A Storied Collaboration: Anantara Chiang Mai and the Legendary Michelin-Plated Jia Tong Heng Present Whispers of the East Afternoon Tea

This season, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort invites guests on a journey through taste, time, and tradition with the launch of Whispers of the East — a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea collaboration between Executive Chef Natruthai Petsuwan and third-generation Chef Pongsakorn Jiarasatit of the Michelin-Plated Jia Tong Heng. The experience is available daily from 1 June to 31 October 2025, between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, at The Verandah at 1921 House.

Framed by the shaded verandah of the former British Consulate and overlooking the serene Mae Ping River, afternoon tea at Anantara Chiang Mai has long been a signature ritual. Each season introduces a new interpretation of the classic British tradition — infused with tropical flavours, local inspirations, and now, a refined Teochew twist.

This summer’s Whispers of the East pays homage to Chiang Mai’s Chinese culinary legacy. Chef Pongsakorn of Jia Tong Heng — one of the city’s most iconic and beloved Chinese restaurants — joins forces with Chef Natruthai to reinterpret treasured family recipes into a curated tea-time indulgence.

As one of Chiang Mai’s oldest and most beloved Chinese restaurants, the Michelin-Plated Jia Tong Heng is a name synonymous with celebration. From its early days in Nawarat Market to its flagship Si Don Chai restaurant and new-generation offshoots in Fa Ham, Nimman, and Mae Rim, the restaurant has been at the heart of Chiang Mai’s community dining for nearly 70 years — a symbol of family feasts, festive banquets, and cross-generational celebration.

Now, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the family’s beloved recipes are transformed into an elegant afternoon tea format with a modern Teochew twist. Guests can expect dim sum–style savouries like steamed buns filled with slow-cooked Moo Hong pork, alongside time-honoured sweets including ow nee pae kuay cake made from Chef Pongsakorn’s grandmother’s original recipe, and a striking Chinese red date Mont Blanc. Traditional scones are served with clotted cream and preserves, alongside house-made tropical gelato and sorbet — a cooling signature of the resort’s afternoon tea experience.

Served on vintage blue-and-white porcelain reserved for special occasions, each bite is thoughtfully paired with fine teas and coffees. Beverage selections include sustainably sourced blends from TWG and local Chiang Mai roaster Monsoon Tea, with favourites such as Tha Pae Gate and Mountain Breeze Oolong.

“Anantara takes great pride in celebrating each destination’s cultural richness, especially through cuisine,” says Executive Chef Natruthai Petsuwan. “Jia Tong Heng is just down the road, and it’s an honour to collaborate with such a local institution to craft something truly meaningful.”

“As a proud ambassador of Sino-Thai cuisine, it’s a privilege to reinterpret my ancestors’ recipes for Anantara’s guests,” adds Chef Pongsakorn Jiarasatit. “It’s a collaboration close to the heart — and hopefully the first of many.”

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort’s Afternoon Tea experience is served daily from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Verandah at 1921 House, priced at THB 1,188++ per person | THB 2,188++ per couple (Consul’s Set), and THB 1,288++ per person | THB 2,388++ per couple (Governor’s Set with signature cocktail or mocktail). For more information or reservations, call +66 53 253 333, email chiangmai@anantara.com or visit anantara.com

A luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, Anantara Hotels & Resorts connects guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination, creating unforgettable memories for every guest since 2001. From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

Anantara Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Visit anantara.com for more information, and connect with Anantara on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube.