I had always been a lover of tea and tea parties. It always brings me that sense of a caring pause. A gentleness that is resolute in one’s soul. And in my search for the best tea and tea parties, I found another hidden gem.
It was the New Year, January 1, 2024. My mother and I were trying to figure out what we could do “special” on this day. The bliss of the Christmas season has filled up our schedules with warm family gatherings, gift giving, and such. So, we really didn’t have the time to prepare plans for the New Year itself. I tried searching for places to visit and spend the remaining breeze of the holiday season before plunging right back in to my regular grinding hours at work. One thing that caught my eye was when I searched on the web if there is a tea party available in Okada Manila. The results showed Yu Lei Chinese restaurant. I checked it out and it seems promising by the looks of it. On the same day, January 1st, I made a booking for two for the Yu Lei Afternoon Tea. I was glad that my request was still accommodated despite the short notice.
Elegance Meets Expectation
Upon arriving at Yu Lei, we were warmly welcomed by the receptionist and the corner of my eyes could see some of the interior was posh pink in color. She assisted us inside the restaurant and I found it intriguing that as we followed her, we had to take a few turns before actually arriving at the restaurant itself. We walked along a narrow path which was exceedingly beautiful because of the dark brown marbled tiles. We were also surrounded by tall glass enclosures that contained thousands of ornaments which I could not tell for sure what they are called. The closest that I could perhaps refer them to are like a thousand fireflies that lighted and illuminated its glow.
I must say that my expectations were met.
I haven’t yet seen what’s in store for us but this along had set up my expectations for more.
We were then escorted to our reserved table which I adore because of its intimate setup.
As my mother and I settled comfortably in our cushioned seats I noticed that the ambiance was rare and quiet. I love the smoothness that the ambiance brought which depicts a story untold.
Okada Manila is known for its pinkish Japanese-inspired interior that blended well with Yu Lei’s Chinese motif and design. A stay at Okada Manila tickles one’s brain with its elegant and majestic vibrance. I was also delighted with the attentive service that the waiters and waitresses gave us from start to finish.
Ready for Tea!
We placed our order of Yu Lei Afternoon Tea 2Tier. The personnel recommended us to try the Osmanthus tea as our choice of afternoon tea. As we waited, I looked at the other tables which had table set up of teacups, chopsticks, and crisply folded napkins set on each plate which seemed to be eager for its guests.
The silence of the place allowed my mother and I to have the time to reflect on the past year and to calm our hearts and minds as we take our afternoon tea. I feel grateful for the location of our table because it allowed us to see the outdoor garden of Okada Manila from afar.
I looked up and saw a brilliantly crafted chandelier of flowers and the flooring was dressed with a carpeted splash of pink which truly reminds me of what fine dining is all about.
Our tea has arrived!
Our cups were poured and filled and I admire the Chinese teapot’s flowerish design which I carefully eyed.
And now, the moment we were all waiting for…
I closed my eyes took a sip of the Osmanthus tea on an ornate tea cup and it revealed a gentle yet captivating taste that is not too strong for me.
I peered at my surroundings again, smiled, and I knew that this is sophistication and nothing less.
A photo of my mother enjoying her cup of Osmanthus tea while patiently waiting for our 2 tier of afternoon delights.
The Grandeur Has Begun
Finally, our appetizer arrives and we take a moment to taste what was prepared for us by none other than the Michelin-starred Chef himself, Chef Mikiya Imagawa
We took bites of the pieces that was before us and I would light up with every bite as it reveals to me a great splendor in taste. It’s also nice that we had two complimentary sides from the chef which you can see on the picture.
Our 2 Tier now arrives and as I was just exploring the wonders of our appetizer I was dumbfounded as I tasted what’s in the 2 tier. Each taste of the food before us brings me to an endless story of a legacy which continues to be lived on. I also appreciate the hospitality of the personnel who made sure we were well-informed about each piece of the food we tasted.
I tried hard as much as I could to remember the name of each one but of course my memory failed. So, I happily went back over and over again to the afternoon tea menu list to help myself identify and become familiar with the savory food that I was eating.
Here is the afternoon tea menu list for your reference as well
I would never say umami to any dish not unless I think that it really is. And I can’t believe that it just happened as I sat there savoring the meals before me. Let’s not forget, there’s also duck soup in this afternoon tea! Which was another flavorful find.
Finally, dessert was served!
We had Oolong Tea Pudding with Fresh Fruits and Black Sesame Dumplings in Osmanthus Tea which was a graceful way of ending our celebration.
For the prices of Yu Lei’s afternoon tea, I would suggest checking it with them upon reservation as these things change from time to time including what’s on the menu list.
Aside from loving tea and afternoon tea parties I also have a deep liking with teacups and tea pots, and these Chinese inspired ones just caught my attention.
Lastly, before leaving who wouldn’t love to take a photo beside these colored jars as the blue and white sky hovered over the inviting garden outside.
It was a well-spent New Year afternoon indeed where the sun was about to set and another tea experience to be told.
I highly recommend Yu Lei for celebrations, intimate meetups or close catch ups with old friends as you try to remember the good times and in anticipation, the nice ones to come.