Indian Afternoon Tea experience, Tapasya@Marina, Hull

Tapasya@Marina, Humber Dock Street, Marina, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU1 1TB
With Christmas literally just round the corner and the warm summer days now firmly behind us we felt like a little treat was in order. Upon hearing about Tapasya@Marina’s new Indian High Tea menu we knew we had to pay another visit to sample their new afternoon tea offerings. It was great to be back in the newly renovated fruit market, overlooking Hull’s Marina on such a clear sunny day. It’s real hive of activity with new bars and restaurants recently joining Tapasya in their harbour side location, not to mention some of the more up and coming developments as part of the UK city of culture in 2017.
Opening late October the ultra stylish restaurant was another great addition to the Tapasya group, following on with the business ethos of combining the best Yorkshire produce with ancestral Indian methods and influences, set in such decedent surroundings. After arriving and coats were taken we were given a window seat overlooking the boats in the marina. Not long after being seated our waiter explained some of the different snacks, scones and patisseries as part of the afternoon tea selection. My partner couldn’t resist the addition of a glass of champagne to her high tea experience as well as a pot each of fragrant masala chai tea. You can also choose your own from their wide range of loose leaf teas but for me the cinnamon, ginger and cardamon masala chai is an absolute favourite.

Shortly after our drinks arrived two perfectly presented tiers of Indian treats also came to the table. Such a great aroma from the warm dishes being served. These made a refreshing change from the usual sandwiches and cakes on a generic afternoon tea menu. We both opted to start with the railway lamb patties, homemade baked puff pastry patties, perfectly light and crisp then generously filled with a spicy lamb keema. Delicious flavour from the lamb, a perfect combination of heat and spice, with the addition of the homemade mint chutney. The patties were a great way to start off the feast.

Next from the savoury selection a mini grilled chicken tikka sandwich filled with diced onion, cheddar cheese then lightly toasted. Quite simple but the ingredients worked perfectly with the house marinated chicken tikka that packed quite a punch. Again this went down a treat with the cooling mint chutney. The next tier was packed full of different Indian street food inspired treats. From paneeer and potato wrapped in gram flour then lightly fried, to green pea and potato Punjabi samosas in a soft crushed pastry, served with a sweet, sour, zesty tamarind chutney. A great compliment to the afternoon treats on offer. One of my favourite dishes from the meal had to be the enormous tiger prawns coated in a seasoned gram flour then fried to perfection.
    
Onto the upper tier next for our homemade naan khatai. Two incredibly soft, melt in the mouth Indian cookies with just the smallest hint of spice, paired together well with the pot of chai tea. My favourite sweet dish had to be the milk burfi. The popular Indian sweet, usually served during special occasions and festivals were worth the drive across the M62 alone. Imagine a really moist, sponge like texture, sweeter than an average cake sponge and absolutely melted in your mouth. Delicious!

We really enjoyed Tapasya@Marina’s take on Afternoon Tea, with such friendly, knowledgeable staff in vibrant surroundings. Perfect if your looking for a gift idea with a difference or even a treat of your own!

Indian High Tea at Tapasya@Marina, Hull from £12.50 or add a glass of Moet et Chandon brut for £18.50
Find out more about Tapasya@Marina