Mandarin Oriental × Ducati Afternoon Tea
When Italian horsepower meets Oriental poise, sparks fly — and this fall, they take shape as Speed & Elegance, the new Ducati-inspired afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai.
From October 1 to December 5, the hotel joins hands with the legendary motorcycle marque to present an edible ode to motion and mastery, turning Riviera Lounge into a gallery of precision, passion, and design.
An Edible Ode to Performance
At first glance, the three-tiered stand gleams like a polished Ducati fairing, all red lacquer and chrome.
Yet what it holds is pure Mandarin Oriental craftsmanship.
The Caramel Toffee unveils delicate, layered sweetness beneath its glossy surface — a nod to the mechanical intricacy of Ducati engines.
The Pistachio Crème Cannoli reinterprets an Italian classic with playful flair, its crisp shell and creamy core racing between nostalgia and innovation.
Fragrance shifts gears with the Osmanthus Light Cheesecake, where floral elegance meets light-as-air texture, a signature of Mandarin Oriental’s modern patisserie.
The Raspberry Macaron, glazed in Ducati red, hits the palate with an instant spark: tart, bright, and exhilarating.
Savouries echo the same duality of power and grace.
Black Truffle Foie Gras Chocolate pairs indulgence with bold experimentation, while Confit Veal Puffs capture strength in a surprisingly delicate form.
The Smoked Chili Duck Breast Crackers ignite a gentle heat, balanced by the Mediterranean ease of the Neapolitan Tuna Sandwich.
Warm plain and matcha-cranberry scones complete the course, served with rose-strawberry jam and mascarpone cream, a graceful pit stop of comfort between sensory highs.
Priced at RMB568 for two, the experience includes coffee or tea and a limited-edition Ducati gift for early guests.
Cocktails that Ride the Line
After tea, the mood accelerates at Qi Bar, where two limited cocktails carry Ducati’s DNA into liquid form.
Ducati Velocità mingles vanilla bourbon tea and fresh orange juice in a golden blur of citrus and wood, revving with warmth and precision.
Rosso Fuoco—literally Red Fire—layers grapefruit, lychee, elderflower, and lemon into a luminous gradient that mirrors the glow of a Ducati tail-light at dusk.
Each is RMB98 per glass, and every sip feels like a quick turn down the Riviera.
Where Craft Becomes Culture
Founded in 1926, Ducati has always been more than a motorcycle brand.
It’s a design philosophy built on speed, precision, and style.
Across the river, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai shares that devotion to craftsmanship.
Set on the banks of the Huangpu, the Forbes Five-Star property pairs Michelin-starred cuisine with serene views and impeccable service; luxury in motion, at rest.
Together, the two icons create an experience that’s both visceral and refined: the hum of an engine meeting the stillness of the river, the intensity of Italian design balanced by the composure of Oriental elegance.
[All images courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai]
