The English tradition of a leisurely high tea in Orchard Road and other spots around the island has become a much-loved ritual. It’s a lovely way to spend time with friends or family. The EL team reviewed cups of tea, tartlets, sandwiches, scones and more at some of the best afternoon teas in Singapore – from Sentosa Cove to an iconic afternoon tea at Raffles Singapore. Read on for our recommendations.
We review the best high teas!
Afternoon tea at Raffles Singapore
What’s brewing: A time-honoured Raffles afternoon tea hotel experience
Tea time: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 6pm
Price: $98 per person including selected teas and Raffles custom blended coffee beans. (Billecart Salmon Brut Champagne is available at $33 per glass, or $43 for Rosé.)
There is no better afternoon than one spent in the Grand Lobby of this iconic hotel, where the refined ritual of afternoon tea unfolds every day. The dress code is casual chic and the beautifully restored and light-filled atrium is a grand setting that has played host to this hotel afternoon tea experience since it was brought to the hotel by the Sarkies brothers, the founders of Raffles Singapore.
We took a seat between the original Victorian floor-to-ceiling pillars and were presented with a classic three-tier silver stand. With a harpist playing gently in the background, we grazed on savoury finger sandwiches (the crab with curried bread was a highlight) and home-baked original, raisin and savoury scones with rose petal jam and clotted cream. There were gorgeous desserts from executive pastry chef Tai Chien Lin, too.
The loose leaf tea selection from Mariage Freres is impressive and hand-picked by the tea sommeliers (the premier collection has an extra charge).
Originating, like Raffles Singapore, in the 19th century, this cherished tradition is a truly timeless experience and undoubtedly one of my favourite afternoon tea experiences in Singapore. It’s a pleasure to take visiting guests, too.
– Jacqui Young
Raffles Singapore, 1 Beach Road
6412 1816 | raffles.com
Pacific Emporium for a local-inspired afternoon tea in Singapore
What’s brewing: A local-inspired afternoon tea
Tea time: Daily, 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm
Price: From $68 per person including a pot of TWG tea or cup of Lavazza coffee; add $20 for a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne
Pan Pacific Singapore on Raffles Boulevard is the setting for this quintessential afternoon tea experience. We sat at one of the iconic seating pods in the grand lobby of the hotel, with the soft sound of live music in the background.
The newly launched menu offers a selection of Singaporean-inspired bites from the hotel’s outlets, each celebrating the island’s rich heritage. Savoury dishes include Keyaki’s Wagyu beef sando and Hai Tien Lo’s salted egg yolk yam puff, which my mum absolutely loved. A special mention goes to the Singapore chilli crab meat in egg custard with mini bun, with all the familiar flavours and textures of this classic local dish. The tang of citrus, cream and rich chocolate were well-covered by the sweet items. Our favourite was probably the coconut bandung with chendol and the apple yuzu citrus.
Weekends feature live stations where local dishes are made to order. We initially shared one serving each of Penang tangy assam laksa, wok hei char kway teow with Pacific crab meat and local fruit rojak. We ended up ordering seconds. Being a huge durian lover, mum had three servings of the D24 durian crepe!
Service all around was prompt. The chefs were also happy to share more about the dishes when asked. As our afternoon tea came to a close, we wished we had more time (and more space) to indulge further.
– Patricea Chow
Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard
6336 8111 | panpacific.com
The Lobby Lounge for a high tea in Orchard
What’s brewing: A pink sakura high tea in Orchard Road
Tea time: Monday to Thursday, 3pm to 5.30pm; Friday to Sunday and public holidays, 2pm to 3.30pm and 4pm to 5.30pm
Price: $48 per person including free-flow TWG teas and coffee; $58 per person including a flute of champagne or sparkling tea (Friday to Sunday and public holidays only)
Didn’t make it to Japan this year for sakura season? The team at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel on Orchard Road is bringing it right to us for high tea in the form of pink blossom-inspired cakes, quiches, tarts, scones and other pretty little bites. My girlfriend and I were just enjoying our glasses of Lobby Lounge’s signature passionfruit-infused hibiscus tea when the three-tier stand appeared to our “oohs” and “aahs”. The lovely display of (mostly pink, of course) delights included sakura-shaped scones with jam and clotted cream and pink chocolate-topped madeleines.
More surprises followed as we dug into the matcha cake to discover lush sakura mousse inside and other treats like the delightfully tangy yuzu meringue tart. Each was a display of the pastry chef’s skill and creativity, who made sure that the sweet sakura was never overpowering and just perfectly balanced – not to mention, almost too pretty to eat!
The savoury bites were equally delicious. I love ikura (salmon roe), and it appeared generously on the beetroot salmon mousse tart. We also devoured the weekend-only lobster croquette with yuzu mayonnaise and crispy fried shrimp with sakura mayonnaise. Wash that all down with a flute of bubbly or free-flowing TWG specialty teas such as the citrusy Lemon Bush and Pink Flamingo fruity green tea for a relaxing afternoon well spent.
The team also switches up the afternoon high tea menu periodically. So it’s the perfect spot to pop into again and again between shopping on Orchard Road or appointments nearby!
– Cherry Lai
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road
6831 4605 | lobbyloungesg.com
High tea at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
What’s brewing: A garden-and-lake afternoon tea in Singapore
Tea time: Monday to Sunday, 12.30pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 5pm
Price: $52 per person on weekdays, with a Mist Valley tea pairing; $58 on weekends
Indulging in high tea has become a treasured mother-daughter weekend treat and the Kempinski’s Lobby Lounge was our latest hotel sortie. Its elegant oriental décor and luxe ambience set the stage for an indulgent and unhurried afternoon together.
Unlike the traditional three tiers, the afternoon tea is presented here in five distinct courses, each thoughtfully paired with a custom tea. Our journey began with a stunning first course, featuring four exceptionally presented savoury delights and served alongside bi luo green tea with French rose. The standout was undoubtedly the mouth-watering foie gras, elegantly presented in a cheese cone, though the beets with goat’s cheese were equally memorable.
The second course arrived seamlessly on a rustic wooden tray adorned with a tree branch for a touch of natural charm. Here, we enjoyed wagyu striploin, blueberry scones with clotted cream, and a delightful salmon and leek quiche. We paired everything with an exquisite Earl Grey with lemon infusion.
Then came a lovely surprise – a white peach sorbet topped with sparkling wine. It was a refreshing break that allowed us to soak in the atmosphere and look forward to the sweet treats that followed. A maple pound cake with crystallised pecan was swoon-worthy, but the assortment of cakes, chocolates, caramel mousse and whoopie pies in the last course was the main attraction, and perfectly complemented by the redolent natural osmanthus tea.
Kempinski’s unique afternoon tea concept left us completely satisfied, with savoury selections that steal the show. It’s a delightful experience, perfect for a special date with your daughter or a fabulous girls’ day out!
– Karin Galley
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, 15 Stamford Road
6715 6871 | kempinski.com
Crossroads Bar for afternoon tea in Clarke Quay
What’s brewing: An afternoon tea of blooms and bubbles
Tea time: Daily, 3pm to 6pm
Price: $118 for 2 people including a bottle of Prosecco
I always knew this as the Swissôtel Merchant Court, so I was curious to explore the rebranded urban resort The Paradox. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer gorgeous views of the Singapore River, and we took a fascinating trip back in time with big screens in the lobby showing the history of the area when it was still a bustling place of commerce.
Afternoon tea is served in the contemporary Crossroads Bar, where visitors and guests mingle. The staff were very attentive, and we were given menus and shown the tea and coffee options that are served alongside the Prosecco. We opted to jump straight in, and a bottle of Ruffino Prosecco was delivered, with our glasses filled and refilled throughout.
Chef Ben Soo had prepared a three-layered tray of “blooming” delights – each with a different influence of flowers and (often local) floral ingredients. From the more obvious fresh summer roll with a flower visible through the rice paper, to a blue macaron coloured with blue pea flowers, ginger flower grilled prawns and salmon tartlets with sakura-scented cream cheese, the tea treats are thoughtfully created and executed.
This is a sweet-forward menu, but it was all so lovely. The hero must be the edible flowerpot with sprouting daisies – it almost seemed a shame to eat it!
Crossroads Bar is a great place to go with a friend and have some bubbles, enjoy a chat and dip into sweet bites before heading out to Clarke Quay for a drink. Or just to head home afterwards with a full tummy for an early night!
– Danielle Rossetti
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court, 20 Merchant Road
6239 1847 | 6239 1848 | paradoxhotels.com
Isabel Bar for a glam high tea hotel experience
What’s brewing: Isabel’s signature afternoon tea
Tea time: Daily, from 1pm to 3pm and 3pm to 5pm
Price: $54 per person for the classic coffee and tea option. $64 with a flute of Taittinger champagne and $78 with cocktail pairings
This was my first time visiting Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection. It’s in a century-old British building and it was such a treat from start to finish. The halls are lined with colonial themes – from military uniforms to artworks – and the striking interiors ooze historical luxury. In fact, the décor alone would be enough to bring me back for a second time.
Held at the Isabel Bar, this afternoon tea is evocative of cosmopolitan sophistication and feminine glamour. The statement space is furnished with a pink onyx bar, Persian silk hand-knotted rugs and plush red velvet banquettes.
I usually find afternoon tea in Singapore too sweet (yes, even the savoury parts). The selection here, however, was just right. We nibbled on creamy wild mushrooms, heirloom tomato and buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto parmigiano reggiano and seriously delicious smoked chicken sandwiches. For vegetarians like me, they were able to offer up a tasty spread of alternatives, which shouldn’t be a surprise as Maxwell Reserve hosts well-known vegan restaurant Cultivate Cafe right next door.
The sultana scones came with Devonshire cream and wild blueberry preserve. A small tower of international treats was then brought to our table laden with ondeh ondeh, Portuguese egg tarts, chocolate eclairs, and canelés de Bordeaux.
We kept it PG with raspberry mocktails and tea, but Isabel’s is well-known for its imaginative cocktails. These include a signature G&T with rosé gin, rosemary, rose petals and elderflower, and a Beluga Gold Martini!
I want to give a special shout-out for the crafted tea leaf selection. Often just a nice beverage on the side, these quirky mélanges were something special. We sipped on the Pink Flamingo, which is a blend of green tea with crimson hibiscus blossoms, and the Number Five, a magical combination of green tea and black tea with notes of spring blossoms, ylang-ylang, neroli, may rose and sweet spices.
– Michaela Bisset
Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection, 2 Cook Street
8866 0159 | isabel.com.sg
WOOBAR at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove for a tropical afternoon tea
What’s brewing: A tropical afternoon tea on Sentosa
Tea time: Daily, 3pm to 5pm
Price: $58 per person including free-flow selected TWG Teas and Tanamera Coffee
It might be just a 10-minute taxi ride from the CBD, but having afternoon tea in this island paradise makes it feel like you’re truly on a short break. With its chilled, relaxed vibe overlooking the pool and surrounded by palm trees, we couldn’t turn down a refreshing cocktail ($14) from mixologist Karan Vanker.
Generously sized and freshly baked yuzu scones were then served – don’t skip the lemon curd! Next came a five-tier stand, which had a very tropical “Gardens by the Bay” feel to it. I really liked that sweet and savoury items were well balanced, with the black olive tartlet, crabmeat and avocado salad espelette, and goat’s cheese and beetroot macaroons my absolute favourites. The seasonal high tea menu at this hotel is subject to change, so there’ll regularly be new additions to try.
I’m not usually a tea person but couldn’t resist the wide selection of TWG teas. They complement the sweet bites perfectly. The Silver Moon Tea, a blend of green teas with a berry and vanilla boutique and a hint of spice, was a fabulous choice. Top picks among the sweets included pistachio green tea and raspberry jelly mousse and black berries tart.
Another pot of tea and a latte rounded off this cheeky afternoon high tea hotel experience. We then headed off for a breezy walk along Sentosa Cove.
– Judit Gál
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way
6808 7258 | woobar.sg
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