High Tea

High Tea, between 6.30 and 8.30 p.m. is so called as it is served on a ‘high’ table, like a dining table, rather than a ‘low’ or coffee table. Such evenings are wonderful for a close casual group, but one can also make it a formal affair, like a book reading or introducing a new member to your circle.

The table for a high tea is laid like that of a buffet table except that generally half-plates are used with forks. If you don’t have half-plates, use full plates as substantial, filling snacks are served at these teas. The menu must have both sweet and savory items and here you can mix your cuisines if you like! The menu can also be planned in such a way that most items are served at room temperature and only one hot or cold dish is served.

Drinks:

• Coffee
• Cold coffee
• Milk-shakes
• Tea
• Iced tea
• Soft drinks.
• Towards the end you can serve straight, hard drinks and liqueurs.

Sample Menu 1

1. Fried chicken
2. Cheese croquettes
3. Scones with cream and jam
4. Corn and mushroom salad with vinaigrette dressing
5. Tuna salad and Paneer salad
6. Mushroom and cheese vol-au-vent
7. Pizza slices
8. Burgers (soya patty/mutton patty)
9. Plum cake
10. Walnut pie
11. Fudge

Sample Menu 2

1. Tangri kebab
2. Tandoori prawns
3. Paneer tikka
4. Aloo tikkis
5. Kachoris (matar or aloo) with pickles
6. Pao bhaji
7. Chewda matar
8. Dahi vadas
9. Halva
10. Orange kheer
11. Rasgulla

Sample Menu 3

1. Chicken cutlets/paneer cutlets
2. Boti kebab rolls
3. Chhola bhatura or kulcha
4. Pakories with chutney
5. Papri-chaat
6. Bean salad
7. Corn in white sauce on toast
8. Sandwiches cucumber/tomato/ cheese
9. Lemon and chocolate tart
10. 2/3 Indian Mithais like barfi/kalakand/soan papdi/milk cake etc.