Luscious Treats to Enjoy at High Tea in Auckland
Inspired by its British origin, high tea in Auckland is a luscious affair graced with savoury treats and quality teas. This late afternoon or early evening meal offers a spectrum of appetising baked and sweet menu items. These substantial selections are perfect complements to an extensive range of signature teas.
If you want to experience New Zealand's local high tea places, this article introduces you to a list of recommended items to try on your first visit.
The Best NZ High Tea Dining Specials to Try
When planning your first high tea visit in Auckland, look out for these favourite treats.
Classic Scones
Scones are classic treats at high tea dining spots across NZ, coming in a few varieties. This light, quick bread features smooth and delightful clotted cream, fruit jam, butter, or honey.
Fruit Tarts
Another fruity-flavoured goodness to expect from a high tea menu are fruit tarts. Aside from adding colour to your table, these small and sweet desserts of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries enhance the flavours of your hot tea.
Finger Sandwiches
Small and light to the stomach, classic finger sandwiches are the perfect nibbles whilst sipping your early evening tea. The most popular ones present familiar flavours and refreshing textures, including cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, and cream cheese.
Cheese Board
Some high tea places highlight signature cheese boards highlighting a balanced collage of tastes and textures. These include nuts, crackers, fruits, meats, condiments, and cheeses.
The cheeses often come from varying regions, fermentation, and preparation styles. In NZ's high tea scenes, camembert, brie, cheddar, gouda, gruyere, and whipped ricotta are very popular.
Macarons
Aside from high tea classics, you can also find macarons on your local menu. These sweet French meringues are colourful additions to your table, featuring delicious filling options: tangy lemons, fruity raspberries, and delectable chocolate.
Chocolate Truffles
Our final high tea item to try is chocolate truffles. These decadent confectionaries may be small, but they offer a flavour explosion!
Biting into this treat lets you experience the playful textures of chopped nuts or shredded coconut infused into a thick layer of chocolate and cocoa powder. The finale is a burst of chocolate ganache that is simply irresistible!
These are just a few items you can try during your first high tea experience. There's more to discover, and we'll leave it to you! Before we end this blog, we'll give you quick advice on to make this dining experience unforgettable: proper tea pairing.
Tea Pairing Tips to Make Your High Tea Experience Memorable
Before heading to your local high tea dining place, it's crucial to remember your tea pairing.
For starters, pair your sweet treats and pastries with fruit-flavoured teas. The natural sweetness of your tea will complement the sugary taste of your food to create a balanced flavour profile.
If you want a subtle flavour backdrop with your citrusy treats, try teas with light and delicate flavour. You can also complement the tang with warm orange or lemon teas.
Finally, a choice between robust black teas or herbal flavours can stand up to the deep and overpowering varieties of chocolates.
Hopefully, this list of high tea classics and tea-food pairings can help you enjoy your first dining experience. Have a wonderful time!
