Italian Afternoon Tea at KUCINA, Penang Marriott Hotel

Italian Afternoon Tea? Yes, it’s a thing.

It was one of those hot and humid Penang afternoons where stepping outside felt like walking into a steam room—with a handbag and a questionable life choice.

I arrived at KUCINA, mildly wilted and more than ready for a break.

But within minutes of sinking into a cool seat in the restaurant, I wanted to venture out to the pool.

Shimmering with sunlight reflecting off the water, distant sea views peeking through.

I was properly revived and in a playful mood for afternoon tea.

Hydrated, air-conditioned, and very ready for cake.

Afternoon Tea, the Italian Way

Te Del Pomeriggio isn’t your typical high tea.

It’s KUCINA’s Italian-inspired twist on classic afternoon tea at the Penang Marriott Hotel.

While Italy doesn’t have a deeply rooted tea tradition, it does know how to create slow, elegant afternoons.

At KUCINA Italian Restaurant in Penang Marriott, you can sip tea or coffee.

Or go full holiday mode with free-flow Prosecco or Italian cocktails!

All while indulging in a beautifully curated tea set that feels refined but never fussy—with unlimited desserts to sweeten the experience.

It’s a hybrid concept: part European ritual, part Italian flair.

All served with impeccable poolside views and polished service.

My Chamomile Regret

Mistake No. 1: I ordered chamomile tea.

Why?

Italians don’t do sleepytime infusions mid-afternoon.

I should’ve gone straight for a strong espresso!

Or embraced the moment with a sparkling glass of Prosecco.

Thankfully, the drinks menu has all the right options.

KUCINA’s Italian Afternoon Tea Menu

Beautiful things come in threes—just like KUCINA’s afternoon tea.

A generous charcuterie board, a refined 3-tiered stand, and the showstopping Petit Gâteaux.

Here’s the Tè Del Pomeriggio menu 

A. Italian Charcuterie Board

You start strong with a spread of cured meats, cheese, fresh figs, and grapes.

A sweet-salty combo that hits all the right notes and gets your appetite tuned just right.

Technically, it’s meant to be shared.

Emotionally? Not a chance.

And when people ask, “Why do you always go alone, Dory?”

Let’s just say… some answers are best left unshared too.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SmartDory | Penang Blogger (@smartdory)

B. The 3-Tiered Stand

It may look traditional, but the flavours are anything but.

Top Tier
Twisted-top scones—crumbly, warm, and served with jam and cream.

Familiar, but with a rustic Italian touch.

Middle Tier

No cucumber sandwich in sight.

Instead, it’s Italian-style sandwiches (all pork-free) and elegant open-faced bites that feels like fine dining!

There’s smoked salmon and tuna, finished with a delicate balsamic drizzle.

Light, balanced, and far too easy to devour.

That was the first tier gone before you could even say “Te Del Pomeriggio.”

Bottom Tier
Savoury pastries like a buttery tuna puff and a smooth egg tart that’s pure comfort wrapped in flaky pastry.

C. Petit Gâteaux

Tiny Works of Art

Served separately and rightly so!

The Petit Gâteaux are like tiny sculptures.

Crisp bases, molten centers, layered textures.

They’re sweet, rich, and completely unforgettable.

I paused. Swooned. Nibbled like a curious little rat.

Then savoured every crumb like it was my last.

I absolutely considered asking for more.

Still do, honestly. Every. Single. Day.

I’m haunted by those Petit Gâteaux…

Especially the ones I couldn’t pack up and bring home with me.

Left behind like forgotten lovers in a pastry romance gone too soon.

The flaky one with the molten heart?

I still miss her the most.

No one warns you about dessert heartbreak.

But here we are. <sob>

These stunning petit gâteaux from KUCINA are almost too pretty to eat—almost.

Tiramisu

This afternoon tea already flirts with perfection.

It’s hands-down the best afternoon tea in Penang right now.

But to take it from a solid 9.5 to a flawless 10?

KUCINA, please… just add tiramisu.

A feather-light, espresso-soaked dream.

The kind that whispers “you’re not leaving until I say so.”

It would be the final flourish.

The cherry on top.

The dessert that confidently says, “You don’t need dinner after this.”

One spoonful of that creamy, coffee-kissed classic and I might just chain myself to the table.

Fair warning.

Italian Afternoon Tea in Penang

Te Del Pomeriggio at KUCINA is more than just a tea set.

It’s an elegant afternoon escape.

A Mediterranean-style moment of calm, tucked inside the luxurious setting of the Penang Marriott Hotel.

The charcuterie is lush, the scones are warm, the desserts are art, and the drinks?

Well, you already know better than to order the chamomile.

Italian Afternoon Tea Visit
Where: KUCINA Italian Restaurant, Level 3 – Penang Marriott Hotel

When: Daily | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Price: RM98 per adult – Includes unlimited refills of pastries and desserts (worth every penny!)

Upgrade: RM198 for free-flow Santa Margherita, Prosecco & handcrafted Italian Artisanal Cocktails.

Perfect for:

• Afternoon tea lovers looking for something unique
• Fans of Italian cuisine in Penang
• Anyone who believes dessert should be its own food group

Please note: The Italian Afternoon Tea items are best enjoyed fresh and are not available for takeaway, as their textures and flavours are best experienced on the spot.

Kucina, Penang Marriott Hotel
Located in: Penang Marriott Hotel
Address: 55, Level 3, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Penang.
Business Hours: Daily 12–2:30 pm, 6:30–11:30 pm

Blog Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Big thanks to KUCINA and Penang Marriott Hotel for the Italian Afternoon Tea experience—it was every bit as indulgent as it sounds.