The most quintessential of English customs, the concept of high tea originated in the 1800's when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, complained of being hungry during the late afternoon, so she requested a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake to be brought to her room. From this, the afternoon tea ritual as we know it was born.
Consisting of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including our favourite cucumber sandwiches), warm scones slathered with jam and cream, bite-sized sweets and a fancy cup of tea or a cheeky glass of champagne, Urban List has rounded up the best spots for high tea in Singapore.
Eden Restaurant at Pullman Singapore Orchard
270 Orchard Road
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For a limited time only, Eden Restaurant at Pullman Singapore Orchard will be serving a new afternoon tea in collaboration with Alicia Wong, the founder of Nesuto, one of Singapore’s most innovative and celebrated Japanese-style patisseries.
The afternoon tea menu features an exquisite blend of sweet and savoury creations, offering something for both traditionalists and the adventurous. The Coconut Panna Cotta with Rose Jelly offers a gentle blend of tropical coconut and floral rose jelly delicately topped with edible rose petals, balancing creamy richness with refreshing sweetness. Nesuto’s signature Decadent Dark Chocolate dessert features layers of dark chocolate ganache and moist chocolate sponge, delivering a smooth, velvety indulgence for chocolate lovers. The Brown Butter Gâteau Amande Financier brings a taste of French pâtisserie with its subtle nutty flavour, ideal for pairing with tea.
For a crisp indulgence, the Prawn Kataifi is paired with a bold mala aïoli, providing a spicy and textured bite that reflects Eden's focus on modern Asian cuisine. The Mini Chicken Pie brings comfort and warmth, while the Turkey Breast Slider, accompanied by pickled cucumber, offers a playful take on the traditional holiday ingredient.
The afternoon tea includes a selection of homemade Classic and Raisin Scones served with homemade wild strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. The tea selection features free-flow premium blends from Dilmah Silver Jubilee tea and freshly brewed coffee from Common Man Coffee Roasters.
The Eden x Nesuto high tea at Eden Restaurant is priced at $58 per person and is available from 16 December to 15 January 2025.
Christina’s at Mondrian Singapore Duxton
16A Duxton Hill
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Always effortlessly chic, Christina’s transitions seamlessly from day to night. Tucked away in the cozy corner of Mondrian’s ground floor, Christina’s is a haven for all; a laid-back spot for coffee, alluring hideaway for cocktails, and everything in between. Starting from today, and available every Friday and Saturday from 2pm – 5pm, Christina’s adds another offering to their repertoire, a high tea set perfect for two.
In classic Mondrian style, High Tea at Christina’s puts its own distinctive spin on the classic high tea experience. At $50 per set, the three-tier set offers a cornucopia of sweet and savoury bites, including local favourites such as the indulgent Ondeh-Ondeh Cake, classic high tea staples like Scones with Fig Jam, Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches, Assorted Macaroons, and a subtle homage to their Californian roots with Wagyu Beef Cheese Sliders.
Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
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Transport your taste buds to a realm of tropical bliss with the newly launched Tropical Paradise Teatime at the Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore.
Begin your afternoon indulgence with a savoury Cinnamon Squash tart filled with pumpkin bites, paired with the creamy flavour of coconut and warm spice notes of cinnamon. Refresh your palate with the Cilantro Prawn, blending the sweet and tangy essence of tamarind with a hint of zesty lime or the Papaya Chicken sandwich bursting with flavours of tropical spices.
Finish your afternoon tea on a sweet note with a medley of desserts including the soft and fluffy Coconut Cotton Cake packed with coconut crème fraiche and makrut lime, alongside the decadent coffee-infused Banoffee, and more.
Tropical Paradise Teatime at the Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is available daily, from 1pm to 5pm, until 30 November for $64 per person inclusive of coffee or tea.
SKAI at Swissôtel The Stamford
2 Stamford Road, Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford
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In collaboration with Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, SKAI has launched a new multi-sensorial and aromatic high tea experience. Crafted to celebrate the brand’s acclaimed fragrance, Rose Tonnerre and their new flagship opening at Raffles City Singapore, this rose-infused high tea pays homage to the artistry of perfumery and the timeless allure of roses, framed by creative culinary treats.
The aromatic journey begins with the Smoked Eel Rillette and Kaluga Caviar, an indulgent bite, followed by the Bluefin Tuna Nori Roll, providing a refined twist to the traditional sushi roll with the succulent tuna and picked carrots. The Hamachi and Truffle Ponzu is a standout on the menu. The homemade ponzu is concocted with soy, mirin, sake, Japanese rice wine vinegar, yuzu, sadachi and bonito before flavours are left to be infused for a month. The delicate taste of Hamachi is balanced with truffle trimmings and truffle juice before finished off with some freshly chopped truffle evoking the earthy scent of Perigord’s truffles, a key note in Rose Tonnerre.
For a sweet treat, the Raspberry Rose Chocolate Tart features an almond sablé tart shell filled with a raspberry compote infused with rose petals, topped with velvety chocolate ganache sculpted into chocolate roses, and finished with a raspberry chocolate spray. Served tableside, the Rose Berries Tahitian Vanilla Tea Cake is the perfect finale. Infused with the delicate floral essence of rose, fruity sweetness of Tahitian vanilla and the bright tartness of fresh berries.
Available from 1 October to 30 November 2024, the high tea will run daily from 3pm to 5pm at SKAI and is priced at $68 per adult and $34 per child. This includes a choice of mocktail (+$25 for cocktail), tea or coffee.
The Grand Lobby at Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road
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The Grand Lobby at Raffles Hotel Singapore has recently refreshed its Classic Afternoon Tea featuring delicious new pastry creations and an array of single garden teas from new tea partner, JING.
New sweet treats include the Bergamot Coconut Cake, a tropical herbaceous affair featuring citrusy bergamot cream, delicate coconut jelly and crowned with toasted desiccated coconut meringue, as well as the Garden Herb Strawberry Tartlet, a delicate treat filled with almond cream and adorned with lemon verbena, basil Chantilly cream, along with strawberry jelly. Savoury highlights include the Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche on Blinis with Quail Egg and a range of finger sandwiches. Also not to be missed are The Grand Lobby’s signature home-made original, raisin, and savoury scones, complemented perfectly with clotted cream and rose petal jam.
As for the teas, you expect a range of options including a curation of four teas available exclusively to Raffles Hotel Singapore. The curated selection includes organic Assam Gold, a premium black tea from Assam, India, which delivers a delightful blend of malty richness and full-bodied flavour; Ceylon Breakfast, a smooth breakfast tea blend that can be enjoyed with or without milk; Organic Yunnan White Peony is a refreshing white tea with a delicate rose freshness and honeyed sweetness, complemented by notes of nectarine, and Moroccan Mint, a harmoniously blended green tea infused with peppermint leaves.
Afternoon tea at The Grand Lobby is available Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 5.30pm, and is priced at $98 per person. You can elevate the experience with a glass of Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut at $33 per glass or Champagne Rosé at S$43 per glass.
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Ginger.Lily at Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road, Level 5
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Ginger.Lily at Hilton Singapore Orchard is unveiling its latest afternoon tea experience, Teatime Soirée. Continuing the storytelling journey of its beloved storybook-inspired afternoon tea series, this new chapter follows the vibrant Botanical Afternoon Tea (Chapter One) and the bold Nikkei-inspired Afternoon Tea (Chapter Two).
In collaboration with La Maison d’Excellence Savencia, an esteemed French culinary institution in Viroflay, France, the third chapter presents an afternoon tea menu that is a fusion of French flair and Japanese artistry.
You will begin your experience with a choice of a signature cocktail or mocktail. The Yuzu Breeze, with Cirka Vodka, whipping cream, yuzu, and soda water, accented by edible paint offers a vibrant start. For a non-alcoholic option, the Sparkling Peach Mocktail blends Moscato grapes with natural peach juice for a refreshing welcome.
The savoury course features four expertly crafted creations. Highlights include the Truffle Croque Monsieur Twist, a luxurious take on the classic French sandwich with grated black truffle, turkey ham, parmesan shavings and truffle cream cheese and the Miso Brioche with Scallops which pairs the richness of scallops, tobiko, wasabi-yuzu mayo, and katsuobushi with a white miso brioche for a delightful fusion of French and Japanese flavours.
You can then indulge in a selection of eight exquisite desserts, where the artistry of French and Japanese flavours and techniques come together. Standout creations include Ginger.Lily Chouquettes, featuring a signature tea-infused crémeux and tea gel, and delicate garnish of lemon verbena and the Violet Chocolate Gateau with layers of banana jam, milk chocolate mousse and raspberry crepes.
Teatime Soirée at Ginger.Lily: A French-Japanese Inspired Afternoon Tea is avaible daily from 1pm to 3pm (first seating) and 3.30pm to 5.30 pm (second seating) and is priced at $68 per person (minimum two people).
The Lobby Lounge at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
15 Stamford Road
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore | Supplied
The Lobby Lounge at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore has just launched its new Singapore Heritage Afternoon Tea. Presenting a culinary voyage through time, the Heritage Afternoon Tea pays homage to the nation's origins while reinventing Singapore's iconic dishes.
The journey starts with a modern twist on Chicken Rice, featuring tender poached chicken breast sitting on a fragrant rice ball, complemented by a zesty garlic chili puree. You can also savour the Hainanese Kurobuta Pork Chop, served in a brioche sando with the classic HP ketchup sauce, honouring Singapore’s Hainanese heritage while infusing a mouthwatering twist. For a seriously authentic taste of the Lion City, look no further than the Chilli Crab Petit Pain which offers a bite-sized delight of one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes.
As for the sweet treats, you can expect the Ondeh Ondeh Cake, adorned with coconut and rich Gula Melaka, the Bubur Cha Cha Panna Cotta, topped with a light sweet potato foam, and the Ice Cream Uncle, featuring a cilantro wafer and strawberry dacquoise drizzled with Valrhona chocolate sauce, in a playful nod to Singapore's street food heritage.
The afternoon tea is complemented with the Mist Valley Lapsang Shouchong tea pairing or you can upgrade your experience with free-flow Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV or Barocco Prosecco NV for an extra charge.
Afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is served from 12.30pm to 2.30pm (first seating) and 3pm to 5pm (second seating).
The Marmalade Pantry
Various Locations
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To mark The Marmalade Pantry’s 25th anniversary, the well-loved homegrown café bistro has launched a special 25th Year Anniversary Afternoon Tea Set showcasing sweet and savoury bites inspired by local delicacies and familiar Singaporean favourites.
Embark on a nostalgic journey through the beloved flavours of home as the afternoon tea set introduces sweet treats including the Pandan Pulut Hitam Petite Cupcake, Bandung Purin with Raspberry Coulis, Milo Mousse Cake, Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownie, and savoury bites featuring the Laksa Prawn Satay, Chicken Rice Quinoa Cake with Sous Vide Chicken, and Coconut Arancini with Sambal Mayo.
The Marmalade Pantry’s 25th Year Anniversary Afternoon Tea Set is available from 1 August 2024 to 7 January 2025 for dine-in, as well as takeaway and delivery at: The Marmalade Pantry Downtown, Novena, and Anchorpoint outlet from 3pm to 6pm daily and The Marmalade Pantry ION outlet from 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday only.
The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
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Rediscover timeless elegance with afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge as Executive Pastry Chef Jason Goh and his talented culinary team present their rendition of the signature Heritage Royale Afternoon Tea. Alongside this, a refreshed selection of the crowd-favourite Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea makes its anticipated return, both available now until 12 November.
With the refreshed signature Heritage Royale Afternoon Tea set, Chef Jason presents a sophisticated menu that pays homage to the hotel's roots while offering a contemporary twist on classic flavours. Savoury highlights include Chilli Boston Lobster Roll, Home-Cured Beetroot Norwegian Salmon, and the Signature Kaya Jam and Foie Gras. To satisfy your sweet cravings, indulge in the 70% Chocolate De L'Opera Tartlet, the luxurious 24-carat Gold Banana Genoa Cake and delicious English Buttermilk Scones served with Devonshire Clotted Cream, Pandan Coconut Preserves and Organic Rosewood Honey. Each set is complemented by two flutes of Champagne.
Alternatively, be transported to Japan with the Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea. Savoury items include the Baked Miso Black Cod, Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quich, and Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich. For a sweet ending, there’s the Japanese Matcha Roll, Mizu Shingen Mochi, and Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse which blends the earthy flavours of black sesame cream with the light, spongy cake texture.
Afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge, InterContinental Singapore is served from 1pm to 3pm (first seating) and 3:30pm to 5:30pm (second seating).
The Courtyard at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square
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From 5 July to 3 October, The Courtyard at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore will be serving its new afternoon tea experience called ‘For the Love of Chocolate’, a cocoa-centric indulgence to melt chocolate-lovers’ hearts.
In addition to a freshly crafted repertoire of chocolate-themed pastries, you will be further enticed by a selection of bite-sized sweets like sea salt caramel almonds, blackcurrant pralines, and more from a new Chocolate Trolley.
Six savoury pastries complement the sweet escape, with highlights like Roasted Prime Beef with Sauerkraut and Manjari Cacao Nibs, and Norwegian Smoked Trout with Cream Cheese and Raspberry Inspiration couverture, which adds a hint of acidity and the scent of homemade raspberry jam. Quintessential finger sandwiches are not forgotten, such as Coronation Egg Salad and Cucumber Sandwich with Dill Cream Cheese.
Staying true to the afternoon tea ritual, each set will be served with freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam, a glass of iced chocolate and a premium beverage selection from TWG Tea and Bacha Coffee.
Afternoon tea at The Courtyard at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is served from 12pm to 2.30pm (first seating) and 3.30pm to 6pm (second seating).
LeBar at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
2 Bukit Manis Road
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Savour a refreshing tropical afternoon tea with the French Tropical Afternoon Tea at LeBar. Located within the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa with views of the lush outdoors and wafting sea breeze, the menu includes a selection of sweet and savoury treats that highlight both French and local influences.
Highlights include the pandan macarons, coconut chendol gula melaka, duck rillettes with plum sauce tartine and smoked salmon parfait with salmon roe tarts. The afternoon tea comes complete with free-flowing Nespresso Coffee or TWG Tea, but we recommend upgrading to a bottle of champagne for a truly indulgent experience.
Afternoon tea at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa is served daily from 1pm to 5pm.
The Lobby Lounge at Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Boulevard
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Step through the looking glass and into a world of enchantment at Conrad Centennial Singapore, where Lobby Lounge unveils its latest afternoon tea experience, Whimsical Wonderland. An original adaptation inspired by the essence of Lewis Carroll's classic tale, this delightful afternoon tea invites you to indulge in a magical journey filled with curious confections and fantastical flavours.
The culinary adventure begins with savoury treats that are as imaginative as they are delicious. The Ace of Hearts charcoal finger sandwich, filled with burnt miso cauliflower and curry, offers a bold twist on traditional tea sandwiches. Alice’s Favourite shrimp cocktail, with Marie Rose, jelly, and trout roe, brings a refreshing burst of flavours, while the Little Oinker Iberico croquettes, paired with tempura nori, port jelly, and fermented garlic, provide a delightful taste of the unexpected.
For those with a penchant for sweets, the journey continues with an array of whimsical pastries. The Rabbit in the Hole is a delightful creation which entices guests with its ivory whip ganache, coconut Malibu mousse, and gula melaka sponge. The Deuce Pair features a charming Valrhona Opalys 33% almond sable, perfect for a sweet afternoon treat. The Scarlet Queen dazzles with its regal layers of Oabika Nyangbo cremeux, vanilla mousse, and almond joconde, capturing flavours fit for a queen.
Whimsical Wonderland Afternoon Tea is available daily from 2 September to 24 November in two seating times: from 1pm to 3pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm and is prcied at $52 per person on weekdays and $55 per person on weekends, inclusive of a two-hour free flow of tea and coffee.
GEMMA
1 St Andrews Road, #05-03, National Gallery Singapore
Image credit: GEMMA | Supplied
Leading the modern renaissance of classic Tuscan fare, GEMMA has recently launched a new afternoon tea experience where you can indulge in a spread of gourmet Italian snacks and sweets, paired with their exquisite selection of teas, sparkling bubbles and crafted cocktails.
The Leaves & Bubbles menu features a diverse variety of savouries such as Burrata, San Marzano Jam, cold cuts like Levoni Parma Ham, Insalata Russa, Potato Salad, Organic Eggs, Prosciutto Cotto, Cooked Ham, and more. Of course, no high tea is complete without desserts like Gemma Tiramisu, Gianduiotto, Gianduja Chocolate, and Piedmont Hazelnuts.
To elevate your afternoon tea, you can choose between beverage packages: $48 for continuous pours of coffee and tea or $68 for continuous pours of coffee, tea, Aperol Spritz and Prosecco.
Tea Lounge at Conrad Singapore Orchard
1 Cuscaden Road
Image credit: Conrad Singapore Orchard | Supplied
Showcasing the quintessential afternoon tea experience in a contemporary colonial garden setting, the Tea Lounge at Conrad Singapore Orchard offers a Weekend High Tea Buffet with an eclectic selection of western and eastern dishes.
Highlights include the mustard crusted angus ribeye beef with Yorkshire pudding and red wine sauce, and a local counter featuring the chef signature of Singapore laksa, ocean king prawn congee with pork meatballs, and local Nyonya kueh. The buffet also includes a selection of finger sandwiches, signature scones, mains and desserts alongside coffee, tea and free-flow champagne at an extra charge.
Afternoon tea at Tea Lounge, Conrad Singapore Orchard is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 2.15pm (first seating) and 3pm to 5.15pm (second seating).
Pacific Emporium at Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Image credit: Pacific Emporium | Supplied
Pacific Emporium at Pan Pacific Singapore has launched a new afternoon tea perfectly blending a timeless occasion with fragrant Singapore flavours.
The menu delves into beloved Southeast Asian cuisine with a twist, through savouries such as Singapore Chilli Crab Meat in Egg Custard with Mini Bun, Hai Tien Lo’s Salted Egg Yolk Yam Puff, and the Penang Crispy Pork Lobak with Five Spices wrapped in Bean Curd Skin. Picture-perfect sweets with local flair include the Mango Pomelo Sablé and Coconut Bandung with Chendol French pastry.
Exclusively on weekends, the afternoon tea will also feature five tantalising local experience live stations, serving Prawn Noodle Soup with Fresh Tiger Prawn, Water Spinach, and Sliced Pork, Penang Tangy Assam Laksa, Wok Hei Char Kway Teow with Pacific Crab Meat, Local Fruit Rojak, and D24 Durian Crêpe.
Choose from a selection of TWG teas such as the Moonfruit Black and Eternal Summer for the perfect afternoon tea accompaniment or elevate the experience with an optional add-on of a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne.
Afternoon tea is available at Pacific Emporium daily, with two seatings at 1pm until 3pm (1st seating) and 4pm until 6pm (2nd seating).
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Main Image credit: Raffles Hotel Singapore | Supplied
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