Tea with bear essentials

Teddy Bear afternoon tea is served at the Shenzhen Ritz-Carlton. Photos by Lin Baiyu / China Daily

Mango Tree branches out

More than just seafood

I once watched one of my colleagues spread strawberry jam on an almond scone, joking she was enjoying the afternoon tea as an aristocratic lifestyle, as my mouth watered.

Now I finally have the opportunity to try the famous Teddy Bear afternoon tea at the Shenzhen Ritz-Carlton with my colleagues.

It is 3 pm, and just in time, as our stomachs begin to rumble. Here before us stands an array of jams, cookies, scones and cakes.

If you prefer chocolate, the Teddy Bear chocolate crunchy cake would be a nice choice. The chocolate sauce in the middle of the cake fusion provides your mouth with a special flavor.

"It is very cute, I cannot bite it," I say as I gaze upon the cake, before reluctantly biting off its ear.

The image of Teddy Bears take pride of the selections, including the Teddy Bear praline chocolate, Pooh's bear cupcake, and Teddy Bear cookies.

Other choices cover the traditional English fruit cake, mini pumpkin custard, raspberry ivory almond lollipops and different styles of scones.

For most of us, the "bears" are simply there to be eaten, but for children, they are all about fairytales and a happy life. It would be a wonderful experience to come here with kids.

We sit in the corner, quiet and private. Through the window we have a view of the buildings in the central business district. Thinking of the businessmen toiling away behind concrete and steel, we appreciate the moment and this short respite from the shuffling crowd outside.