Thirty 8 Afternoon Tea in Grand Hyatt is one the prestigious high teas in Kuala Lumpur with the Twin Towers views. In fact, the whole 38th Floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel boast with a 360-degree breathtaking views of the KL Skyline. Thirty 8 doesn’t need flowery words and introduction. What struck me the most as an afternoon tea lover is their never-ending creativity in terms of delivering brand new taste into the High tea scene. The Summer Exclusive Teatime in the woods – a rainforest inspired tea concept bringing the old familiar taste into an extraordinary palate experience is so clever!
Having to live in KL for almost 10 years now, this reinventing the local flare really captures me. The quantity though is Huge! Probably the most generous tea in KL that I ever encountered. They have their High on Sugar Afternoon tea which is massive but that was in my opinion normal though.
Array of Local Savories were placed in elegant black box. They all look appetizing and too lovely to eat! Malaysian delights such as Ayam Kampung, Ikan Tenggiri, Labu Manis from Genting Highlands, Udang Air Laut from Tawau, Ikan Siakap Kunyit, Lobak with wok fried Cameron Highlands cake, Roti John with Sarawak Phuture Vegan mince, Lolipop Manga from Perlis, Limau Kasturi from Penang, Bunga Raya with Sabah hibiscus custard cream profiterole, Terung dan coklat from Pahang, Bunga Telang with rambutan Melaka Sorbet, and afternoon tea shouldn’t be complete without scones.
Malaysia’s pride Cameron Highland Brinchang strawberry scones served in a rattan basket with strawberry jam clotted cream and pandan kaya jam. For locals, it’s like Balik Kampong and having a taste of Home. For expats like us, it’s like touring around Malaysia without leaving KL!
It’s hard to tell what’s my best pick. I would be biased because I love anything Teh Tarik! Teh Tarik Crème Brulee tart! What a fusion! If you are following my food adventures, you know well that my favorite quintessential dessert is Crème Brulee. Totally mind-blowing flavor. It’s feels like I’m in France and Malaysia at the same time!
Everything is a masterpiece. Can’t complain about the view, the pastries, and the tea despite selection is limited. I asked for Chamomile or Moroccan Mint, but the staff mentioned they don’t have which is in fact on their menu. I’ll ignore that probably because I feel accountable too that I haven’t made pre-order 2 hours before serving time. Blackcurrant and hibiscus tea for a change sound good too. In addition, Premium Jing Tea Selection like Pu-erh per pot is extra MYR 13.
The only drawback is that we didn’t feel the air conditioning at all. Air temperature plays a crucial role of every diner’s experience. Thirty 8 is full of elegance and we are a sweating a little through the meal. Almost like a sauna. Utterly big turn off. I’m quite not sure what delightful surprises next at Thirty8, but whatever it is, you can always count me in! Looking forward that they will work on their ventilation for better dining experience.
Are you ready to Cuti Cuti Malaysia without leaving KL? Bound to bring everyone the feeling of home at first bite, Local delectable at Thirty 8 will transport your tastebuds back to the traditional flavors of Kampong.
Selamat Menjamu Selera!
