Elegant Afternoon Tea in Vietnam? Indulge in Asian-Inspired Delights at Hotel Majestic Saigon [Tasting Review]

Today I’d like to introduce you to a luxurious yet reasonable afternoon tea I discovered in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s the Asian-inspired afternoon tea at the famous Hotel Majestic Saigon. Please experience this luxurious moment while enjoying the beautiful view of the Saigon River.

What is Hotel Majestic Saigon?

Established in 1925, Hotel Majestic Saigon is a luxury hotel that maintains the classical atmosphere of the French colonial era while being equipped with modern facilities. Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, it offers excellent access to tourist spots. Surrounded by the hotel’s elegant atmosphere, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time.

On the ground floor of Majestic Saigon is the Catinat Lounge. Once you step inside, you’re greeted by classical interiors and a calm atmosphere. The sweets enjoyed here are truly luxurious. I decided to order the afternoon tea set while enjoying the urban view of the Saigon River through the window.

Afternoon Tea Menu

The “Asian Set” afternoon tea I was served included the following:

• Taro Cake
• Japanese-style Roll Cake
• Durian Cream Puff
• Cassava Cake
• Salmon Mousse Tart
• Assorted Fruits
• Minced Pork Pie
• Tea/Coffee & Red Wine

This set is offered at the affordable price of 499,000 VND (about $20)! In a previous article, I introduced the Peninsula Hong Kong‘s afternoon tea, but enjoying such luxurious sweets at just one-third of that price is truly remarkable Vietnamese quality.

[Advance Booking Required] Why Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Hong Kong is a Must for a Trip to Hong Kong: Insider Tips to Secure Your Reservation – Overseas Afternoon Tea Guide #1

By the way, besides the Asian Set I received this time, several other variations were offered, including orthodox Western-style afternoon tea. However, since I was in Vietnam, I wanted to try something a bit unusual, which is why I chose this Asian fusion set.

Tasting Report

Now, let me share my impressions after tasting this afternoon tea.

The first thing that arrived was the tea. Perhaps aiming for an Asian direction, it had a refreshing flavor similar to sencha (Japanese green tea), with a very familiar taste. And as I forgot to mention in the menu explanation earlier, for some reason red wine was served alongside the tea. I was a bit confused about when would be the right time to drink it, but its rich grape aroma made the tea time even more special. The combination of red wine and tea might seem a bit surreal, but the unexpectedness made for an enjoyable moment.

Next, let me introduce the savory items. The salmon mousse tart had a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that refreshingly soothed my body after sweating in the hot Vietnamese sun. The minced pork pie was a perfect combination of crispy pastry and juicy pork, an elegant and delicate dish that stands apart from the more rustic British meat pies.

And the sweets: although it took some time to understand which was which, overall they were elegant, exotic, and addictively delicious. The cassava cake, known in Vietnam as “Bánh khoai mì,” is a traditional sweet with a simple, gentle flavor. The Japanese-style roll cake wasn’t matcha as I expected, but sencha…? The delicious and interesting aroma, slightly different from what most people might imagine as “Japanese-style,” really hit the spot.

The durian cream puff (choux cream) had very little of durian’s pungency or distinctive aroma, making it a unique, delicious dish with the rich sweetness befitting the “king of fruits.” Even those who are hesitant about durian would likely enjoy this flavor.

Discount Information

What’s even better is that Hotel Majestic Saigon’s afternoon tea sets come with special offers:

• Guest Discount: Guests staying at Hotel Majestic Saigon receive a 10% discount when ordering afternoon tea sets at Catinat Lounge.
• Group Reservation Discount: 10% discount for reservations of 5 to 10 sets, and 15% discount for reservations of 11 or more sets.

This makes it economical to enjoy with friends or family, and also worthwhile to try the afternoon tea during your stay.

Summary

Hotel Majestic Saigon’s Asian-inspired afternoon tea is luxurious yet reasonable, offering excellent value. When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to experience this special afternoon tea. You’ll enjoy the elegant atmosphere, delicious sweets, and a special moment.

If you’re booking a stay at Hotel Majestic Saigon, I recommend booking a Pool View room from the links below!