Indulge in an innovative crossover that celebrates the rich exchanges between the Chinese and French royal courts through exquisite handcrafted delicacies
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) has partnered with the renowned French culinary brand DALLOYAU to present “A China-France Cultural Soirée” Afternoon Tea Set. This enchanting cross-cultural collaboration features artfully crafted delicacies complemented by premium teas, honouring the rich heritage of cultural exchange between the Chinese and French royal courts. This special afternoon tea set will be available from 2 January to 31 May 2025, at four DALLOYAU outlets* in Hong Kong, and the one-MICHELIN-starred French restaurant ÉPURE.
Inspired by the cultural exchange between Chinese and French royal courts in the 17th and 18th centuries, this afternoon tea set celebrates a remarkable historical period when artisans from both cultures drew inspiration from one another's craftsmanship, despite their distinct backgrounds. This collaborative spirit flourished under the reign of Louis XIV of France (1643-1715), who dispatched “Royal Mathematicians” to China, and Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722), whose openness to foreign cultures is well-documented in imperial archives. Notably, Emperor Kangxi expressed curiosity about a novel ingredient called “chocolate”, which he requested from missionaries. Although its initial bitter taste did not win imperial favour, skilled pastry chefs later transformed it into the beloved delicacy we enjoy today.
DALLOYAU is the only French culinary brand that has served the Palace of Versailles since 1682. The legacy began over 300 years ago when Charles Dalloyau was appointed royal chef by Louis XIV. Subsequent generations of the family continued to serve various members of the French royal household, including Louis XV and Queen Marie. As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, as well as the China-France Year of Cultural Tourism, this special collaboration showcases an impressive array of sweet and savoury treats that intertwine historical narratives of court culture with enticing ingredients, paying homage to the long-standing friendship between China and France:
- Classic French Chocolate Mousse
Resembling an exquisite porcelain vase, this dessert features an intricate ice-crackeddesign that embodies Eastern aesthetics. Adorned with gold embellishments reminiscent of rococo grandeur, it mirrors the precious Chinese porcelain coveted by the French nobility in the 18th century. Filled with an airy yet indulgent 70% Valrhona dark chocolate mousse, the dessert offers a perfectly balanced sweetness.
- Goji Osmanthus Teacup
This Chinese herbal-inspired treat features two cherished ingredients from Chinese culinary culture: goji berries, known for their benefits in improving eyesight and nourishing the liver, and osmanthus, revered for symbolising an ideal life. Served in a delicate chocolate cup as thin as a cicada's wing, adorned with hand-painted floral motifs, this sweet and refreshing jelly showcases exceptional craftsmanship.
- DALLOYAU's Signature Opéra
DALLOYAU’s celebrated Opéra cake is a masterpiece of precise, geometric presentation featuring eight delicately thin layers. With the intensity of 70% dark chocolate ganache, coffee cream, espresso-soaked joconde biscuit base and gold-foiled chocolate thins, this cake offers a vibrant convergence of flavours, embellished with the French royal fleur-de-lis pattern.
- Mont Blanc Mille Feuille
A quintessential French pastry since the 19th century, the Mille Feuille showcases the pastry chef’s artistry with ethereally light and crispy layers of puff pastry. Filled with seasonal chestnut cream, it delivers a sublime combination of textures and delightful nutty sweetness.
- Macaron
Featuring a crispy shell and smooth filling, these macarons are decorated with designs reminiscent of the iconic gates of the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles, symbolising a journey through arts and culture, as well as the richness of French culinary traditions.
- Lobster Black Truffle Sandwich and Smoked Salmon Sandwich
These sandwiches artfully combine soft bread with treasures from the ocean – succulent truffled lobster and delicately salted smoked salmon. The design incorporates red and gold, symbolising good fortune and festive celebrations in Chinese culture.
- Duck Foie Gras & Raspberry Tartlet and Escargot & Mushroom Vol Au Vent
These savoury delicacies pay homage to traditional French flavours while drawing inspiration from floral-patterned porcelain vessel. The tartlet features silky foie gras paired with tangy raspberry sauce, while the golden vol au vent encases tender escargots and mushrooms in crispy puff pastry.
- Scone with Hawthorn Jam
Freshly baked scones with a crispy exterior and soft centre are innovatively paired with homemade hawthorn jam, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tart notes with a subtle fruity fragrance. Believed to aid digestion in traditional Chinese practices, theses cones provide a pleasing conclusion to an exquisite afternoon tea experience.
The afternoon tea set is served with a selection of teas from the HKPM Palace Pals series. The tea bags feature charming cartoon characters of Ming and Qing court figures, an original design series by the HKPM, making a delightful companion for the teacup during this leisurely afternoon experience.
“A China-France Cultural Soirée” Afternoon Tea Set for two is priced at HKD 536** (DALLOYAU) or HK$598** (ÉPURE), and will be available from 2 January to 31 May 2025, between 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
Members and Patrons of the HKPM, as well as visitors who presented their Special Exhibition ticket or the HKPM's Full Access Ticket, can enjoy a 15% discount on the afternoon tea set. Additionally, customers partaking in the afternoon tea set can redeem an exquisite souvenir at the Hong Kong Palace Museum gift shop by presenting their “A China-France Cultural Soirée” Gift Redemption Voucher. Reservations are recommended at least one day in advance, as seating is limited.
* The four branches are located at Entertainment Building, ifc, Pacific Place and Harbour City.
**All prices are subject to a 10% service charge.
Remarks
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to be a leading cultural institution committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing dialogue among world civilisations. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust made a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as for some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2031.
Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum offers a Hong Kong perspective and a global vision, presenting the finest objects from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through research, exhibitions, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum will build international partnerships and help position Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. At heart a resource that belongs to the community of Hong Kong, the Museum will inspire community engagement, foster dialogue, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About DALLOYAU
A prestigious name in French culinary circles, DALLOYAU is steeped in history as the only culinary brand to serve the Palace of Versailles’ royal court since 1682. Over three centuries ago, Charles Dalloyau began serving the French royal family as Louis XIV’s master cook, a regal honour for the Dalloyau family that continued through the reigns of Louis XV, Marie Antoinette and beyond. DALLOYAU opened its first shop in Hong Kong in 2014, using premium ingredients to create classic delicacies from authentic, closely guarded French recipes. Top of the list is the world-famous Opéra Cake, arguably the most famous gateau of the 20th century. The brand also features two bistros in Hong Kong, presenting a full range of French comfort cuisine on top of its world-famous pastries and exquisite desserts for guests to enjoy the bon vivant way of life.
Afternoon Tea: 2:30 pm–5:30 pm
Website: www.dalloyau.hk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DALLOYAUHongKong
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dalloyauhk/
The “A China-France Cultural Soirée” Afternoon Tea Set is available at: DALLOYAU
DALLOYAU
- Shop C, G/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central (Tel: 3185 8392)
- Shop 325B, L3, Pacific Place, Admiralty (Tel: 3185 8391)
- Shop 2028, L2, ifc Mall, Central (Tel: 3185 8390)
- Shop 3220, 3/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui (Tel: 3185 8330)
ÉPURE
Shop 403, 4/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui (Tel: 3185 8338)
Website: www.EPURE.hk
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on forty hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, WestK produces and hosts world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing twenty-three hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
https://www.westk.hk
