There isn’t a game that you can play while sitting around a table that looks quite as lovely as mahjong. A four-player game that originated in China, the tiles with beautifully drawn artwork and lettering have become popular around the world – and you can now try an afternoon tea in London inspired by it.
Chinese Cricket Club in Blackfriars launched the afternoon tea earlier this year, running each week for three days and providing the chance to view a crafted set inspired by mahjong before tucking into handcrafted dim sum and indulgent chocolate praline treats.
It’s been created by Head Chef Tony Truong, Dim Sum Master Yu Tang, and Head Pastry Chef Sourabh Bhingarde to deliver an unforgettable set that seeps vibrant Asian flavour into an afternoon tea. Guests will be treated to the classic three-layer set of an afternoon tea, with the sweet treats including the dark chocolate and praline noir; a coconut and matcha swan; a peach, rhubarb, and custard tart; and white chocolate, oolong and marmalade mahjong tiles. And since this is an afternoon tea we’re talking about, there are plain and fruit scones served up with lemon curd, clotted cream, and raspberry jam.
But before getting onto those, you’ll be wanting to try out the baskets of dumplings, which include a scallop and Chinese chive number, as well as shrimp toast with sweet chilli, and a char siu pork bao bun. Top it off with your tea of the JING blends selection to wash it down, as well as a glass of prosecco if you choose to add it to your experience. Then, you can even have your own go at a game of mahjong at the table, with anyone invited to take part regardless of their experience level.
This week marks afternoon tea week, too, so there isn’t much of a better time to get some mahjong-inspired snacks and beverages into your diary. Maybe you’ll even uncover a new love for the game of mahjong to play once again when the food coma has subsided.
‘The Art of Mahjong Afternoon Tea’ is available Friday-Sunday (12:30-5pm) for £48 per person, or £55 with prosecco, at Chinese Cricket Club, 19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 6DB (nearest station is Blackfriars). Find out more and plan your visit here.
