In a graceful celebration of Malaysia’s independence and cultural richness, Element Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with Dilmah Tea, unveils the Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea — a thoughtfully curated tea-pairing experience that honours the nation’s diverse culinary identity through refined, contemporary expressions.
Held at TRACE Restaurant & Bar on Level 40, this special high tea experience brings together panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline with a nostalgic yet elevated exploration of flavours, textures, and traditions. Running from 1 August to 30 September 2025, the Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea is a sensory tribute to “Merdeka Rasa” — which translates as freedom of taste — embodying Malaysia’s kaleidoscopic gastronomic heritage.
🌸 A Toast to Malaysia in Every Sip
Guests are welcomed with a glass of Dilmah Rosehip & Hibiscus Iced Tea, featuring Malaysia’s national flower and enlivened with citrus and mint. But it’s the structured tea pairing that makes this offering stand apart: Dilmah’s Brilliant Breakfast Tea is matched with the savouries, while Jasmine Green Tea provides an aromatic foil for the sweet finale.
Served in a nostalgic three-tier basket inspired by Malaysian family kitchens, each item on the menu is designed with care and cultural reverence.
🍴 Where Heritage Meets Innovation
Among the highlights is the Pulled Beef Rendang Brisket Vol-au-Vent — melt-in-your-mouth beef slow-braised in local spices for over six hours, wrapped in buttery puff pastry. The Lobster Roll with Garlic Cheese Sauce, made with fresh Sabahan lobster, adds a coastal richness to the mix, while the BBQ Chicken Tortilla Wrap and Crispy Prawn Dumpling nod to local street flavours with an elegant twist.
Pastry Chef Hafiz Iskandar brings artistry to the sweet tier. His signature Pandan Cranberries Scone — perfected over two years — is served with clotted cream and jam, offering an unmistakably Malaysian aroma in every bite.
Tea-infused desserts shine brightly: the Honey Chamomile Jelly, filled with local fruits and topped with chewy sengkuang pearls, offers a refreshing and playful contrast, while the Peach Tea Cream Cheese Mousse pays visual homage to the Jalur Gemilang, Malaysia’s national flag, through its patriotic colours and smooth, delicate texture.
🍰 Other sweet additions include the Passionfruit Bavarois and Green Spirit Petit Gâteau, rounding out a menu that celebrates not just independence, but innovation.
🎁 More Than a Meal — A Keepsake Experience
Each tea set includes two Dilmah Flavoured Green Tea sachets as a memento, inviting guests to continue the experience at home.
The Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea is priced at RM168 nett for two, available daily from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. For those seeking an immersive stay, Element Kuala Lumpur also offers the Merdeka Rasa Room Package, which includes a two-night stay, breakfast for two, and one tea set — ideal for those wishing to celebrate the season with flavour and skyline views.
📞 For enquiries or reservations, call 03 2771 3351 or visit the Element Kuala Lumpur website.