Edible Jewels!"Golden Splendor" Adorns the Lips

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

Afternoon tea was originally a simple way of drinking tea, but in modern times it has become a trendy culinary fashion; and afternoon tea gives off an impression of leisure and elegance, much like a noblewoman gently lifting a coffee cup on a white porcelain saucer by a sunlit window in the afternoon, savoring it with relaxed delight.


▲ Afternoon tea has become a trendy culinary fashion, and the ambiance of the venues also appears relaxing and comfortable. (Photo / Provided by the establishment)

Since Taipei’s Le Méridien Taipei launched its "Jewelry Box" duo afternoon tea, it has created a unique style of high tea, captivating guests with the culinary artistry of its chef team. With the arrival of spring blossoms, Le Méridien Taipei’s Bar North 25 introduces the "Blossoming Afternoon Tea X Dazzling Jewelry Box," kicking off a delightful and elegant afternoon feast.

Extending the classic three-tiered concept of British afternoon tea and drawing inspiration from jewelry boxes, the containers are designed with a sleek, modern curved shape, with lines and an original slide-cover design showcasing refined quality. The desserts placed inside resemble exquisitely crafted jewels.

%The design of the new afternoon tea draws inspiration from the traditional English afternoon tea, adding a luxurious sparkle. (Image / Provided by the establishment)
As warmer spring and summer arrive, the chef presents “Cold Tomato and Prawn Soup” as an appetizer. This cooling delicacy originates from the hot southern region of Spain. Based on tomatoes, it incorporates celery, garlic, and various vegetables, and is finally served in a geometric martini glass. Its chilled flavor pairs wonderfully with sweet prawns for a refreshing taste.

The star of the show, the "Dazzling Jewelry Box," features delicate savory treats on the top layer including the “Mini Crab Meat Tart,” where plump crab meat and fragrant chives are mixed with a homemade sweet pepper sauce, then stuffed into a crispy tart shell; the “Truffle Scallop” highlights the sweet umami of the scallop with a simple boiling method, garnished with rich truffle mayonnaise to create multi-layered textures. The “Double Cheese and Ham Sandwich” and “Tomato Cucumber Sandwich” are two classic offerings, each offering either a rich or fresh flavor, satisfying different palates all at once.

In the new season, the patisserie team draws inspiration from representative pastries around the world and combines seasonal fresh fruits, injecting creativity into both visuals and flavors to craft a series of sweets that exude the essence of spring. First up is one of the representatives of French patisserie — the “Passion Fruit Éclair,” coated in bright yellow glaze and dotted with purple dots, where the freshness of passion fruit cuts through the rich custard filling to achieve balance. Meanwhile, the “Caramelized Lemon Verbena Macaron” features an elegant crimson shell with a touch of gold; the filling is made by first soaking dried lemon verbena in cream to fully release its intense flavor, then blending it with caramel chocolate. The golden shimmer on the shell ends up on your lips, adding a touch of playful charm.

The “Lychee Milk Chocolate Cake” pairs lychee with Caramelia caramel milk chocolate at 36%, offering a rich and smooth texture, a refined favorite reminiscent of imperial tastes. The “Soft-centered Chocolate Tart with Blackcurrant Cream” uses a savory tart base to bring out a fresh fruity acidity paired with the sweet soft center of Manjari 64% Madagascar chocolate. The “Raspberry Lamington” is a beloved Australian pastry, and the chefs have specially added a raspberry mousse filling, finished with a coating of shredded coconut.

While enjoying a variety of colorful sweets, you can also casually indulge in the traditional English afternoon tea scone and thoughtfully selected seasonal fruits that refresh the palate.

The establishment also offers six types of Western teas, including Ceylon English black tea, English Breakfast tea, Earl Grey, Darjeeling black tea, mint tea, and chamomile tea, all carefully selected to release their fragrant aromas. In addition to the room filled with the aroma of tea, you can also enjoy the rich and mellow illy coffee.

(Bar North 25’s “Blossoming Afternoon Tea X Dazzling Jewelry Box” is priced at NT$1,680 + 10%, with an optional special offer of unlimited French premium Perrier-Jouët champagne at NT$900 + 10% per person)