So you’ve heard about the best brunch places in Hong Kong, but have you checked out these amazing afternoon tea sets in the city?
From swanky coffee shops to happy hours, to sumptuous dinner buffets, the city of Hong Kong is renowned for its eating and food culture. And one thing that we take very seriously is afternoon tea. So if you’re wondering who has the best high tea in Hong Kong, these are our favourite spots to enjoy tiny sandwiches, sweet treats, scones, and a good cup of cha.
Wondering where to go for the best high tea in Hong Kong? Check out our guide below
1. 181 at Fortnum & Mason
Boasting stunning views of the harbour and a variety of menus, 181 at Fortnum & Mason is an iconic establishment that caters to every dietary requirement, be it gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or anything else you might need. Tuck into freshly baked cakes, warm scones, and an assortment of mini sandwiches and savouries, each crafted to perfection. And don’t fret, for complimentary refills on those scrumptious scones are unlimited – should you desire just one more. Oh, and why not add a glass of bubbly or sparkling tea to amplify the glamour? Trust us, the sunset vistas alone make the visit worthwhile!
181 at Fortnum & Mason, Shop 022, G/F, K11 Atelier, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 3916 8181
2. The Butterfly Room at Rosewood Hong Kong
Regarded as one of the best afternoon teas in Hong Kong, Rosewood makes top-notch pastries that keep us visiting again and again. One thing special about Rosewood’s afternoon tea is that customers are served with confections after having the savouries, where you can pick any sweets from the trollies. Whether you love its caviar crab meat toast, chocolate pound cake, or fruit tart, the afternoon tea at The Butterfly Room will definitely become your all-time favourite.
The Butterfly Room, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 3891 8732
3. The Lobby, The Peninsula Hong Kong
Experiencing the famous and iconic afternoon tea at The Peninsula Lobby is an absolute must for all Hong Kong locals and visitors. Served daily, indulge in a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, and tea. Champagne is also available for those who want a bit of bubbly. Accompanied by classical music in the background, this is definitely one of the best high teas in Hong Kong.
The Lobby, G/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 2920 2888
4. Garden Lounge, The Murray Hong Kong
The Garden Lounge at The Murray offers a Signature Afternoon Tea that is paired with a handpicked selection of champagnes and wines. The menu includes both sweet and savoury delights as well as curated speciality teas. As you indulge, feast your eyes on the stunning views of St John’s Cathedral and the towering city skyscrapers. For a more laid-back vibe, or if you’re accompanied by your furry friend, the outdoor seating by the lawn is the perfect spot.
For more paw-some places where your furry friends are just as welcome as you are, check out our article on pet-friendly cafes and restaurants in Hong Kong.
Garden Lounge, The Murray Hong Kong, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3141 8888
5. The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe
As if plucked straight from the pages of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the first-ever Tiffany’s cafe in Asia exudes Holly Golightly fabulousness. Decked out in the brand’s iconic blue, The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe serves up dishes such as truffled eggs and avocado toast on Tiffany’s signature crockery. It’s a slice of New York City glamour and charm right here in Hong Kong, with a menu that keeps you on your toes, ever-changing and always exciting. Consider your next girls’ tea sorted – we’ll be channelling our inner Audrey, nibbling dainty bites, and sipping bubbly amid all the fabulousness!
The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe, Shop 207-208, Lobby Floor, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2362 9828
6. Tiffin, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Enjoy a smart casual and musical afternoon tea at Tiffin in the Grand Hyatt. Afternoon tea bites include scones, jam, cupcakes, puddings, pies, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and much more. What could be better than great food, stunning views, and live jazz on a lazy afternoon? Plus, the ice cream bar makes it one of the best high teas in Hong Kong!
Tiffin, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Mezzanine Floor, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2584 7722
7. The Verandah at The Repulse Bay
For a dash of colonial glamour, make your way to The Verandah for an authentic English-style tea experience. This charming destination whisks you back in time with its stunning architecture, manicured gardens, and the simply divine views of Repulse Bay. Though the setting is timeless, the menu changes seasonally so there’s always a fresh take on teatime. Make an afternoon of it – escape the city, soak in the seaside vibes, and snap some pics against the fountain and spiral staircase.
The Verandah, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong, p. 2292 2822
8. Vivienne Westwood Cafe
Fashionista alert: don’t miss out on Vivienne Westwood Cafe! Needless to say, the huge logos on the macarons, chocolate plates, three-tiered server and teaware make the afternoon tea pretty grand. The savouries are generally more popular than the sweets, with famous items such as puffed pastry with scallop and crab meat salad tart. However, we find its macarons extremely crispy on the outside, and the herbal teas that come along are very refreshing as well. The fancy visuals, satisfying food, and convenient location will make your trip worth it.
Vivienne Westwood Cafe, 1/F, Fashion Walk, 27-47 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2799 5011
9. Artisan Lounge
The Artisan Lounge at K11 Musea is redefining the afternoon tea experience with a luxurious upgrade. The Musea tea set is nothing short of fabulous, boasting extravagant items like caviar, wagyu, and delicate sweets that are perfect for sharing on Instagram. Always keeping you on your toes, the Lounge also frequently throws in a twist with its seasonal menus and high-fashion collaborations, featuring names like Burberry and Dior. This isn’t your regular afternoon tea; it’s a statement for Hong Kong’s most stylish crowd.
The Artisan Lounge, Shop 008-008A, G/F, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2601 3428
10. Palm Court, The Langham, Hong Kong
Capturing the essence of dainty British teatime, the Palm Court at The Langham stands as an enduring classic. This Hong Kong gem perfectly channels the elegance of its London counterpart, the original venue where the tradition of afternoon tea was born in 1865. The offering is a tried-and-true affair, featuring scones, finger sandwiches, and a plethora of sweets. No matter how you prefer your tea, Palm Court continues the long-standing afternoon ritual with both sophistication and grace.
Palm Court, Lobby level, The Langham, Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2132 7898
11. Salisterra, The Upper House Hong Kong
One of the best places to have high tea in Hong Kong, Salisterra has an afternoon tea menu chock-full of sweet and savoury treats. The highlights are the doughnuts, which come in different flavours and are always delicious.With themed sets regularly popping up throughout the year, Salisterra keeps things fresh in a revitalised space.
Salisterra, L49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, p. 3968 1106
12. Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social, Cordis, Hong Kong
Modern European restaurant and bar Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social has a high tea in Hong Kong that’s truly one of the greats. With delicious cakes, scones, and savoury treats, you won’t be left wanting for more with the regular or themed menus. Pair the food with a drink from the selection of teas, coffees, or mocktails and you’re all set!
Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social, L5, Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 3552 3231
13. Woobar, W Hong Kong
Woobar has a high tea set with highlights that include sweet confectioneries and savoury delights. Frequently presenting themed afternoon tea sets, the eater is always innovating its menu. One thing is for sure, the team at Woobar always pushes the boat out in terms of decadence and deliciousness, so be sure to pop in for a cuppa.
Woobar, 6/F, W Hong Kong, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 3717 2889
14. Ozone, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
While Ozone is best known for its cocktails and parties, the sky-high bar and restaurant also has some of the best high tea in Hong Kong. You can expect afternoon tea sets that change according to the seasons, with each set delightfully capturing the essence of the time of year. This high tea set paired with the view from Ozone’s rooftop will bring you to new heights – literally!
Ozone, Level 118, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 2263 2087
15. The Envoy, The Pottinger Hong Kong
When craving a teatime twist, head to The Envoy for a cheeky cocktail-infused afternoon. This colonial charmer offers an ingenious spin on the classic afternoon tea with its boozy pairings – because, let’s face it, those petite sandwiches could use a bit of a kick, couldn’t they? The dim sum-style order sheet injects a Hong Kong twist, allowing you to customise a spread of nibbles served in a charming picnic style. Indulge in Auntie’s spring rolls, sambal shrimp, and a tempting display of sweets for a nostalgic yet playful take on the afternoon ritual.
The Envoy, 3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, p. 2169 3311
16. Madame Fu
We’re utterly smitten with Madame Fu’s glamorous East-meets-West afternoon tea. This enchanting salon in Tai Kwun brings a slice of Shanghai chic straight into the heart of Hong Kong, all while conjuring up the spirit of a fictional 1930s socialite. As you sip on lychee bellinis, nestled amongst plush banquettes and charming pink interiors, you can’t help but feel transformed into a true madame. The tea set itself is a delightful fusion of French pastries and modern Cantonese delicacies. An afternoon spent here is at once bold and comfortingly familiar.
Madame Fu, 3/F, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2114 2118
[This article was originally published in April 2018 and updated in 2024 by Catherine Pun.]