Afternoon tea, but make it keto
Afternoon teas are the British equivalent of our merienda. This interlude between lunch and a late dinner features a mix of sweet and savory treats—usually sandwiches, scones, and cakes—all served on a tiered stand with a pot of tea.
Though this luxurious tradition dates back to the 19th century, it still remains a sought-after experience today. And in a world where health and wellness now take center stage, even this classic custom is getting a thoughtful twist: the keto-friendly way.
Bringing this fresh take is wellness-forward hotel The Westin Manila. Together with ketogenic food brand Chrisha’s Kitchen, the two debut a new keto-friendly afternoon tea offering at the hotel’s Lobby Lounge for a limited time only.
“When we started brainstorming ways to expand our afternoon tea menus, we immediately thought of creating a low-carb and sugar-free [keto-friendly] afternoon tea,” says The Westin Manila’s executive chef Rej Casanova.
Crafted with care
As a popular way to lose weight, ketogenic meals are usually high in fat and low in carbohydrates—designed to train the body to burn fat for fuel (a state known as ketosis). But Westin’s keto-friendly afternoon tea takes a more mindful approach, with low-carb, low-sugar, and sugar-free snacks and drinks tailored for health-conscious and diabetic guests alike.
This echoes the sentiments of Chrisha Chua, who started Chrisha’s Kitchen in 2017—initially for herself, as she had just started a ketogenic diet, and for her diabetic father. With limited food options available at the time, she started experimenting in the kitchen, eventually perfecting low-carb, sugar-free versions of her favorite cake recipes.
Her first breakthrough? A keto-friendly sans rival.
“What motivates me to do more in this business is really the people who have strict dietary requirements like my dad, who cannot enjoy sweet desserts like the usual cakes we have,” Chua says.
Where wellness meets indulgence
The afternoon tea spread opens up with savory keto snacks. You’re treated to a mushroom and chicken tart, an avocado tartine, and salmon caesar bites.
The middle layer, on the other hand, features the signature keto desserts from Chrisha’s Kitchen, including the carrot walnut cake. And finally, what’s an afternoon tea without scones? The Westin Manila’s keto twist on a classic promises soft, chewy scones made with almond flour for nuances of sweetness. Best paired with their in-house cream and blueberries, this low-carb version is a nod to tradition—minus the carbs and sugar.
This keto-friendly afternoon tea set is available daily at the Lobby Lounge from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and offered only until Sept. 30, 2025.
