Sakura-flavoured treats to try without flying to Japan

Nothing heralds the arrival of spring in Japan quite like the blooming of cherry blossoms. These pretty pink flowers, however, usually appear and disappear within a short-lived spurt of one to two weeks between March and April. As a popular peak travel season, it can be a challenge trying to get a flight out to Kyoto or Osaka to admire the hanami. Fret not if you are not able to. Plan for next year’s trip and enjoy these sakura-themed treats in the meantime.

Conrad Centennial Singapore’s pretty-in-pink Sakura Afternoon Tea is just too Instagrammable to pass up. The Japanese flower is artfully incorporated into dainty treats like Sakura Mont Blanc, Cherry Blossom Panna Cotta with Sakura Jelly and Sakura scones. To balance the sweet flavours, the hotel’s team of pastry chefs has also included savoury items like Crabmeat Rillettes and Ikura Roe and Chorizo Pâté Toast. The weekday high tea is priced at $32 per person and runs from 3-6pm.

On weekends, the menu expands to include seafood and cheese platters. The weekend lunch is priced at $68 per person. Just like the cherry blossom season, the delightful treats will not be here forever. The Sakura Afternoon Tea promotion ends on 12 May.

Lobby Lounge, Level 1, Conrad Centennial Singapore, 2 Temasek Boulevard. 6432 7483

Fans of Lady M’s paper-thin Mille Crepes will be thrilled to know that the pâtisserie is re-launching their popular Sakura Berry Mille Crepe ($9.50 per slice). The signature offering is layered with strawberry-infused pastry cream and topped with sakura white chocolate ganache and dehydrated strawberries. The seasonal crepe remains light on the palate and boasts a strong floral taste.

Available at all Lady M outlets or online at www.ladym.com.sg

TWG adds the Always Sakura Tea to their Spring 2019 Haute Couture Tea Collection and we think it makes for an elegant gift. Encased in a limited edition caramel and gold tin embellished with sakura petals, the green tea is blended with cherry blossoms to lend a light, floral note to the leaves. The flavour is also available as a limited edition macaron – sakura infused chocolate ganache sandwiched between pink shells.

The Always Sakura Tea retails at $40. The macarons come in gift boxes of six, 12 or 24 ($12, $24 and $48 respectively).

Available at all TWG Tea Salons & Boutiques in Singapore.