All set for a Zen Blossom afternoon tea treat

 

I arrived at the entrance to the Axis Lounge in the DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru for the media preview of their Zen Blossom afternoon tea set and a glance at the guests gathered there revealed that I did not get the memo for their dress code.

 

The media launch of the Zen Blossom afternoon
tea set was a collaboration between DoubleTree
by Hilton Johor Bahru and Ikebana International
Johor Bahru, chapter 235

The ladies were all dressed in elegant White, a perfect foil for the collection of charming and creative flower arrangements on the tables, laid out for afternoon tea.

 

Dressed in my classic Black outfit, I stood out like a sore thumb but the familiar faces of friends in Ikebana International Johor Baru (IIJB) chapter 235, warmly welcomed me in to enjoy afternoon tea with them, surrounded by beautiful blossoms.

 

IIJB members have grown familiar with me over the years as I have covered a number of their events for the art of Japanese flower arrangement.

 

Through these events, I learnt about ikebana, which literally means, “living flowers,” and the several schools of ikebana like Ikenobo, Ohara, Sogetsu, Ryuseiha and Ichiyo where each school follows a particular set of rules and arrangement techniques.

 

One for the album: IIJB members 
dressed in White for this event

In his opening address, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton, Mike Williamson, thanked IIJB for their collaboration with the hotel at the media launch of the Zen Blossom afternoon tea set for two.

 

This was followed by a few words from the President of IIJB, Seema Unnithan, who thanked the hotel and its team for their warm hospitality and partnership to showcase ikebana flower arrangements, with some using recycled wine glasses and perfume bottles along with origami, the art of paper-folding.

 

Since its inception in 1990, IIJB has grown to 67 members who are actively involved in the study of ikebana, gaining their skills from experienced instructors in classes and workshops as well as with visiting flower masters.

 

A choice of refreshing chilled drinks
Yuzu Sparkling Mocktail [Left]
and Sakura Lychee Fizz [Right]

I was delighted that the highlight of the launch event for the Zen Blossom afternoon tea was a Zen-inspired live demonstration of ikebana flower arrangement conducted by Datin Ong Kid Ching, IIJB Past President, a charter member of IIJB and an ikebana instructor.

 

With more than 40 years as an Ikebana practitioner, Datin Ong holds the prestigious RIJI of the highest advisory grade in the Sogetsu school of Ikebana, the first in Malaysia, and is the Third Master in the Ohara school of Ikebana.

 

Datin Ong has gained a reputation regionally as a unique artist who is both an Ikebana master and an accomplished ceramic artist, where her ceramic art is displayed in galleries and going into private collections.

 

All eyes were on the five different vessels prepared on the long table for the demonstration for an interactive session as Datin Ong arranged the flowers along with an informative commentary.

 

A sample arrangement of the
Zen Blossom afternoon tea set

She shared that the art of Ikebana follows a fixed pattern of a triangle with three points that represent Heaven, Earth and Man, where the key consideration was to use as few plant materials as possible to compose an elegant arrangement.

 

The emphasis was on linear perfection, colour, harmony, space and form, and the choice of plant materials is guided by the artist’s desire to create harmony between the materials and the vessels used.

 

When she picked up a frond from a passion fruit plant to use in the arrangement, Datin Ong mentioned that it was from her own garden.

 

She encouraged guests to draw inspiration from plants and colours that exist in Nature and try to recreate Nature in their arrangements because ikebana arrangements were “alive” and have a lot of Green, a base colour that emulates Nature and the seasons. 

 

A range of quality Dilmah tea to choose from

Then it was time to sample a taste of the Zen Blossom afternoon tea set with a choice of coffee or tea. I was pleased that the range of quality Dilmah tea included a pick of non-caffeinated tea.

 

Inspired by the timeless beauty of Japanese Sakura, this tea set comprises a selection of savoury bites, freshly made scones, exquisite sweet treats and refreshing beverages in the Sakura Lychee Fizz or Yuzu Sparkling Mocktail, a cool complement to the afternoon tea selection.

 

The savoury selection features Beetroot Tartlets with Smoked Salmon Rosette, Steamed Gyoza with Chilli Oil, Chicken Katsu Brioche Slaw, Prawn Tempura Skewer with Avocado Mousse and Tobiko, and Crab & Dill Crostini.

 

Ikebana flower arrangements
using recycled scent bottles

These savoury highlights are complemented by freshly made plain and strawberry scones, served with rose and strawberry jam alongside lavender honey.

 

For a sweet finish, guests can indulge in a collection of delicate desserts, including Strawberry & Sakura Fruit Tartlet, Pistachio Petit Gateau, Mocha Opera Slice, Black Sesame Choux and Cherry Blossom Panna Cotta with Sakura Jelly.

 

Each creation is designed to complement the floral theme, for guests to enjoy a harmonious balance of flavours and textures.

 

The Zen Blossom afternoon tea set for two is available from now till November 15, 2026. Served from 12pm to 6pm daily at RM98 nett per set.

 

Take advantage of a mid-week special offer at RM49 nett per set for two persons only on Wednesdays.

 

Hilton Honors members enjoy exclusive discounts. For more information and reservations, Tel: +607 268 6868 or send email to: JohorBahru.FB@Hilton.com

 

DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru is at No. 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Ibrahim International Business District, Johor Darul Ta’zim.