Sometimes there is no better luxury than idling an entire afternoon away over a tray of fancies, tea, and some good company, which is where high tea comes into play.
High tea typically consist of a meal or stand of finger food, sandwiches, scones and sweet pastries. And in Singapore, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Many establishments not only feature traditional English high tea, but also creative twists such as Peranakan and local-inspired, to dim sum based tea sets.
Ahead, here are some of the 7 best high tea experiences you can get in Singapore.
For afternoon tea, sometimes only the most opulent and swanky setting will do, and the 1920s inspired architecture at ATLAS does just that. Known for its extensive collection of gin and cocktails, the establishment also serves up an elegant Afternoon tea menu with an extensive array of sweet and savoury treats in their ATLAS tea set, such as pumpkin quiche with whipped cream cheese, banana cream pie, brown butter scones, lobster crostini, and more. You can choose to pair your Afternoon tea set with either the ATLAS selection ($56) or Prestige Selection ($60) tea, and even take an alcoholic twist by complementing your set with a tulip of Pieper-Heidsieck “Cuvée Essential ATLAS” Extra Brut Champagne ($20). Each component of the ATLAS Afternoon Tea is hand-made to order, and reservations are required with at least 48 hours’ notice.
For a Peranakan-infused high tea, book a spot at Pan Pacific’s Atrium. Their high tea set ($38++) includes all-time favourites such as the crispy kueh pie tee, kueh dadar, and traditional Nyonya chicken curry, and more. But for the staunch traditionalists amongst us, the establishment also has an English Afternoon Tea to satiate everyone’s taste buds. The set includes unlimited coffee and tea, but you can add a glass of Laurent-Perrier Rose Champagne with your set ($68) to spice up the occasion.
On weekends, they serve up a high tea buffet ($50) for those who’d like to work up a big appetite and enjoy both the Peranakan and English delights.
If you prefer your high tea with a local slant, the afternoon tea set at The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore will be sure to satiate you. Their Three-Tier Local Signature Set ($38++) consists of a bevvy of local delicacies, such as ang ku kueh, kueh lapis, all presented in ornate Peranakan crockery. Complement these with your choice of tea, coffee, Kopi Tarik or Teh Tarik.
Available on weekdays 3-530pm and weekends and public holidays 4-6pm
The Lobby Lounge, Lobby Level, Tower Wing, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350, Tel: +65 6213 4398
Photo: Courtesy
Fennel Cafe, Pollen
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There’s no beating the setting at Fennel Cafe, Pollen. Housed in Gardens by The Bay’s lush flower dome, where you can indulge in finger food and freshly baked scones in natural sunlight and lush greenery, all in air-conditioned comfort. The high tea set ($38/person, $50/person with Hendrick’s Gin Cocktail) comprises of an impressive array of six sweet and savoury nibbles, from braised duck to blood orange ganache.
Available from 3-5pm daily, except Tuesdays
Fennel Cafe, Pollen, Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953, Tel: +65 6604 998
Photo: Courtesy
Mo Bar, Mandarin Oriental
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The afternoon tea set ($48++) at Mo Bar, Mandarin Oriental changes seasonally and consists of opulent Asian-fusion finger food, such as the current festive menu of Tandoori turkey roll, oscietra caviar, port wine jelly, to sweet treats such as the Mont blanc and Red fruit pistachio choux – all served with a lovely view of the Marina Bay skyline and bright, airy, sophisticated interiors. The set also comes with classic teas and special blends by TWG Teas.
Available from 3-5pm daily
MO BAR, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797, Tel: +65 6885 3500
Photo: Courtesy
Tian Fu Tea Room at Sichuan Dou Hua
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For a twist from the usual English tea and scones, try Chinese tea blends alongside handcrafted dim sum. Tian Fu Tea Room’s Imperial High Tea ($32++) includes seven must-try dim sum delicacies and two desserts, including quality bird’s nest such as the Steamed bird’s nest prawn dumpling, and over 30 varieties of premium Chinese teas to choose from
All 3 of Arteastiq’s outlets are conveniently located within shopping malls, with an effortlessly classy and beautiful decor that makes for the perfect relaxing pit stop between shopping. Their elegant two-tiered afternoon set ($48++), coming with sweet and savoury treats, is designed specifically for two and comes with two specialty teas of your preference, including bestsellers such as their refreshing Pomelo Tea and Lychee Tea.
