Located in the heart of Istanbul, on the shores of the Bosphorus, The Peninsula Istanbul embodies a perfect blend of classic elegance and contemporary luxury. Since its inauguration in 2022, this prestigious hotel has become a must-visit for lovers of refinement and exclusivity. Among the highlights offered by this establishment, the Afternoon Tea holds a special place, blending British tradition with local influences. In the cozy and majestic ambiance of The Lobby, this gourmet break becomes a true culinary journey, where savory flavors and sweet treats harmonize perfectly.
The Peninsula Istanbul: Timeless Refinement on the Shores of the Bosphorus
Inaugurated in 2022, The Peninsula Istanbul embodies timeless elegance and modern luxury while being deeply rooted in the fascinating history of the city. Located in the lively Karaköy district, along the shores of the Bosphorus, the hotel spans three carefully restored historic buildings, as well as a new modern structure, all part of the Galataport redevelopment project. This prestigious establishment, like every Peninsula around the world, aspires to be one of the jewels of the city. Its luxurious rooms combine contemporary minimalism with touches of classic Turkish ornamentation, while its facilities, such as the seaside infinity pool and sumptuous spa, offer an unparalleled comfort experience.
Afternoon Tea: A Timeless Ritual in The Peninsula's DNA
The tradition of Afternoon Tea finds its roots in the history of The Peninsula Hong Kong, opened in 1928. In its early days, this first hotel of the chain offered a tea lounge that quickly became a coveted spot in the city. This moment of the day, where fine teas, scones, and treats mix, evolved to become a must-experience event in every Peninsula hotel around the world, from Paris to Los Angeles to London. Today, Afternoon Tea is much more than just a gourmet break; it is a deeply rooted tradition in The Peninsula brand's DNA.
The Turkey-Inspired Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Istanbul
The Peninsula Istanbul stands out not only for its architecture and services but also for the elegance of its interiors, including the room where Afternoon Tea is served, which is a true homage to history and refinement. The Lobby is a centerpiece of the hotel, beautifully restored to reflect its heritage while incorporating modern touches.
Built in 1937 in a Bauhaus geometric style, this historic room once served as a terminal for ferry passengers, thus connecting the city to its maritime roots. Today, its large stained glass windows bathed in natural light, its high ceilings adorned with subtle details, and its cozy atmosphere make it both a majestic and welcoming space. In this unique setting, Afternoon Tea takes on its full dimension, where discreet luxury combines with tradition to offer a moment of relaxation and indulgence.
In Istanbul, this tradition takes on a unique and delightfully local twist with the Turkey-inspired Afternoon Tea. Every afternoon, from 3 PM to 6 PM, the majestic lobby of The Peninsula Istanbul becomes the stage for a refined culinary exploration. Under the direction of Executive Pastry Chef Malte Rohmann, an exquisite selection of authentic Turkish desserts is presented, along with signature savory items like the artisanal simit. This culinary journey is enhanced by a selection of artisanal Turkish teas, offering visitors a true taste of local flavors. In the grand setting of The Lobby, accompanied by live music, guests experience a unique moment where The Peninsula tradition meets the soul of Turkey.
Our Gourmet Journey at the Heart of an Exceptional Afternoon Tea
We began this delightful experience by choosing a beverage: coffee, tea, or even a glass of Deutz champagne for enthusiasts. We opted for oolong teas with deep aromas, perfect to accompany the upcoming treats. The elegantly refined stand makes its entrance: we start with the savory selection, including finger sandwiches such as smoked mackerel, saffron mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and tobiko, followed by cucumber, pistachio, and 'Girit Ezme', and finally, Circassian chicken salad with walnuts.
On the second tier of the stand, the savory flavors continue with a shortbread with Aydın figs and goat cheese, then a simit with cream cheese, olive tapenade, and sun-dried tomato, and finally a 'Gül' rose börek with potato and spring onion.
Before moving on to the pastries, we enjoyed the essential scones, the centerpiece of any afternoon tea. Here, they are offered plain and with raisins, accompanied by clotted cream, strawberry jam, and lemon curd. Their perfect texture, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, is a true delight.
On the pastry side, we savored a cinnamon cake with quince jam and cinnamon ganache, a crispy kadayif topped with pistachio cream and orange zest, a true homage to local flavors, a saffron bar with peach confit and vanilla chantilly, and a pomegranate entremet with white chocolate mousse and pomegranate confit. The baklava cheesecake was an exquisite final touch to conclude this gourmet afternoon beautifully.
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A big thank you to The Peninsula Istanbul for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.