Stepping into SKAI for its Editions De Parfums Frédéric Malle-Inspired afternoon tea felt like entering a floral dreamscape on the 70th floor, where fine dining and perfumery converged to create a truly unique experience.
In collaboration with Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, which has just opened its new flagship store at Raffles City Singapore, this exclusive tea set draws inspiration from the newly renamed Rose Tonnerre fragrance, offering a journey through rose-infused flavours that echoed the scent’s rich, dark, and earthy allure.
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As someone who has experienced my fair share of afternoon teas, I can confidently say this one stood out for its creativity and execution.
The savouries set the stage beautifully, each bite bringing a new flavour and texture to the table. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the Foie Gras Mousse & Cherry Tart, which was an indulgent delight from the first taste.
The mousse was impossibly creamy, and I found the tartness of the cherry to be a perfect match — it cut through the richness just enough to keep it from feeling overwhelming, letting the flavours linger like a well-balanced perfume on the skin.
Another highlight was the Smoked Eel Rillette, which caught me off guard with its subtly smoky notes and wonderfully satisfying texture. I could taste how carefully it was prepared; the flavours felt like they had been given time to meld, creating a depth that made each bite more intriguing than the last. This is also topped with indulgent Kaluga Caviar for even better texture.
And then there was the Bluefin Tuna Nori Roll. I’ll admit, finding something so unabashedly Asian among the offerings was a little jarring at first — I didn’t expect a sushi-style roll in the midst of an otherwise European-inspired set. But one bite was all it took to convince me of its place here.
The fresh, tender tuna paired with the umami richness of the nori was an absolute treat, seamlessly fitting into the overall experience in a way that felt refreshingly unexpected. It was like discovering an exotic note in a familiar fragrance, bringing an element of surprise that just worked.
Moving on to the sweets, I found the Les Editions de Parfums Bon Bon particularly memorable. The passionfruit’s tang balanced the creamy chocolate so well, it was as if they were made for each other — just sweet enough without crossing into cloying territory.
But the dessert that truly stole my heart was the Raspberry Rose Inspiration Tart. This was not just a dessert; it was a work of art. The delicate chocolate rose on top was almost too pretty to eat, but once I dug in, I was rewarded with the perfect mix of tart raspberry and the floral hint of rose, which came together beautifully. For those with a sweet tooth like mine, this was pure joy in every bite.
Another favourite was the Madagascar Jasmine Vanilla Rose Intensity Choux, where the choux pastry itself was impressively airy, giving way to a light-as-a-feather cream filling that tasted as luxurious as it looked.
The Rose Berries Tahitian Vanilla Tea Cake capped the experience with flair, served tableside with a flourish that made me smile. The cake was an aromatic wonder, each forkful offering hints of rose and vanilla that were complemented by the slight tartness of fresh berries. Its presentation was just as captivating — elegantly adorned with rose petals, it felt almost ceremonial.
To round off the experience, I opted for the Daydream of Lilac cocktail (+S$25) that has a complex sip with notes of lavender and gin — a fitting tribute to the fragrance that inspired the menu. If you prefer staying off alcohol, consider the Scarlet Eden mocktail, a refreshing and fragrant beverage, with the yuzu adding a lively citrusy edge to the lychee rose cordial.
Available through October, SKAI X Frederic Malle afternoon tea is a sensorial exploration that weaves the essence of a signature fragrance into every course. At S$68++ per adult and S$34++ per child, this high tea offers not just a taste of roses, but an experience that feels curated and unforgettable.
SKAI is located at Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore 178882. Find the full menu of the afternoon tea here. Call 6431 6156 or email skai@swissotel.com for reservations.
