Must-Try Indian Afternoon Tea at Namaste Village Southend
If you love afternoon tea but fancy something a little different, Namaste Village Southend, Essex has got you covered, this is an afternoon tea with a twist! Their brand-new Indian-inspired afternoon tea runs every weekend from 12-4pm — and trust me, you’ll want to book in ASAP! Check out their other branches in London, Oxford, Cambridge & Norwich.
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I was lucky enough to be invited for a preview, and honestly, this was one of the most exciting afternoon teas I’ve had in a long time! Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavour, it’s unlike anything else I’ve tried.
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A Totally Unique Afternoon Tea Experience
Namaste Village is a vegan and vegetarian Indian restaurant, and their afternoon tea is just as creative as you’d expect. Forget your standard cucumber sandwiches—here, it’s all about bold spices, crispy textures, and incredible flavours.
Savoury Selection
You know I love a good savoury selection and this one blew me away! It was a perfect mix of crunchy, spicy, and tangy delights, all showcasing the rich and vibrant flavours of India. The afternoon tea included:
✔️ Samosa – A crispy, pyramid-shaped pastry stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas. A classic done right!
✔️ Aloo Bonda – Spiced mashed potatoes, battered and fried to golden perfection. Topped with crunchy noodles and house chutney—so good!
✔️ Crispy Prawn – Plant-based prawns marinated in spices and deep-fried for that perfect crispiness and extremely convincing as a prawn. These were so good.
✔️ Pani Puri – Hollow, crispy shells filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and tangy-flavoured water. A total flavour explosion!
✔️ Chick’n Masala Wrap – A soft wrap filled with grilled, marinated plant-based chick’n, fresh chutneys, and shredded veggies. Spicy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious, I couldn’t believe it wasn’t real chicken, it was a flavour explosion and one of my favourite elements of this quirky afternoon tea..
✔️ Dabeli – A delicious Indian street food snack made with spiced mashed potatoes, chutneys, and fresh pomegranates inside a soft bun. A perfect mix of sweet and spicy!
✔️ Bombay Grilled Sandwich – This was a favourite! A spicy, tangy mix of potato and cheddar cheese, grilled to perfection.
Every bite was full of spice, texture, and bold flavours, a completely different take on traditional afternoon tea! Honestly, there wasn’t a single thing I didn’t love! The mix of textures and flavours made this an afternoon tea that really stood out, I just found it so flavoursome!
The Sweet Treats
And then came the sweet course, which was just as exciting! Indian desserts are known for their richness and unique flavours, and this selection didn’t disappoint.
- Jalebi Royal Delight – Crisp, juicy pretzels soaked in flavoured sugar syrup and served with sweetened condensed milk. An absolute treat!
- Vermicelli Pudding – A creamy Indian pudding, infused with rose and kevda water, slow-cooked in soy milk. So fragrant and melt-in-the-mouth delicious.
- Naan Khatai – A rich, buttery Indian shortbread cookie, delicate and crumbly in all the right ways.
- Scones – Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without scones! These were served with vegan cream and jam, and they were just perfect. They were light, fluffy, and served with vegan cream and jam, and they did not disappoint. The perfect sweet finish to an already amazing spread.
The Tea Selection
To pair with all these delicious treats, you get a choice of tea, including:
- Fresh Mint & Lime Tea – Light and refreshing.
- Namaste Masala Chai – Aromatic and perfectly spiced with cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Chai Latte – A creamy, spiced tea that’s pure comfort in a cup.
- Chocolate Tea – A unique, indulgent twist on traditional tea.
- Assam English Breakfast Tea
- Pitta Latte – with Rose petals
You can also upgrade your experience with a Glass of Prosecco, House Wine, Strawberry-Pomegranate Mojito or a Elderflower Cucumber Cooler Mojito… if you’re feeling extra fancy!
The Details
📍 Location: Namaste Village Southend, 01, Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2ER
💰 Price: £29.95 per person
🗓️ When: Saturdays & Sundays, 12-4pm
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, afternoon tea or just love trying something different, this is a must-visit. The blend of authentic Indian flavours, plant-based creativity, and traditional afternoon tea elements makes for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply love great food, you’ll be blown away by what Namaste Village has to offer.
Would you try an Indian-inspired afternoon tea? Let me know in the comments!
Written in collaboration as a PR invite to Namaste Village, but all comments and opinions are strictly my own.
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