This review was originally published September 25, 2013. TWG Tea at Rockwell Power Plant Mall closed down some years ago. After it closed, the mall's underwent renovation to accommodate shops such as crafts store Common Room and menswear purveyor Signet, with the old Archaeology Wing being removed altogether.
My introduction to TWG came about in April 2013, during a Saturday trip to Greenbelt 5 in Makati. I saw its flagship branch decked in gold and wood while walking around the high-end mall. The sights were wonderful: different colored tins, teapots, pastries, and sweets were displayed. It simply resonated with class! Much as I wanted to try, I hesitated because of the exorbitant prices. Nevertheless, I told myself that I'll get to try TWG Tea someday.
Fortunately, I had the chance to try out its Power Plant Mall branch located at the shopping center's Archaeology Wing. Notwithstanding the rather small space, the ambiance at TWG Tea in Rockwell Power Plant brings you back to an authentic British tearoom, enjoying a casual afternoon with the lords and ladies of the court. Dividers separate it from the rest of the mall, adding extra privacy and intimacy. The attentiveness of the wait staff here is equally admirable; the receptionist asked me if I was dining alone and when I answered yes, she called for my assigned server.
My first pot of Chocolate Earl Grey Tea arrived; one pot typically contains 4 to 5 cups of tea. One is introduced to bergamot orange as soon as it is poured out, but the actual magic happens when sugar is added. Half a tablespoon of TWG's special sugar lets the pronounced chocolate notes emerge, lingering even in the aftertaste! This tea got me hooked from the first cup! (Speaking of cups, the ones that TWG Tea uses are specially designed.
The afternoon tea set I ordered arrived soon after, served in a three-layer tray. Tea-infused jelly and whipped cream compose the first layer. The former takes the place of jam, and the latter is a healthier alternative to clotted cream -- which contains a lot of calories. The middle layer consisting of chocolate and raspberry muffins failed to impress as they were dry and crumbly, a far cry from traditionally moist muffins. The Croque Imperial Sandwich was served at the bottom. This sandwich with smoked salmon and tea-infused Emmenthal cheese surprisingly paired well with the rest of the baked goods, with the accompanying green salad breaking up the strong taste of the salty salmon and cheese.
The set I ordered came with three macarons so I ordered Napoleon Tea & Caramel, Matcha, and Earl Grey Fortune & Chocolate. I also ordered another pot of Chocolate Earl Grey tea to wash down the sweets. The Napoleon Tea & Caramel paired very well with the hot beverage as the former's caramel filling served to sweeten it. The Matcha macaron had the right amount of green tea without the overly vegetal taste, while the the Earl Grey Fortune & Chocolate had subtle hints of the tea that was used yet still tasting of chocolate.
Never mind that this trip set me back more than a thousand pesos, service charge included. Little did I know that this initial trip would only serve as the first of a long series of culinary escapades.
Check out TWG Tea's main website to find out more about this Singaporean luxury tea purveyor. Until the next review, bon appetit!
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