Located in the lobby of Dubai’s newest ultra-luxury experiential resort, Atlantis The Royal, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the UAE’s first Emirati afternoon tea experience, along with a traditional afternoon tea offering.
The Royal Tearoom at Atlantis The Royal has teamed up with renowned pastry chef Christophe Devoille, one of the leading figures in the region, to introduce this unique Emirati afternoon tea experience, alongside the traditional option. Picture yourself in the resort’s pristine main lobby, surrounded by the mesmerizing Droplets sculpture and vast aquariums. This sophisticated and luxurious afternoon tea experience presents a delightful array of savory delicacies and handcrafted pastries, meticulously prepared by one of the most talented and highly regarded pastry chefs in the region.
For the price of AED 440, two people can indulge in Chef Christophe’s distinctive Emirati Afternoon Tea experience. This exceptional selection features a wide variety of Arabic pastries, including Luqaimat—crispy fried dumplings paired with an Emirati date syrup. Additionally, you can savor the spongy Sago, enriched with cardamom, toasted coconut, and adorned with gold leaf. And of course, there’s the traditional Khanfaroosh, drizzled with local mountain honey. To top it off, you’ll be served a decadent Halawet El Jibn at your table, consisting of ashta cheese, delicate rose water, pistachio, and amarena cherry.
Alternatively, for AED 560, two people can opt for the Signature Afternoon Tea experience. This delightful arrangement is presented on an elegant stand, showcasing scones, finger sandwiches, and a variety of pastries. The dessert selection changes regularly, incorporating seasonal fruits for a fresh and vibrant experience. Among the savory treats, you’ll find a delightful candy tomato tart with ricotta pannacotta, an organic egg mimosa, and smoked turkey with black truffle. Following this, an exquisite presentation of pastries, scones, and preserves awaits, featuring delights like chocolate and almond cake, lemon and tarragon tartlet, and fluffy scones accompanied by rich clotted cream and raspberry, rose petal, and lychee preserves.
In addition to the afternoon tea offerings, Chef Christophe has embarked on a culinary journey around the world, sourcing the finest and rarest ingredients available. As a result, the Royal Tearoom boasts a menu filled with homemade chocolate bars, chocolate bonbons, and a luxurious assortment of handcrafted Arabic sweets, such as Ash El Bilbul Cashew, chocolate Baklawa with macadamia, and Baklawa Asiah. To further tantalize your taste buds, an all-day pastry counter presents over 30 different types of tea, including the increasingly rare yellow tea. These exquisite teas are the perfect accompaniment to a selection of 16 homemade pastries, as well as eight varieties of croissants, danish pastries, and brioches. Chef Christophe and his team of nine bakers and 41 pastry colleagues work around the clock, ensuring the production of some of the most exquisite desserts in Dubai.
One of the standout desserts is the Vanilla and Blueberry Water Droplet, inspired by the aquatic ambiance of Atlantis The Royal. This visually stunning treat is shaped like a perfect rain droplet, adorned with a beautiful light blue hue derived from a delectable blueberry marmalade. What makes it even more remarkable is that it caters to various dietary preferences, being vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and nut-free. As you take a bite, you’ll be delighted by the burst of flavors from the blueberry and blackberry coulis at its center.
Another signature dessert paying homage to Arabic culture is the iconic Date Cake. Taking the shape of a large date, Chef Christophe collaborated with PASTRYEVO, a renowned French company, to create a unique mold that captures the essence of this beloved fruit. The cake combines layers of sponge, confit, marmalade, and cream, beautifully resembling the colors and textures of a date. To enhance its Arabic-inspired indulgence, the cake is served with a drizzle of date syrup, adding a touch of sweetness.
Guests at The Royal Tearoom can also indulge in other favorites that are equally enticing. The Berries and Lavender Tart offers a delightful combination of tangy berries and the subtle floral notes of lavender. If you have a penchant for caramel, the Caramelised Apple Tatin is sure to satisfy you with its perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness. And for a truly decadent experience, the Vanilla and Caramel Millefeuille awaits. This exquisite dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also showcases a commitment to sustainability, as it is crafted using leftover breakfast croissants, minimizing waste.
Chef Christophe’s dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients is evident in his selection of pure, unadulterated chocolate from Nicolas Berger, an exclusive producer renowned for their exceptional range of single-origin chocolate. By using such high-quality chocolate, The Royal Tearoom ensures that each dessert is elevated to a level of unrivaled indulgence.
Chef Christophe’s culinary journey began in Strasbourg, France, in 1980, a city influenced by both French and German traditions. His extensive experience includes working at esteemed establishments such as the Michelin-starred La Côte Basque in New York under the guidance of renowned chef Jean-Jacques Rachou. He then spent over a decade alongside chef Alain Ducasse, serving as the corporate pastry chef for the Alain Ducasse Enterprise, overseeing dessert creations across their worldwide outlets.
Having traveled the world and gained invaluable experiences, Chef Christophe’s expertise led him to prestigious positions, including Executive Pastry Chef at Wynn Palace in Macao, China, and heading the pastry kitchen at London’s famed Annabel’s. Today, as a pastry chef consultant, he continues to showcase his creativity and skill, opening establishments in various cities and collaborating with renowned chocolatiers.
With a focus on achieving harmony, simplicity, and balance in his desserts, Chef Christophe handcrafts each pastry found at Atlantis The Royal. Local ingredients, such as raspberries, honey, milk, pollen, and herbs, are thoughtfully incorporated, infusing each creation with the flavors and essence of the region.
As you indulge in these exquisite desserts at The Royal Tearoom, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors and textures, crafted with passion and a deep appreciation for culinary artistry.
The tradition of afternoon tea, famously associated with English customs, can be traced back to the 1840s when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, popularized it. The Duchess experienced hunger around four o’clock in the afternoon, considering that the evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o’clock. This created a long gap between lunch and dinner. To satisfy her hunger, the Duchess requested a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake to be brought to her room in the late afternoon. This became a regular practice for her, and she began inviting friends to join her. Soon enough, afternoon tea became a fashionable social gathering.
During the 1880s, upper-class and society women would dress in elegant long gowns, gloves, and hats for their afternoon tea, which was typically served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock. It was not just a simple refreshment; it became an occasion to showcase style and sophistication.
At The Royal Tea Room, guests can partake in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea, expertly curated by Christophe Devoille. The afternoon tea experience is available daily from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, offering a delightful array of treats. The Signature Afternoon Tea, designed to indulge the senses, is priced at AED 560 for two people. For those seeking a unique Emirati twist, the Emirati Afternoon Tea is available at AED 440 for two people. To learn more about this exquisite experience or to make a reservation, visit www.atlantis.com/dubai/dining/the-royal-tearoom.
