Tea culture has long been embraced by people around the world. This magical plant is loved and revered, not only for the great variety of tastes and scents but also for its health benefits with high antioxidants and ability to prevent a great number of diseases.
While most people are familiar with tea that simply involves brewing with hot water or as a side beverage served with a meal, or a mini meal of an afternoon tea, not that many people know that Ceylon tea can be an excellent cooking ingredient for savory and dessert dishes. The intricateness of its taste inspires an amazing array of gastronomic creations. Most recently, Miss Tasanee Asawagovitwong, General Manager and founder of Global Premium Wine Company Limited, importer of ‘Dilmah’ tea has held DILMAH TEA INSPIRATION FOR 21st CENTURY” to search for the best teams of chefs and mixologists whose creativity and masterful cooking techniques meticulously intertwined to deliver gourmet renditions inspired by Dilmah’s very own Ceylon tea, introducing the tea lovers an unprecedented delectable experience. The competition is held on and the announcement of winners from the competition was held at Rosewood Hotel Bangkok, The Pavilion Room, 5th Floor.
The competition is witnessed by numerous celebrities tea lovers such as, MR Mannarumas Yugala Svasti-xuto, Haruethai Jayant Na Ayudhaya, Rinrata Indamra, Suree Ratanahirunya, Rungthip Issarangkul Na Ayutthaya, Asita Vimolchaijit, Nanjaporn Jongkavinit, Nutchanart Raveesaengsoon, Panichnart Yampeka, Vanida Golten and more.
While most people are familiar with tea that simply involves brewing with hot water or as a side beverage served with a meal, or a mini meal of an afternoon tea, not that many people know that Ceylon tea can be an excellent cooking ingredient for savory and dessert dishes. The intricateness of its taste inspires an amazing array of gastronomic creations. Most recently, Miss Tasanee Asawagovitwong, General Manager and founder of Global Premium Wine Company Limited, importer of ‘Dilmah’ tea has held DILMAH TEA INSPIRATION FOR 21st CENTURY” to search for the best teams of chefs and mixologists whose creativity and masterful cooking techniques meticulously intertwined to deliver gourmet renditions inspired by Dilmah’s very own Ceylon tea, introducing the tea lovers an unprecedented delectable experience. The competition is held on and the announcement of winners from the competition was held at Rosewood Hotel Bangkok, The Pavilion Room, 5th Floor.
The competition is witnessed by numerous celebrities tea lovers such as, MR Mannarumas Yugala Svasti-xuto, Haruethai Jayant Na Ayudhaya, Rinrata Indamra, Suree Ratanahirunya, Rungthip Issarangkul Na Ayutthaya, Asita Vimolchaijit, Nanjaporn Jongkavinit, Nutchanart Raveesaengsoon, Panichnart Yampeka, Vanida Golten and more.
Founded by 1988, Dilmah is a Sri Lankan brand of tea whose founder, Merrill J. Fernando, known today as the world’s most experienced teamaker. The brand moves forward with a passion to bring tea drinkers around the world tea of the highest quality. Dilmah prioritizes the perfection of its tealeaves. Fresh and free of contamination, Dilmah tea prides itself for its unique and authentic tastes, grown and harvested from the plantation owned by the brand that is known as the pioneer of Single Origin Tea philosophy.
“We want to introduce and cultivate a new tradition among Thai people that tea can be an integral part of everyone’s everyday life. It can be enjoyed as cold and hot beverages, cocktails and savory dishes as well as desserts. This is why Dilmah initiates the idea for tea to be reinvented into new possible tastes, allowing everyone to experience tea in ways that are entirely different from what we are familiar with. Once tea is created into all these different new menus, it will be able to attract more interest and access more diverse groups of consumers. This year, we have organized a competition, welcoming new-faced chefs and mixologists to showcase their talents in designing dishes and beverages inspired by Dilmah’s Ceylon tea, introducing foodies around the world to some new, exciting recipes,” Miss Tasanee Asawagovitwong, General Manager and founder of Global Premium Wine Company Limited, official importer of Dilmah Tea in Thailand, explains the objective of the competition.
This competition is interested by 18 teams of chefs and mixologists from leading hotels nationwide to participate and craft special menu, which are teams from Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Hilton Sukhumvit and DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, Pullman Bangkok King Power, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong hotel, Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel, Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel, Zazen Boutique Hotel Resort & SPA, Avani+ Hua Hin ResortAnantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Banyan Tree Phuket, and Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa.
“We want to introduce and cultivate a new tradition among Thai people that tea can be an integral part of everyone’s everyday life. It can be enjoyed as cold and hot beverages, cocktails and savory dishes as well as desserts. This is why Dilmah initiates the idea for tea to be reinvented into new possible tastes, allowing everyone to experience tea in ways that are entirely different from what we are familiar with. Once tea is created into all these different new menus, it will be able to attract more interest and access more diverse groups of consumers. This year, we have organized a competition, welcoming new-faced chefs and mixologists to showcase their talents in designing dishes and beverages inspired by Dilmah’s Ceylon tea, introducing foodies around the world to some new, exciting recipes,” Miss Tasanee Asawagovitwong, General Manager and founder of Global Premium Wine Company Limited, official importer of Dilmah Tea in Thailand, explains the objective of the competition.
This competition is interested by 18 teams of chefs and mixologists from leading hotels nationwide to participate and craft special menu, which are teams from Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Hilton Sukhumvit and DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, Pullman Bangkok King Power, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong hotel, Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel, Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel, Zazen Boutique Hotel Resort & SPA, Avani+ Hua Hin ResortAnantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Banyan Tree Phuket, and Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa.
The competition is also honored by Dilhan C. Fernando, CEO of global tea brand, ‘Dilmah’, acclaimed Australian chef, Peter Kuruvita, Dilmah’s brand ambassador, and renowned mixologist, Tomek Malek, the fourth winner of World Champion Flair Bartender to participate as the judges of this competition. The judging criteria will select the winner who is inspired to create food and beverage menu using Ceylon tea as key ingredient excellently. The winner’s prize is a trip to Sri Lanka to experience the abundant Dilmah tea plantation and the process from growing tea tree and meticulous selection of tea leaves before the production of famous Ceylon tea, and enjoy the retreat at luxury seaside hotel, Cape Weligama surrounded by splendid nature.
The winners of this competition granted with the Grand Winner Award are Chef Daniel Franco and mixologist, Thanavorn Sitichai from The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui. Both have created special food and beverage recipes with Dilmah tea as ingredients inspired by the nature and environmental surrounding. The food and beverage menu were crafted to provide the flavor contrast to give balanced when pairing together.
While celebrity tea lovers have revealed their favorite tea flavors and places for afternoon tea. Firstly, MR Mannarumas Yugala Svasti-xuto, said, “I love drinking tea since I was studying in England, especially afternoon tea set. I often had tea with friends after class and I get used to it since then, especially the Earl grey tea with milk added, classic milk tea I really enjoy. I also like fragrance infused tea like rose and chamomile tea that makes me feel delighted. My favorite place for tea is The Ritz Hotel in London, England where the dress code is provided before afternoon tea visit. I enjoy the ambience, tea flavor, and delicious dessert.”
The winners of this competition granted with the Grand Winner Award are Chef Daniel Franco and mixologist, Thanavorn Sitichai from The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui. Both have created special food and beverage recipes with Dilmah tea as ingredients inspired by the nature and environmental surrounding. The food and beverage menu were crafted to provide the flavor contrast to give balanced when pairing together.
While celebrity tea lovers have revealed their favorite tea flavors and places for afternoon tea. Firstly, MR Mannarumas Yugala Svasti-xuto, said, “I love drinking tea since I was studying in England, especially afternoon tea set. I often had tea with friends after class and I get used to it since then, especially the Earl grey tea with milk added, classic milk tea I really enjoy. I also like fragrance infused tea like rose and chamomile tea that makes me feel delighted. My favorite place for tea is The Ritz Hotel in London, England where the dress code is provided before afternoon tea visit. I enjoy the ambience, tea flavor, and delicious dessert.”
Next, gorgeous lady, Haruethai Jayant Na Ayudhaya, said, “I love sipping tea, especially the afternoon tea set including scone, my favorite pastry. In my free time, I will find a place for afternoon tea with friends. Especially when I studied postgraduate course in England, I had tea nearby University of Bath almost every day. That’s my favorite place as famous origin for tea with flavor. My favorite is English Breakfast, mixed black tea which is easy to drink as I don’t like sour taste of fruity tea.” A smart lady, Rinrata Indamra, said “I always drink some tea after meals. Previously I was addicted to coffee, but now I try to drink tea according to doctor’s suggestion that tea provides health benefits, but we have to take proper amount as well. Personally, I like peppermint tea as it makes me feel refreshing, and it’s perfect as mouth washing drink after food. Then after dinner I will sip chamomile tea, its pleasant aroma makes me feel good and sleep better. My impressive venue for tea is in London, England, acclaimed city for afternoon tea. I feel amazing to have some tea and delicious dessert there.” Lastly, celebrity tea lover Suree Ratanahirunya, said “To choose between coffee and tea, I prefer tea, especiallt aroma tea such as fruity tea like peach tea or jasmine tea. The perfect flavor for me comes from the second cup which gives well-balanced taste and less concentrate then the first cup. I usually drink tea in the morning for the fresh start of the day. My favorite location for tea is in Chester city, England where I enjoy excellent tea flavor and cozy atmosphere to make me feel relaxed.” |
Besides, the winners, Chef Daniel Franco and mixologist Thanavorn Sitichai from The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui also demonstrated the preparation of Dilmah tea based beverage called Chai masala Iced Macchiato using 20 grams of Dilmah ceylon ginger tea, 10 grams of Cinnamon, 5 grams of Cardamom, 5 grams of Star anise, 3 grams of Clove and 1 liter of milk. All ingredients are cooked in Sous Vide vacuum bag at 85 degree celsius for one hour to make 60 ml. of Masala Chai Tea, then mix with 10 ml. of Dilmah almond extract tea in a glass and garnish with Masala foam, Cinnamon Stick, and Dry Orange.
For more information about the competition and activities from Dilmah, visit www.dilmahteathailand.com, or facebook.com/dilmahteathailand fan page.
For more information about the competition and activities from Dilmah, visit www.dilmahteathailand.com, or facebook.com/dilmahteathailand fan page.