Fragrance becomes flavour in Bangkok afternoon tea experience

In a city where tradition and modernity drift seamlessly along the Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is marking its 150th anniversary not with nostalgia alone, but with something more ephemeral: scent.

Throughout August, the hotel is presenting Light of Bangkok Afternoon Tea, a month-long collaboration with Paris-based fragrance house Parfums Dusita, served amid the elegance of The Authors’ Lounge.

 

 

A hotel reimagined through scent

Part of the hotel’s “Unfolding Legacies” anniversary programme, the afternoon tea draws inspiration from Light of Bangkok, a special fragrance created to celebrate the hotel’s 150th anniversary and tell its story through scent and craftsmanship.

Created by Thai perfumer Pissara “Ploi” Umavijani, founder of Parfums Dusita in Paris, Light of Bangkok was composed as an olfactory portrait of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. It draws inspiration from the hotel’s distinctive atmosphere, from its people and interiors to its elegant celadon-green palette.

The fragrance opens with the freshness of bergamot, sage and lemongrass. At its heart, jasmine, ylang-ylang and orris butter unfold before giving way to base notes of sandalwood, vetiver and musk, capturing the character of Bangkok and the hotel’s distinctive tradition of hospitality.

“Creating Light of Bangkok has been a deeply meaningful journey for me,” Pissara explained.

“I wanted to convey the warmth, elegance and distinctive spirit I experience every time I return to Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Seeing the fragrance inspire an afternoon tea is especially meaningful because it brings scent, flavour and memory together in a beautiful and unexpected way.”

From perfume notes to pastry

Inspired by the fragrance, executive pastry chef Pablo Gicquel has created an afternoon tea menu that interprets the notes of Light of Bangkok through a selection of savoury and sweet creations.

The savoury tier includes bergamot-marinated scallop with ylang-ylang, jasmine-scented crab paired with young coconut, and green pea and pandan accented by the natural depth of vetiver.

Tuna with beetroot and orris brings together earthy and floral notes, while foie gras served with truffle and sandalwood provides a richer finish.

On the sweet tier, fragrance becomes indulgence. Highlights include bergamot tea cake, jasmine-scented vanilla cake served with mango jam, ylang-ylang banana pie and whisky chocolate accented with sandalwood.

A special chocolate sablé created for the hotel’s 150th anniversary features lemongrass and jasmine ganache. Traditional scones and seasonal fruit preserves complete the experience.

Perfume workshops deepen the experience

The collaboration extends beyond the table with exclusive perfume workshops led by Pissara. Guests will discover the inspiration behind Light of Bangkok, explore the ingredients that define its character and learn how the fragrance developed from its initial concept into a finished composition reflecting the identity of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

The first 40 guests to book Light of Bangkok Afternoon Tea for August 8, 2026 or August 18, 2026 will receive a fragrance sample and complimentary access to a workshop held from noon to 3pm.

Guests attending the afternoon tea will also receive a 20% discount on the 50ml Light of Bangkok Eau de Parfum, available at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Light of Bangkok Afternoon Tea is served daily from noon to 6pm at The Authors’ Lounge. It is priced at 1,980++ baht per person or 2,680++ baht per person with one glass of champagne.

The experience is less a reinvention of afternoon tea than a quiet expansion of it — one in which fragrance is translated into flavour and memory is plated as delicately as pastry.

For reservations or further information, contact Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok on +66 (0) 2 659 9000 or email [email protected].