Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea at Element KL celebrates local flavors

Element Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with Dilmah Tea, is ushering in the Merdeka and Malaysia Day season with the launch of its Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea — a refined tea pairing experience that celebrates the nation’s diverse culinary tapestry. Aptly named Merdeka Rasa, which means “freedom of taste,” the initiative presents a flavour-forward interpretation of local traditions through elevated high tea offerings.

Hosted at TRACE Restaurant & Bar on Level 40, the venue offers panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline — a perfect setting for this homage to Malaysian ingredients, culture, and nostalgia. Guests are welcomed with a vibrant Dilmah Rosehip & Hibiscus Iced Tea, a floral and citrusy drink featuring hibiscus, Malaysia’s national flower, delicately blended with mint.

A key highlight of the experience is its thoughtfully curated tea pairing. Savories are best enjoyed with Dilmah’s Brilliant Breakfast Tea, while the sweetness of the desserts complements the floral notes of Jasmine Green Tea. Each set is served in a nostalgic three-tier basket, embodying both Malaysian warmth and charm.

Local inspiration

Element Kuala Lumpur’s culinary team has curated six savoury and five sweet items, each with a distinct story and local touch. Among the standout savouries is the Pulled Beef Rendang Brisket & Mushroom Vol-au-Vent, featuring beef slow-braised for over six hours in local spices for a robust, comforting bite. The Lobster Roll with Garlic Cheese Sauce, made from fresh Sabah lobster, adds a luxurious and creamy touch.

On the dessert side, Pastry Chef de Partie Hafiz Iskandar takes pride in his signature Pandan Cranberries Scone. “I spent nearly two years refining the texture of this scone,” he shares. “The pandan lends a uniquely Malaysian aroma, and we serve it with clotted cream and jam for the perfect balance.”

Chef Hafiz also highlights his tea-infused desserts: the Honey Chamomile Jelly, made with Dilmah’s Chamomile Tea and filled with fresh local fruits, is topped with sengkuang pearls for added texture. Meanwhile, the Peach Tea Cream Cheese Mousse showcases Dilmah’s Peach Tea, topped with colours inspired by the Jalur Gemilang as a nod to the Merdeka spirit.

A feast for the senses

Other notable items include Cucumber & Tuna Tataki, Cannellini & Fava Bean Salad in Tart Shell, Crispy Fried Prawn Dumpling, BBQ Grilled Chicken Tortilla Wrap, Passionfruit Bavarois, and Green Spirit Petit Gâteau — all thoughtfully reinterpreted using Malaysian ingredients through a global lens.

As a finishing touch, each set includes two complimentary Dilmah Flavoured Green Tea sachets, allowing guests to extend their tasting experience at home.

Priced at RM168 nett for two persons, the Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea is available daily from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, between 1 August and 30 September 2025. For dining enquiries, call 03-2771 3351 or visit the official reservation page.

For those looking to savour even more of Malaysia’s rich culinary and cultural identity, Element Kuala Lumpur also offers a Merdeka Rasa Room Package. This staycation bundle includes a two-night stay with breakfast for two, as well as one Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea set — a perfect pairing of local flavours and elevated comfort with a view.

Celebrate Merdeka in style, with taste, and with pride — only at Element Kuala Lumpur.