Things to do in Vancouver: Welcome the Year of the Dragon with a Special Tea Service at Urban Tea Merchant

Happy Lunar New Year, Vancouver locals and visitors. It’s no secret that Vancouver is home to some of the best Chinese food in the world. But what if you are hankering for a different way to celebrate the year of the dragon? Urban Tea Merchant’s Year of the Dragon” Signature Afternoon Tea Service might be just what you need.

Year of the Dragon Signature Afternoon Tea Service for Chinese New Year at Urban Tea Merchant in Vancouver BC by Vancouver Food Tour

Their tea sommelier and the kitchen has teamed up to create a tea service with an Asian twist. The dainty Peking duck wrapsand wagyu beef carpaccio immediately jumped out at me – and were both delightful. The otherwise traditional open faced smoked salmon sandwich is brightened with wasabi mayo and soy jelly. Their signature tea-infused egg salad sandwich and tea-infused chicken salad cone continues to grace the tiered selections.

Year of the Dragon Signature Afternoon Tea Service for Chinese New Year at Urban Tea Merchant in Vancouver BC by Vancouver Food Tour

Tea-centric sweets such as chocolates and macrons wrapped up a relaxing afternoon. Saving the best for last, I cracked open the matcha fortune cookie. Here’s the fortune that I received:

Year of the Dragon Signature Afternoon Tea Service for Chinese New Year at Urban Tea Merchant in Vancouver BC by Vancouver Food Tour

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the refreshing fresh mango sorbet and the chilled white tea that kicked off the whole experience. If dim sum feels a bit heavy at this time of year, consider trying this unique tea service at Urban Tea Merchant until January 31, 2012.