Spice Up Afternoon Tea Week with Fusion Menu Ideas
Updated: 8 August, 2024

Afternoon Tea Week is around the corner, and it's the perfect opportunity for your business to add a unique twist to this beloved British tradition. Whether you own an Indian restaurant, an Italian eatery, or a quirky Asian cafe, we’ve got exciting fusion afternoon tea ideas that will elevate your menu. 


Check out our creative concepts to maximise your menu offerings this Afternoon Tea Week. 

 

Flavours of India

A Flavourful Beginning

Imagine starting your afternoon tea with a burst of flavour and spice. The top tier of your stand should be a delightful introduction of what's to come:

  • Chilli Fried Paneer Bites - Inspired by Indian street food, these spicy, crispy paneer bites are perfect for your guests to pick up with a dainty fork and pop into their mouth.
  • Curried Devilled Eggs - Give the classic devilled eggs a desi twist with a teaspoon of garam masala and a dollop of mango chutney, sure to surprise and delight your guests.
  • Onion Bhaji - No Indian-inspired menu is complete without this crispy, flavourful appetiser. It's the perfect way to tease the taste buds for the feast ahead.

 

A Heartier Indulgence 

As we move to the middle tier, the bites become more substantial to satisfy your guests:

  • Samosas - Offer a variety of chicken, lamb and vegetable samosas, each packed with aromatic spices and wrapped in a crisp, flaky pastry.
  • Cheddar Cheese and Mango Chutney Sandwiches - Pair a sharp, mature cheddar cheese with sweet mango chutney, layered between soft slices of white bread. A fusion that brings together the best of both worlds.

No Indian-inspired afternoon tea is complete without a steaming cup of masala chai. Brew it with cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, whole milk and star anise, for a comforting, aromatic drink that perfectly complements the bold flavours of your menu. 

Click here to explore our Indian Afternoon Tea inspirations now.

 

Flavours of Italy

A Taste of La Dolce Vita

Start your Italian-inspired afternoon tea with a light and fresh selection that will transport your guests straight to the Mediterranean:

  • Caprese Canapes - Delight your guests with bite-sized sandwiches filled with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a hint of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. A classic Italian combination that’s simple yet sophisticated. 
  • Rocket Canapes with Parmesan Shavings and Prosciutto – Lightly toast slices of sourdough baguette, topped with refreshing rocket, thin slices of salty prosciutto, nutty parmesan shavings and drizzled with rich balsamic glaze. 

 

A Savoury Italian Feast

As we move to the middle tier, the flavours deepen with richer bites that celebrate the fusion of British cuisine with Italian influences: 

  • Basil and Parmesan Scones – Give traditional scones an Italian makeover with the addition of fresh basil and grated parmesan. These scones are a savoury delight, perfect for enjoying with some creamy salted butter. 
  • Pesto and Parmesan Cheese Straws – These crisp, golden cheese straws are infused with the unmistakable flavours of pesto and parmesan. They’re perfect for nibbling and pair beautifully with the rest of your Italian offerings. 

 

A Sweet Finish

End the afternoon tea on a sweet note with these Italian dessert favourites: 

  • Mini Tiramisu Pots – Serve up classic tiramisu in bite-sized portions. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder – indulgent and irresistible. 
  • Mini Cannolis – The perfect bite-sized treat to round off a flavoursome menu. Crispy shells filled with chocolate hazelnut, or pistachio cream, and dusted with icing sugar – buonissimo! 

Click here to influence your Afternoon Tea menus with the taste of Italy today.

 

Flavours of Asia

A Fusion of Fresh Flavours

Kick off your Asian-inspired afternoon tea with a blend of vibrant flavours from across the continent:

  • Thai Fish Cakes - Start with these aromatic fish cakes, infused with Thai herbs and spices. The perfect bite-sized introduction to your fusion menu, best served with sweet chilli sauce.
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls - Light, crispy and filled with a mix of vegetables and herbs, these spring rolls bring a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce. 

 

The Heart of Asia

Move into the heart of your afternoon tea stand with substantial bites showcasing the richness of Asian cuisine:

  • Bao Buns - Soft, pillowy bao buns filled with tender slices of pork belly, pickled vegetables and a hint of hoisin sauce. These savoury bites are a perfect balance of rich and tangy.
  • Thai Twist Devilled Eggs - Add an Asian twist to classic devilled eggs by mixing in Thai spices like lemongrass and lime. These creamy bites are a fusion of familiar and exotic flavours that pair wonderfully.

 

A Sweet Finale

Finish off your Asian-inspired afternoon tea with a selection of sweet treats:

  • Mini Mango Sticky Rice Pots - Serve a miniature version of the popular Thai dessert. The perfect balance of sweet, creamy and sticky, topped with fresh mango slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  • Mochi - Delight your guests with these chewy rice balls, offering a selection of flavours including Chocolate Ganache, Raspberry and White Chocolate, and Mango Cheesecake.

Click here to explore our Asian fusion afternoon tea products here.