Stepping into Kunthaville feels like entering a painter's dream. Picture-perfect interiors transport you to a bygone era. French wicker chairs, bathed in warm sunlight, invite you to settle in, while custom-designed wallpapers create the illusion of being surrounded by lush Sri Lankan tea gardens, as you rest within a glass-walled colonial-era plantation house. A three-tiered symphony of delectable treats sits on your table, a testament to the unique high tea experience awaiting at this haven nestled in the bustling heart of Little India.
Kunthaville, a recently launched Ceylonese restaurant, not only boasts stunning aesthetics but also offers a high tea experience deeply rooted in its heritage. The owner, Kuntha Chelvanathan (pictured below), whose family has managed one of Sri Lanka's premier tea estates for generations, imbues every sip with a touch of legacy. As she prepares the Paris Rose blend in a delicate pot, Kuntha's smile is as warm as the tea itself. "This is my favourite," she confides, "the very first blend I ever created." This sentiment sets the stage for Kunthaville's unique tea tasting experience, the first of its kind in Singapore.
As you embark on this fragrant journey, Kuntha guides you through five exquisite teas. From the worth-its-weight-in-gold Silver Tips to the aforementioned Paris Rose and my personal favourite, the White Jasmine, each brew is an aromatic revelation. These teas, sometimes fruity, sometimes earthy, are always an exceptional symphony for the senses.
The new high tea set extends this symphony of flavours and textures, crafting an ideal experience for a leisurely afternoon soiree. Unlike traditional high tea offerings, Kunthaville's boasts a delightful South Asian twist, and is entirely vegan. Delicate sliders and miniature croissants find themselves alongside intriguing vegetarian offerings like breaded jackfruit balls, vibrant beetroot cutlets exploding with subtle spices, and old-school vegetable patties that evoke memories of simpler times.
Vegan mutton rolls add a touch of savoury indulgence, while the chilli cheese toast (surprisingly devoid of any actual heat!) serves as a playful nod to the classic Gymkhana club fare. The pièce de résistance of this culinary journey arrives in the form of miniature cupcakes. Infused with the restaurant's most popular teas, these delightful bites are a wonderful surprise, being not only delicious but also entirely vegan. They are the perfect sweet ending to an afternoon filled with unique flavours and a glimpse into Ceylonese heritage.
Kunthaville shines as a beacon of elegance and tranquillity amidst the city's vibrant energy. Its new high tea offering is sure to become a favourite among those who are looking for a unique experience or an afternoon soiree with their friends. It offers an opportunity to sip exceptional teas, savour delectable treats, and embark on a journey through time and flavours - all hidden in this stunning shophouse nestled in the heart of Little India.
About The Writer
Harnoor Channi-Tiwary is a well-published Travel Editor & Food Writer based in Singapore. With more than 13 years of editorial experience, she writes for some of the world’s top publications such as JW Marriott Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Wine & Dine, The CEO Magazine, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines and sits on the tasting panel of various food awards. Harnoor is also the Global Editor of Asia's premier luxury villa company, Elite Havens, and is currently working on a book based on her food trails across Southeast Asia, having already published an Expat Guide for India.
Recently graduated from the highly specialised 'Advanced Studies in Gastronomy' course at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Harnoor brings with her a deeper understanding of cuisines, authentic flavours, and their evolution. The world of food and travel are the very axis of her life and her in-depth knowledge. writing expertise, and quick wit and humour make her one of the region's top food and travel writers.
If you would like Harnoor or any of the Expat Choice reporting team to visit your establishment as a guest to report on your unique experience and have this report published on our network, you can contact Expat Choice HQ by email with details about your offering at [email protected]
a. 18 Veerasamy Rd, Level 1, Singapore 207326
fb. www.facebook.com/kunthaville.sg
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