The Whisper Room | Exploration of Japan High Tea

The Whisper Room, the elegant lounge nestled within the dynamic multi-concept Centre Of The Universe (C.O.T.U) at Raffles Place, unveils its High Tea program, Exploration of Japan High Tea, a tribute to country’s most treasured seasonal flavours. Designed for those with a taste for the exquisite, this afternoon affair takes guests on a journey through Japan’s celebrated regions, showcasing delicacies crafted with precision, honouring the country’s rich culinary heritage with contemporary finesse.

A High Tea Journey Through Japan’s Exquisite Ingredients

Curated by Chef Alex Craciun, each treat pays homage to Japan’s most prized ingredients. The menu includes Bass Strait & Stone Axe Wagyu beef tartare (which was just simply sinful but it tasted so good), delicately complemented with aged mirin, ikura, and truffle, bringing together the richness of Japanese flavours. The Chitose cherry tomato tart with whipped goat’s cheese (no heavy flavours though) highlights the pristine produce from Hokkaido, known for its exceptional dairy and vibrant produce.

We enjoyed this luxe affair one fine afternoon, and were totally amazed and taken by surprise by the use of premium ingredients, styling and curation excellence at the Whisper Room; having been here before, and because we love to come to this venue, it was truly a captivating affair for us, to partake of this awesome Exploration series of Japanese-styled High Tea.

Sushi and Savoury Delights with a Contemporary Japanese Twist

For sushi lovers, C.O.T.U’s signature pressed salmon, akami, and chutoro sushi features nori tempura, sushi rice, avocado lime, spicy mayo, and cucumber, offering a refined take on Japan’s renowned sushi traditions; this is a fresh take of what we usually eat, so the preparation of this dish fitted the dynamics of our Japanese treat! A refreshing contrast comes with the Japanese slow-roasted sweet potato salad with smoked toro, a dish that celebrates the natural sweetness and depth of umami found in carefully sourced ingredients.

Sweet Temptation with Japanese Elegance

On the sweeter side, the ceremonial grade matcha & Chitose strawberry roll is enhanced with Madagascan vanilla crème chantilly, creating a sublime and delicate balance of flavors. The eloquence of this roll was just perfect, delivering the right punch of flavours that illuminated my afternoon tea culinary experience!

The Okinawa crème caramel, infused with kokuto black sugar, pays homage to the deep, molasses-like sweetness that is a hallmark of the Okinawan islands. The decadent chocolate layer cake, featuring layers of milk chocolate crème and dark chocolate genoise, adds a rich indulgence before transitioning to the Hokkaido passionfruit cheesecake with macadamia nut base, showcasing the region’s world-renowned dairy. To finish, the Mikan orange madeleines from Wakayama, finished with a dark chocolate and orange zest glaze, offer a citrusy, bittersweet indulgence.

An Afternoon of Refined Indulgence in The Whisper Room

Housed within the intimate and opulent setting of The Whisper Room, the Exploration of Japan High Tea service is a symphony of flavour and elegance. To elevate the affair, guests will be welcomed with a glass of bubbles, making it an indulgence befitting the most discerning palates.

Chef Alex said, “The Whisper Room is a place of quiet indulgence, where the hushed glamour of a New York jazz lounge meets the vibrant soul of Tokyo. Our High Tea menu embraces that duality, presenting Japan’s most exquisite ingredients executed with both precision and creativity. Every element is carefully considered, much like the room itself, to offer an experience that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly unexpected. Paired with sweeping views of the Marina Bay skyline, this high-tea offering promises an afternoon of sophisticated relaxation.” We always enjoyed the interiors within The Whisper Room, and the design is just eclectic and amazingly gorgeous with the right colour intonation to match the seats, decor and lighting features.

A Spirited Pairing: Cocktails Inspired by Japan’s Finest Flavours

To further enhance the journey, The Whisper Room presents a refined selection of elegantly crafted cocktails, each designed to complement the flavours of Japan. The Nashi (SGD16), inspired by Kyoto, offers a delicate balance of Kakubin Whisky, sencha, and poached nashi, layered with sake and vanilla matcha froth, creating a drink that is fruity, tannic, and round on the palate. From Kumamoto, the Chitose High pairs Kyoho grape oolong-infused. shochu with Chitose tomato, dill, and tarragon, finished with a light fizz for an umami-rich, herbaceous experience.

For a refreshing and vibrant option, The People’s Drink, a Tokyo-inspired creation, features Roku Gin with house-brewed strawberry genmaicha soda, topped with basil foam and frozen cucumber snow, offering a fresh, toasty, and fizzy profile. We find this cocktail creation simply exquisite, so I had 2 glasses of it, refreshing yet demure!

Meanwhile, the Tsuru Fizz from Kyoto is a decadent combination of hojicha cream, vodka, Maldon salt, hazelnut, and white cacao, delivering a creamy, savoury, and indulgent sip.

For guests who prefer a classic pairing, The Whisper Room also offers an elegant selection of teas starting from SGD6, as well as coffees from SGD5, ensuring every guest finds the perfect complement to their high-tea experience.

The Exploration of Japan High Tea is available from Tuesday to Friday from 1.30pm – 4.30pm priced at $68++.

More information of The Whisper Room and of C.O.T.U.

https://www.cotu.co/