Had the pleasure of a Sunday afternoon tea at Rasa Sayang Shangri La hotel in Batu Ferringhi, but one with a difference.
This one was based around a traditional Malay dance known as a Joget (which originated in Malacca and was influenced by the Portuguese Branyo). This, just like most places in times gone by, had an element of a place where boys could meet girls under supervision.
The selection on offer at the Joget High Tea was either a traditional English Tea or if you are feeling more adventurous a traditional Malay one. As there were two of us the choice was easy, one of each!
The English option came with a wonderful selection of teas but we went for the traditional Breakfast Tea. We started with two wonderfully fresh baked scones served with whipped fluffy cream and fresh strawberries. There was a selection of jams on the table and I plumped for the Raspberry.
Now my way of preparing a scone is simple. Slice the scone in two, apply an ample portion of Jam, cover in lashings of whipped cream and top with the sliced strawberry – divine!
The Tea Set also included three delicate bread rolls filled with Roast beef, Smoked salmon and egg salad. In addition there were three dainty cream cakes , a Mille Fleur , a chocolate gateau and a coconut sponge cake.
The Malay Tea came with a wonderful selection of dishes, one of our favourites was a local Chicken sausage served with a mildly spicy tomato dipping sauce which was delicious, followed by a chicken curry puff and then local desserts.
I loved the sausage and the chicken curry puff but I am not a lover of the local desserts but that is a personal thing and in no way should that put you off trying it.They are a creamy coconut based pudding dressed in various guises.
The Joget Tea would not be complete without the Joget dancing. The traditional Malay dances date back in many cases more than 300 years and the troupe of dancers at Rasa Sayang come from amongst their very own staff, and very good dancers they were too.
The resort hopes to showcase the various Joget styles from Johor, Pahang, Kelantan and occasionally, a Boria presentation from Penang.
“The response from our resort guests have been positive as the guests will be there to support the resort staff who are very close to them,” said the resort’s Director of Communications, Suleiman 
Tunku Abdul Rahman. “We are showcasing Joget through the ages and from different Malaysian states including some Joget songs from the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee and other vintage movies and some numbers by Anita Sarawak, M Daud Kilau and Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza.”
All in all a very pleasant way to spend your Sunday afternoon and at RM35++ it is a wonderful afternoon tea.
Joget Tea
The Joget High Tea is served in the Lobby
Lounge, Garden Wing from 4 to 6 p.m.
Patrons can choose a traditional Malaysian
high tea or an English tea set.
The Joget High Tea is priced at RM 35++
per person.
For more information or reservations, please
contact +604 888 8888.
Leave a Reply