Asian KitchensBusiness SenseVol 21

THE ORCHID CONSERVATORY: a MAJESTIC TEA TIME with nature

By June 4, 2018No Comments


Situated in the city centre, surrounded by buildings and transportation infrastructure, stands a visually arresting white building. Decked out in colonial architecture, The Majestic Hotel was built in 1932 and was the choice of the colonial elites and famous personalities who favoured it for its grandeur and prestige. Not forgetting the entire British vibe, from the uniform of the concierge to the furnishings and silverware imported from England. With such strong references to the English culture, the offering of Afternoon Tea is certainly non-negotiable!

At The Orchid Conservatory, one can take a respite from the external hustle and bustle of the city and admire the world of Phalaenopsis. Birthing the concept, Steven Cheong, a renowned orchid cultivator says, “the Phalaenopsis orchid is relatively easy to grow, thriving especially in controlled climate environments of 22 to 24°C, which The Majestic takes great care to ensure within the conservatory.” This particular orchid is native to Malaysia and represents the beauty of tropical flowers. The hanging garden and orchid landscape is housed within a glass atrium as seasonal phalaenopsis orchids allure your visual senses and as the seasons progress, so would the variety of orchids change.


Due to the natural habitat that the orchids have to be in, one will experience the afternoon tea in an almost highland-like climate which is definitely welcoming with Kuala Lumpur’s tropical weather. Guests are feted with a feast presented on a 3-tier stand and a hot savoury box to provide a good balance of flavours and textures. The unmistakable classics of an English tea with scones, pastries and finger sandwiches coupled with items that speak volumes of multi-cultural Malaysia such as red bean sesame ball, curry puff, fried banana with chocolate sauce. The menu is changed every 3 months and thematic menus may appear according to the season. Chefs are meticulous in planning fare to suit its range of teas that include English Breakfast, Chamomile, Earl Grey, Sencha Green Tea, Darjeeling, Rose Garden Black Tea, Golden Caramel Rooibos & Peppermint.

For the management of The Majestic Hotel, a memorable high-tea experience is made up of impeccable service, food that is served and a cozy ambiance. From the welcome to the finish, service is efficient and unobtrusive, which is an art to master in itself. Servers are trained to explain each tier of the cuisine and recommend the ideal tea to complement it – this is to establish rapport with the guests as the environment of high tea ought to mirror having a meal at your friend’s home. The service of food has to be timely and with food prepared from scratch daily, guests are almost guaranteed each morsel is fresh and hot food is served hot while room temperature food is maintained correctly for service.


Certainly, an unconventional approach to afternoon tea, The Orchid Conservatory is described by Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels (that owns The Majestic) as “a thousand perpetual blossoms and our unique way of juxtaposing something that is classically beautiful yet endemically relevant” to present visitors with a memorable experience.

www.majestickl.com