind that, because the cake by itself tasted heavenly. Just the right balance of fruits, nuts, butter, and sugar.
Another cake that we tasted is a modern classic with tropical additions; the cheesecake herself. Mighty good old, heavenly dessert which can go wrong on so many levels. However, not with this one. The cheesecake on its own is slightly sour due to the citrus addition, which made the cheesy cream appear lighter. Add to that perfectly ripe mango with extra mango sauce and you’ll see me licking my fingers. I am not gonna lie to you, but this might be one of the best cheesecakes here in Bangkok.
Who is a Man Behind This Floral High Tea?
The father all this is Mr. Sakul Intakul. Sakul Intakul is a floral artist with UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicraft Products in his “pocket”. Not only he is keeping the tradition actively alive with The Museum of Floral Culture, and International Institute of Floral Culture in Tokyo but has also created numerous designs that are outstanding. Some of them are made with fresh flowers, while others serve as decorative accessories.
His fame is worldwide. After all, he was in charge of the main flower arrangement at the Italian Film Festival not so long ago. I bet the Thai Royal family has his number saved as “Flower Master”, and the Royal Palace has many times his creations. Keep in mind, Royal events are demanding task. That is why it takes about two weeks of work and 24 pairs of hands, just to decorate the place.
Thai Floral Culture
Flower offerings in Thailand are a big part of daily life due to the Buddhist religion. Everywhere in Thailand, you can see many different floral designs (Phuang Malai) which have their own purpose. Some serve as a way to express gratitude, while others as offerings. Sadly, nowadays these Phuang Malai are too often replaced by plastic. If you ask me, plastic Phuang Malai loses its meaning.
Like elsewhere in the world, flowers are present at every religious ceremony and have a place at important life events. Here in Thailand, flowers carry even bigger meaning. Flowers are also connected to the Thai Royal Family, which contributes its fair share to floral art development. Now, you see why it is so important for artist Sakul Intakul to keep alive this tradition.
Final Thought
We come from a world that is beautiful to its core. Even volcanos after the initial shock give the world something uniquely beautiful. Actually, the circle of life is really not about one single circle. Flowers used in religious ceremonies bring to focus also the passing of time among all the other stuff. That is why we shouldn’t take gifts of nature for granted and easily replace them for a fake!
This floral high tea is simple, delicious and accompanied by one of the best locations to have high tea here in Bangkok. Yes, we were missing some savories and you might not find the professional service here. But I guarantee you that, you will enjoy this floral afternoon tea all the way. Everything we had, with tea included was impeccable and the singing of birds is still in my head. Warmly recommended!
Cafe Botanica High Tea Review Card
- ATMOSPHERE – 9.5/109.5/10
- SERVICE – 8.8/108.8/10
- TEA SELECTION – 9.5/109.5/10
- PRESENTATION – 9.5/109.5/10
- BITES – 9.2/109.2/10
- VALUE – 9.3/109.3/10
Price and Location
On the menu are individual sweets that on average come at the price of about 6 USD, while tea costs about 4 USD. Here is a link to the Museum of Floral Culture for easier navigation.
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