Tucked into the architecturally striking Capitol Grand complex in South Yarra,away from the hustle of Chapel Street, Yugen Tea Bar offers a high tea experience that redefines tradition.
This isn’t your average scones-and-sandwiches affair, it’s where Japanese precision meets contemporary flair, served with elegance and just the right amount of whimsy.
From the moment you step inside, the venue exudes calm sophistication. There’s an unmistakable sense of Japanese cool – minimal yet warm, stylish without trying too hard. The space alone sets the tone: you’re in for something special.
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The high tea menu created by Stephen Nairn, Culinary Director and Kay-Lene Tan the Group Executive Pastry Chef, is a delightful balance of savoury and sweet, curated with the craftsmanship and care of culinary artists at the top of their game. On the savoury side, the Kung Pao Chicken Sandwich was a favourite for our table.
When it came to the sweets, we were delighted. The Chocolate Cake is a rich, silky standout, the Hokkaido Tart is pure joy – light yet luscious. And the Sesame Choux Bun brings a beautiful nutty depth – this was my favourite. Even the scones are reinvented: dense, buttery, and utterly moreish, served with a nod to tradition via jam and cream.
One of the real highlights here is the tea, an experience in itself. Sourced from Yugen’s collection, the selection includes rare and refined varieties like Karigane, Hojicha, Bai Mu Dan, and Lui Bao. Tea lovers are in for a treat, these aren’t blends you’ll find at the local shops, or even most specialty stores.
If you’re in the mood to elevate the indulgence, the glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve champagne adds a luxurious sparkle to the afternoon.
Whether you’re celebrating or simply carving out a moment for yourself, Yugen’s high tea is a serene, sensory escape. Booking ahead is essential.
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Yugen Tea Bar High Tea Menu:
Savoury:
- Carrot Tart
- Mini Bagels
- Kung Pao Chicken Sandwich
- Ramen Egg Sandwich
- Spam Onigiri
Sweet:
- Buckwheat Taiyaki
- Chocolate Cake
- Macaron
- Hokkaido Tart
- Lotus Mochi
- Sesame Choux Bun
- Scones served with jam and cream
High Tea Melbourne – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 23 May 2024: High Tea at Yugen Tea Bar, Melbourne
