Ginger.Lily Review: Afternoon Tea Served In An Enchanting Pink “Storybook” In A Swanky New Lounge At Orchard
Hilton Singapore Orchard recently opened their doors, and apart from a luxurious staycation experience, another thing to get excited about - whether you’re a staying guest or otherwise - is their numerous new dining options. After trying the buffet at Estate, we made another visit for an afternoon tea indulgence at Ginger.Lily, presented in a giant pink “storybook”. Here’s our review!
Photo from Hilton Singapore Orchard
Ginger.Lily is a swanky lounge and bar located on the 5th floor of the Hilton Orchard Singapore hotel. Clad in muted neutral tones, this high-ceilinged space is open and airy, within view of floor-to-ceiling windows. This makes for a calming atmosphere during the day, which versatilely transforms to a more intimate setting as night falls, just in time for cocktails and bar snacks.
The afternoon tea at Ginger.Lily is a four-part gastronomic journey, expertly curated with inspiration drawn from Orchard Road’s colonial past as a plantation - which means plenty of botanical ingredients with a dash of spice for added pizzazz.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
We first started off with a complimentary welcome drink as a palate cleanser - a lime-infused kombucha concoction with fermented ginger lily tea. I’ve had some pretty sour kombuchas in the past, but this one went down easily and wasn’t overly acidic.
Soon after arrived a whimsical pink and gold “storybook” display, which revealed 5 tiers of sweet and savoury afternoon tea treats. Cue the oohs and aahs, and whipping out of mobile phones for those mandatory snapshots. After all, there’s nowhere else in Singapore where you can experience something as fanciful as this!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
As with any authentic afternoon tea set, this one comes with scones - an assorted selection of Vanilla Madagascar and Golden Raisins. What’s different here is that instead of just regular Clotted Cream, the scones here are also served with a Cinnamon Chocolate Ganache, and Ginger.Lily Jam.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The savouries here all happen to fall under the sandwich category, and out of the three, we loved the Iberico Ham Crostini topped with Baby Basil the best for its strong kick of flavour. The Mini Lobster Roll was thankfully fresh and not at all fishy-tasting, and there was also the creamy Avocado on Gluten Free Bread.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The sweet items include the Spiced Apple Tatin, Almond Fig Tart, Valrhona 46% Amatika Chocolate Cake, and Tutti Fruitti Tea Cake (all pictured below, clockwise from top-left). While these delicate confections were so painstakingly created with the best visual appeal, they certainly didn’t compromise on taste.
One thing we appreciated was that although each item had a rich and complex flavour profile, there was good balance such that we didn’t feel like we were suffering from a sugar overload with each bite. For example, the thick Chocolate Cake was easily balanced out with the juiciness of the Fig Tarts.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
On the sweeter side are the Pink Peppercorn Cherry Macarons with a refreshing hint of spice, and the Blue Hibiscus Bar made using white chocolate.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Just when we thought it was over, out came another plate of goodies. This time, they were the warm savouries - the Smoked Beef Burger, Salt Crusted Pork Bun (similar to a bolo bun), and Grilled Sandwich with Cheese and Organic Spinach.
The reason as to why these were only served later is a “superficial” yet important one. Ginger.Lily already anticipated that patrons would be going crazy snapping photos of the beautiful teatime set-up, so in order to prevent them from having to eat cold food, these warm items are always served mid-way through the meal. Such great foresight, we must say!
This manner of food serving also provided us a welcome break after indulging in all the sugary desserts. We recommend starting on the Pork Bun first, as it gets stiff and dry when left out for too long.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Wash down all that nosh with 10 choices of premium Gifel Teas, of which you get to pick two flavours per person. If you’re someone who enjoys the spiciness of ginger, go for Halia & Poached Pear. Otherwise, we’d recommend Sang Nila’s Lion C-Tea, a full-bodied blend of black tea, fruits, and florals. The light and refreshing Ginger Glow Detox is also a great choice, especially at the end of your meal.
Below is the full menu for afternoon tea at Ginger.Lily:
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Each serving costs $58 per person, or $78 with a glass of champagne. While I initially balked at the prices, I later on realised that they’re completely justified. Other than the fact that you’re dining in a Hilton franchise, you’re also getting your full money’s worth with the substantial portions that will have you bursting at the seams. There probably won’t be any need for dinner afterwards!
Make a reservation for afternoon tea at Ginger.Lily here.
Ginger.Lily
Address: 333 Orchard Road, Level 5 Hilton Singapore Orchard, Singapore 238867
Opening hours: 9am - 10.30pm daily
Afternoon tea timings: 2pm - 5pm daily
Telephone: 6831 6273
Website
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