Ronnedfeldt Teas, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It is not often in ones life that they are given the opportunity to travel back in time to the bygone era of the 1930’s. But once you set foot in the Smoke House at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, you find yourself immersed in the wonderful opulence and grandeur of the 1930’s. Every detail, down to the bartenders’ white dress coats, adds to the authentic experience you receive in the Smoke House. The leather chairs and drink menu all contribute to a well thought-out space. It is only fitting in such a historical room that the German tea company Ronnefeldt, founded in 1823, wanted to share their creative infusions and twist our traditional sense of tea.

The Ronnefeldt tea company is based in Germany and is known as one of the world’s leaders in fine teas. They are very selective with the establishments that use their teas and, lucky for us, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur has been declared a stylish venue for the brand. For those who are conscious of fair trade products, you’ll be happy to know that all of the tea Ronnefeldt sells is under the Ethical Tea Partnership. 

To highlight the brand in Malaysia, an afternoon cocktail event with a theme of looking at tea through a new lens and the meeting of east and west, was held at the stylish Smoke House at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. 

The evening began with two drink options: non-alcoholic and a cocktail. Jasmine Passion was made with Jasmine gold Ronnefeldt tea, passion fruit juice and elderflower. It was a pleasant mix of bitter and sweet. The jasmine gave a mild flavour and balance to the sweetness from the tropical fruit and German elderflower. 

Conservatory Punch proved a classic spiced orange punch with a light green tea twist. Bolstered up with Courvisier VS, citrus and Morgentau Morning Dew Green Tea, this was very easy sipping. Presentation in a teacup reminded us of the era of prohibition, when people would hide their drinks in everyday objects to avoid detection: very fitting for the ambience of the Smoke House.

Another two drinks followed, again one with and one without alcohol. Halcyon Days provided a light palate cleanser, of Moroccan Mint tea, pear and ginger, and was finished off with a mint leaf. 

The Silver Tea Cobbler made with Pai Mu Tan tea and Hendrick’s gin, was a pleasant and refreshing summer drink with a cucumber finish. Think Gin and Tonic meets Iced Tea. Truly delicious! 

The final drink of the evening, Straits of Tea, was presented with a creative dry ice display of smoke and mystery. I thought it a twist on your classic European cider by using Irish Whisky Cream tea, lemon juice and cinnamon.  

The talented culinary team at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur provided a number of small bites to accompany the tea infused beverages. We found the choices were well selected to provide a balance of both exotic and familiar flavors.

Lamb Masala Vol Au Vent “Bombay Style” was a pleasant and well-seasoned Masala with all of the flavors you would expect, only with a mild heat so as not to overpower the delicate taste of the teas. My mouth was left wanting more. Peking Duck Pancake with Sweet Bean Vinaigrette provided a nice meaty and savory snack. Some of the other highlights were: King Crab Meat Croquette; Inari Parcel Filled with Shimeji and; Ronnefeldt Flower Orange Tea Gravlax.  

A few sweet treats provoked thoughts of afternoon tea (which by the way is done very nicely at Colonial Café): Assorted Berry Tart; Strawberry Cheesecake; and Ronnefeldt Crème Brulee. All of the food was wonderfully paired with each drink option, the presentation was immaculate and the flavors were as diverse as the tea selection.

Where else in city can you be served with such grace, luxuriate in such ambiance, and imbibe in playful tea infused beverages, than in the Smoke House at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur? We fancy this as one of the best bars in town, and think you will too! 

Reasons to visit: unique atmosphere; fine Ronnefeldt tea concoctions.