Inside Conrad Bangkok’s Honey Golden Hive Afternoon Tea

Perhaps the best thing about living in Bangkok is how there is always something new and exciting waiting to be experienced right around the corner. From listening bars to co-working spaces, there is something for every niche. Last week, my colleague and I had the privilege of previewing one such happening at the Conrad Bangkok.

On 30 May, the hotel unveiled the reopening of their afternoon tea experience at Diplomat Bar. The honey afternoon tea, titled “The Conrad Golden Hive Experience”, uses honey harvested from the hotel’s own rooftop apiary across dishes both sweet and savoury—and even in honey-inspired cocktails and mocktails if tea is not your drink of choice.

Crafted by Diplomat Bar’s mixologist, there are four different drinks to choose from, each with their own charms. As we entered the carpeted floors of the Diplomat Bar, we were offered the mocktail, Blossom breeze (THB 250++ per glass).

Layered with honey and pineapple, this lime and soda mocktail was refreshing and exactly what we needed coming in from the heat of Bangkok’s weather. The other mocktail on offer is the Golden Meadow, perfect for those who prefer the familiar flavours of tea with its notes of chamomile, honey, lime, and a splash of butterfly pea.

When given the choice, I tried The honeyed countess (THB 460++ per glass), a symphony of Bombay gin and vermouth layered with honey and lime, topped off with a foam of egg white and an illustration of the hexagonal structures of a honeycomb. The toasted bee (THB 460++ per glass) is its perfect partner with its medley of Grey Goose vodka and Frangelico. The honeycomb and gold leaf add the perfect finishing touch to this lavish drink.

Thirst quenched and sufficiently energised, we settled into our plush seats and waited for the twelve-course tasting to begin. Crafted by Executive Chef Ryan Dadufalza in tandem with his Thai culinary team, the experience transforms honey into the perfect afternoon tea indulgence.

Opening with savoury creations, the honey takes a backseat here and settles into a subtle overture as opposed to sweetness. From the Honey cured gravlax, a blini with saffron cream cheese, salmon roe, dill, and citrus, to the Deviled egg sandwich, which features onsen yolk cream, shisho flower, and a delicate helping of bee pollen, the profiles are light and rich.

The Mushroom parfait uses locally sourced mushrooms, shiitake marinated in honey, and pickled shallots to pack a flavourful punch and comfort soul food takes the form of Conrad fried chicken, delicately wrapped in a soft brioche roll and topped with honey mustard. We take a quick jet to the Mediterranean with the Caprese tart and close with the Caviar and scallop tartare, both balanced with accents of honey.

The ending notes of the previous dish lead perfectly into the sweeter half of the tasting experience. Naturally, amidst its saccharine companions, this is where the element of honey takes the spotlight. First, the traditional Cannoli filled with ricotta cream, citrus notes, and finished with bee pollen sets the stage. The Honey toast, a delicate dish layered with vanilla diplomat cream and orange marmalade, settles in the stomach with ease.

Reminiscing the nostalgic flavours of Thailand, the Patongo is light, crispy, and accompanied by honey and condensed milk. There is also the Luk chub, re-conceptualised as the Nam Dok Mai mango with brown butter sablé. Do not miss the Honey mousse, cleverly composed with joconde sponge, orange honey jelly, cardamom-infused mousse, chocolate ganache, honeycomb for the crunch, and yuzu pearls which burst in your mouth for a last pop of flavour.

A visual delight, the Honey woon krob is designed in the shape of the bee frame in the rooftop apiary, with little edible bees to add flourish. Of course, there would be no afternoon tea without the presence of the English scone, and coincidentally, it is the last item of the Conrad Golden Hive Experience menu. The warm Plain and honey jackfruit scones are served with vanilla Chantilly cream and passionfruit jam—the perfect ending note to this honeyed experience.

The Conrad Golden Hive Experience is complemented by a selection of premium Dilmah teas. Running from May 5 until September 30, the afternoon tea runs daily from 12 PM to 5:30 PM at Diplomat Bar at Conrad Bangkok Hotel. It is priced at THB 1500++ per set (THB 1765.50 net) for two guests.

DIPLOMAT BAR AT CONRAD BANGKOK

Conrad Bangkok

All Seasons Place 87/3 Wireless Rd.
Lumphini, Pathumwan
Bangkok, 10330

Tel.: (+66) 2 690 9999

Email: BKKCI.Diplomat@conradhotels.com