Review: Afternoon Tea at The Chocolate Gallery in Abu Dhabi
Afternoon tea is becoming very popular in the United Arab Emirates. Everywhere you turn a restaurant is hosting an afternoon tea. So much so, that it starts to get overwhelming on where is the best place to go. I wanted to do afternoon tea while visiting, as it was very high on my list of things to do. I looked at several options, and happened on a place called The Chocolate Gallery in Abu Dhabi. I love chocolate, and The Chocolate Gallery just sounded fabulous.
Location
The location for The Chocolate Gallery couldn’t be any more perfect! It is located inside the beautiful Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel. The hotel is about 5 minutes away from the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. While seated inside we had the most amazing view of not only the Grand Mosque, but the immaculate beachfront overlooking the Abu Dhabi Creek. Depending where you sit depends how good of view you will have. For those who prefer to sit outside when the weather is cooler, there is a very nice terrace overlooking a large lawn. We sat out there for a few minutes to take it all in and it was very relaxing.
The Chocolate Gallery
Seating area with a glimpse of the terrace ©2015 Holly Dayz 
Coffee. Hot Chocolate, & Yummy incased Pastries ©2015 Holly Dayz
As soon as you walk into The Chocolate Gallery there is so much to take in. The gold alcove seating areas, beautiful chandeliers, a huge incased wedding cake, and minions. Yes, the minions from the movie Despicable Me! They were handmade from chocolate! I also saw a large table that had cocoa beans, and chocolate incased in glass. As we walked further in I spotted all kinds of delectable looking items.
Minions from Despicable Me ©2015 Holly Dayz 
Chocolate & Cocoa Bean Table ©2015 Holly Dayz
Walking towards the golden alcove, I noticed to my left a gentleman making chocolate. I was able to stand there and watch him begin to create something. As I looked into the area he was seated, I saw other characters made from chocolate including Superman, Cupid, and the Hulk. I wasn’t quite sure what the gentleman was making, but I would soon find out.
Afternoon Tea
The waiter brought over a couple of tea menus. There were a huge number of teas to choose from, over 80! I chose the Lemonade Strawberry Tea, while my mom choose the Indian Masala Chai Tea. The Afternoon Tea has 3 options, with differences being in sandwiches and desserts. If you were to go 3 consecutive days in a row, you would be able to delight your taste buds with something different each time. The day we were there was Afternoon Tea 3.
Afternoon Tea Menu ©2015 Holly Dayz 
Afternoon Tea Menu ©2015 Holly Dayz 
Afternoon Tea Menu ©2015 Holly Dayz
The waiter brought out these beautiful tea pots and a flame. He placed the teapot on top of the flame, and said to give it a few minutes. After letting the small time pass by I went to pour my first cup of tea, only to find the tea pot was heavy. I loved it though! I tried both teas and although my Lemonade Strawberry Tea was really good, the Indian Masala Chai Tea was even better! I am now on the hunt to buy some!
While sipping my tea and taking in the beautiful view, mini sandwiches were brought over on a beautiful serving plate. The serving plate was shaped in the form of a painters palette. The sandwiches were good. A couple of them had some spice to it that I wasn’t expecting. Regardless of the spice they were still good. I loved the attention to detail on the sandwiches.
A plate of fluffy raisin scones were brought over along with passion fruit spread, clotted cream, and strawberry jam. My favorite was the strawberry jam. I went to heaven eating those scones. I wish I had taken some to go with me! I have been craving those scones since I stepped foot out The Chocolate Gallery door. I am not too sure I will find scones elsewhere that will match the ones they served.
Shortly after, a plate of beautifully decorated desserts were sat down on the table. I partly wish they had used a tier stand, at least for the sandwiches, because the table became crowded. The desserts were so good! Surprisingly one of my favorites was the macaroon! I have had macaroons in Paris and wasn’t that impressed. This macaroon tasted amazing and gave me a new found love for them.
The Head Chef/Chocolatier
As I was finishing up my afternoon tea, I headed back over to the chocolate studio. I felt like a kid as I pressed my face close to the glass to see what was being made. As I got closer I saw he had created a camel. He then came out to speak with us. I soon found out that the gentleman behind the glass, Abe, was the head chef/chocolatier. He said he was also planning to make palm trees, a sheik, and other characters.
Abe has a very uplifting personality that allows for an enjoyable conversation. He is extremely passionate about everything he makes and wants nothing but perfection for his customers. Abe takes much pride in his work and is very knowledgeable. He was such a pleasure to talk to.
He then began to tell us about the hot chocolate they serve, which I was told many say is the best in Abu Dhabi. I love hot chocolate, so this was something I was more than happy to try. This too was something Abe was extremely passionate about. Abe informed me that he arrives early to taste the hot chocolate to make sure it was created properly, if not it has to be made all over again.
I tried a cup of the hot chocolate. I think I was a bit too anxious because it was still very hot. I attempted to be patient and wait for it to cool off a bit. I finally got to try the hot chocolate, and I can honestly say I have never tasted anything like it. It was delicious! If they don’t already, they need to box that up and sell it! I highly recommend getting some hot chocolate while there, you will not be disappointed.
Overview
Everyone was very kind and knowledgeable at The Chocolate Gallery. In 2012 Time Out Abu Dhabi awarded The Chocolate Gallery with The Best Afternoon Tea. After my experience I can see why, and hope they achieve this award for 2015! The presentation for their afternoon tea was awesome. I keep thinking about all the great food I ate, and tea I drank and wish I had it at this very moment.
Not only is their afternoon tea great, but well priced! Make sure you make a reservation! I also hear they have a 24 Carat afternoon tea. Upon visiting Abu Dhabi again I will make sure to make my way to The Chocolate Gallery. So if you are interested in afternoon tea, I highly suggest The Chocolate Gallery in Abu Dhabi!
Afternoon tea set including choice of tea and scones
95 Dhs standard set
125 Dhs ( standard set with 6 truffles)
195 Dhs (standard set, 6 truffles plus a glass of Prosecco)
Have you every been to afternoon tea? Ever visited The Chocolate Gallery in Abu Dhabi? How was your experience?
Disclaimer: Whilst receiving an invitation to The Chocolate Gallery for their Afternoon Tea, all opinions are my own and have not been influenced.
PowerCoupleLife
I love those gold booths and the desserts look amazing!!!
Holly Dayz
Yea the decor was pretty. I loved the desserts.
Donald T.
This was great! And the food looked so good! I don’t even like Hot Chocolate but the way you described Their’s makes me want a cup!
Holly Dayz
Thanks! It was really good, I really wish I had some right now! I think you may like their hot chocolate, I had never tasted anything like it before.
Janelle McLeod (@IAmLadyJays)
WOW! This really is awesome! AND they have menus for tea? SIGN ME UP!!!
Holly Dayz
I enjoyed it! Yea, there are over 80 teas. I would love to try them all.
thesophislife
Yum yum and yum! I am a chocoholic so yum! Lol. I love high tea. I always feel so elegant doing it and love trying new teas! Love scones too lol. They head chef seems very talented and what a beautiful view!
Holly Dayz
We must go together one day. I really enjoyed my experience. I think about those scones everyday lol. He is very talented and passionate. Very fun to talk to.
ntbrewer
Yum! This looks awesome. I love Abu Dhabi and Dubai just came back from the Dubai Jazz Festival. Got to check this place out next time I’m in the region.
Holly Dayz
I just missed the Jazz Fest! Yes! Next time you go that way check them out, you will enjoy yourself.
patricemfoster
How lovely, This post was engaging. Graphic was clear and on point. The food and decor was wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Holly Dayz
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed and hope if you ever get that way you can check out The Chocolate Gallery
Jaye@Curvatude
what a cool spot and i LOVE the camel and good for them that they pride themselves on service and quality..and i would l have been in totally chocolate heaven
Holly Dayz
I couldn’t figure out what he was making at first, but when I saw the camel, it was so kool. I wish I could have seen it all put together.
Unik by Mlle Parker (@IamMlleParker)
Looks so delicious..Lucky you! I would love to visit Abu Dhabi 🙂
Holly Dayz
It was! If you ever get the chance to go for it. I would love to go back.
kp3reloaded
Sounds like an amazing trip! You’re making me want to go. Lovely photos, everything looks delish, love the decor.
Holly Dayz
Thank you! It was! I learned so much. Very enjoyable.
LaShawn Wiltz
I’ve always wanted to go to afternoon tea! This sounds so amazing!
Holly Dayz
It was amazing. You should go if you get the chance. You will enjoy it.
Siobhan BeFree Project
The Chocolate Gallery looks like a really cool place to visit. I love chocolate and tea so this place sounds like a dream come true and Lemonade Strawberry Tea sounds so delicious. Great post!
Holly Dayz
Everything was great. If you ever get the chance go. I love chocolate and tea too so it was a great combo for me.
Emerald
This looks like my kinda spot! I love desserts! So awesome!
Holly Dayz
It was so good! I still think about it.
Tyra
These desserts look amazing. This seems like a great place in Dubai. I love chocolate so I will keep in mind if I make it to Dubai.
Holly Dayz
Yes keep this in mind if you get to Abu Dhabi! So good, you won’t regret it.
Marie's Travels
The sandwiches look soooo delicious! Yummy 🙂
Holly Dayz
They were really good.
VeeDubb
Thanks for the post. We decided to have tea here today. Everything was delish!!