Singaporean Chinese Afternoon Tea

Ingredients

This adaptation of the British Afternoon Tea incorporates the unique flavors and ingredients of Singaporean Chinese cuisine. Traditional British tea sandwiches are replaced with bite-sized dumplings and spring rolls filled with Singaporean Chinese fillings such as char siu (barbecue pork) and prawn sambal. Scones are transformed into pandan-flavored pastries, and delicate tea cakes are infused with local flavors like kaya (coconut jam) and gula melaka (palm sugar). We alse have the original recipe for Afternoon Tea, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) all-purpose flour 200g (7 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt
• 50g (1.8 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 50g (1.8 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 50g (1.8 oz) granulated sugar 50g (1.8 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 80ml (1/3 cup) milk 80ml (1/3 cup) milk
• 1 tsp pandan extract 1 tsp pandan extract
• Filling options: char siu, prawn sambal, vegetable curry Filling options: char siu, prawn sambal, vegetable curry
• Dipping sauce options: soy sauce, chili sauce, sweet chili sauce Dipping sauce options: soy sauce, chili sauce, sweet chili sauce

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. 3.
   Stir in the sugar.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and pandan extract.
5. 5.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. 6.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.
7. 7.
   Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
8. 8.
   Cut out small circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
9. 9.
   Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle and fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
10. 10.
    Press the edges together to seal the dumplings.
11. 11.
    Steam the dumplings for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
12. 12.
    Serve the dumplings with dipping sauces of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pandan extract — Pandan extract is a popular ingredient in Singaporean Chinese cuisine, known for its unique flavor and vibrant green color. If you can't find pandan extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different but equally delicious flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the dough and fillings in advance and assemble the dumplings just before steaming.
• Experiment with different fillings and dipping sauces to create a variety of flavors.
• Serve the Singaporean Chinese Afternoon Tea with a selection of traditional Chinese teas such as jasmine tea, oolong tea, or chrysanthemum tea.

Serving advice

Serve the Singaporean Chinese Afternoon Tea on a tiered stand or platter, arranged beautifully with the dumplings and dipping sauces. Accompany it with a pot of fragrant Chinese tea and enjoy the bite-sized delights with friends and family.

Presentation advice

For an authentic Singaporean Chinese touch, garnish the dumplings with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions or coriander leaves. Arrange them on a platter with colorful dipping sauces to create an inviting and visually appealing spread.