This season, the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort invites its guests on a journey through flavor, time, and tradition: “Whispers of the East” – a unique afternoon tea experience created in collaboration between Executive Chef Natruthai Petsuwan and Executive Chef Pongsakorn Jiarasatit, a third-generation chef at the Michelin-starred Jia Tong Heng restaurant. This exclusive experience is offered daily from June 1st to October 31st, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the veranda of the 1921 House.

Nestled on the shaded veranda of the former British Consulate and overlooking the tranquil Mae Ping River, afternoon tea at the Anantara Chiang Mai has long been a signature ritual. Each season presents a new interpretation of the classic British tradition – enriched with tropical flavors, local inspirations, and now also a refined touch of Teochew cuisine.

This year's "Whispers of the East" event series is a tribute to Chiang Mai's Chinese culinary heritage. Chef Pongsakorn from Jia Tong Heng – one of the city's most renowned and popular Chinese restaurants – has teamed up with Chef Natruthai to transform traditional family recipes into an exclusive tea experience.

As one of Chiang Mai's oldest and most beloved Chinese restaurants, the Michelin-starred Jia Tong Heng is synonymous with celebration. From its beginnings in the Nawarat Market, through its flagship restaurant Si Don Chai, to its modern branches in Fa Ham, Nimman, and Mae Rim, the restaurant has been a central part of Chiang Mai's culinary community for almost 70 years – a symbol of family gatherings, festive banquets, and celebrations across generations.

In a unique collaboration, beloved family recipes are being transformed into an elegant afternoon tea concept with a modern Teochew twist. Guests can look forward to savory dim sum delicacies such as steamed buns filled with slow-cooked moo-hong pork, as well as traditional sweets, including the Ow-Nee-Pae-Kuay cake made according to Chef Pongsakorn's grandmother's original recipe and the impressive Mont Blanc made with Chinese red dates. Traditional scones are served with clotted cream and jam, along with homemade tropical gelato and sorbet – a refreshing highlight of the resort's afternoon tea experience.

Served on vintage blue and white porcelain reserved for special occasions, each bite is carefully paired with select teas and coffees. The beverage selection includes sustainably sourced blends from TWG and the local Chiang Mai roastery Monsoon Tea, including popular varieties such as Tha Pae Gate and Mountain Breeze Oolong.

“Anantara places great importance on celebrating the cultural richness of each destination, especially through its cuisine,” says Chef Natruthai Petsuwan. “Jia Tong Heng is located very close by, and it is an honor for us to collaborate with this local institution and create something truly meaningful.”

“As a proud ambassador of Sino-Thai cuisine, it is an honor for me to reinterpret my ancestors’ recipes for the guests of Anantara,” adds Chef Pongsakorn Jiarasatit. “It is a labor of love – and hopefully the first of many.”

Afternoon Tea at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is served daily from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the veranda of the 1921 House. Prices are 1,188++ THB per person | 2,188++ THB per couple (Consul's Set) and 1,288++ THB per person | 2,388++ THB per couple (Governor's Set with signature cocktail or non-alcoholic cocktail).