Who says indulgence is reserved for weekends? Pamper yourself with a weekday high tea sesh from our list of top picks.
Afternoon tea in Singapore? So posh. Tiny sandwiches and scones are very Downton Abbey. But, perhaps even better, we’re thinking of traditional treats like kueh and ondeh ondeh. We just love ’em all! Here’s the thing: You don’t have to save this dining experience for the weekend. The proof? We’ve rounded up our favourite weekday high tea places in sleek hotels and cosy cafes for that perfect afternoon indulgence.
[Note: With the ongoing Covid-19 situation, opening hours and details may change due to safety measures. Do check the official websites before you head over.]
Best afternoon tea spots in Singapore
Atlas
Nothing says treat yo’self like afternoon tea with a side of glitz and glam. Step into the roaring twenties at Atlas: A European Art Deco-inspired bar in the iconic Parkview Square. Settle down for a high tea spread of two selections: Atlas ($56) and Prestige ($60), with the choice of teas being the difference in price points. Savouries include pumpkin quiche with cream cheese, lobster crostini and truffled egg brioche. Meanwhile, sweets feature brown butter scones, passion fruit cheesecake and banana cream pie. Each component is handmade to order, so make your reservation with at least 24 hours’ notice.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778; Monday to Wednesday, 2pm to 4pm slots; Thursday to Friday, 3pm to 4pm slots; Saturday, 1pm to 4pm slots
Alley on 25 at Andaz Singapore
Afternoon tea may be derived from Britain but there’s nothing like tucking into a locally-inspired set. Your afternoon just got better with Andaz’ whimsical picnic basket ($48 per person), featuring two tiffin carriers filled with sweet and savoury treats such as smoked salmon crostini, parma ham toast and vanilla raisin scones. And, of course, the Andaz pandan chiffon cake – a reinvention of the classic layered with mousse and a delightful green glaze. Brownie points for the amazing city views! Yup, Alley on 25 is strategically located on the 25th storey of the hotel – talk about living the high (tea) life!
Andaz Singapore, Alley on 25, 5 Fraser Street, Singapore 189354; Monday to Sunday, 3pm to 5pm
Brasserie Les Saveurs at The St. Regis Singapore
At St. Regis, you know you’re in for some pampering – and you won’t even have to wait for the weekend. Just take a day off work and nibble your way through a lavish array of classic sandwiches, desserts and pastries on a two-tiered silver stand, as well as handmade crepes served à la minute. For $38 (per person), you get to enjoy the experience with coffee or tea; at $68, you’ll be clinking champagne glasses with your fellow diners!
Brasserie Les Saveurs, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911; Monday to Saturday, 3pm to 5pm; Sunday, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Skai at Swissôtel The Stamford
Due for a high tea sesh? Why not take it up a notch, literally. Say, 70 floors above ground? Skai has a spread of savoury and sweet creations layered with – in true Skai fashion – Japanese and Asian accents. While you admire the view, munch on bites like crab roll with ikura, foie gras on beet bun, sesame choux puff and raspberry pistachios sable. For $60 (per person), complete your meal with aromatic brews by TWG or Suzuki coffee.
Skai, Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore 178882; Sunday to Friday, 3pm to 5pm
The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore
One seriously spiffy option that’s on our radar is the hotel’s Peranakan afternoon tea, inspired by its history and the culture of its neighbourhood, Bugis. Enjoy treats like pulut hitam chiffon cake, deep-fried rendang chicken mantou and ondeh ondeh with pandan coconut mousse. If you prefer to have tea or coffee with your light bites, opt for the $88 option for two. Otherwise, indulge in flutes of champagne with the $118 deal for two.
The Lobby Lounge, L1, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966; Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 5.30pm; Friday to Sunday, 1pm to 3pm or 3.30pm to 5.30pm; available until 31 October 2020
1864 at Sofitel Singapore City Centre
For a relaxing afternoon, head to 1864, where you’ll be served a selection of bite-size delights ($78 for two) with TWG tea or Nespresso coffee. Or you can upgrade to cocktails ($98 for two) and champagne ($114 for two). Sweets include green tea adzuki bean cake, vanilla panna cotta with berry compote and peanut butter financier, while savouries feature salmon tartare on buckwheat blinis and stuffed camembert on waffle croissant. Talk about living the high life – for two hours, at least!
1864, L5, Sofitel Singapore City Centre, 9 Wallich Street, Singapore 078885; daily 2pm to 5pm
The Grand Lobby at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Settle in for an elegant afternoon at the heritage hotel with a refreshed spread of indulgences in a refined setting. Besides the Classic Afternoon Tea ($78 per person), the limited edition New York Afternoon Tea ($78 per person) takes you on a trip to the US with a menu of Reuben sandwiches, lobster rolls and cheesecakes. Top it all off with cocktails like Manhattan and Bronx if you’d like – but be sure to make your reservation a day in advance.
The Grand Lobby, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673; Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 5pm; Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 6pm
Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore
This fixture at Fairmont Singapore is no small contender in the cocktail scene, being one of Asia’s 50 best bars. For its seasonal pop-up ($52), the casual British afternoon tea plates up creations like smoked ocean trout sandwich, tiger prawn tartlet, Victoria sponge cake, blackberry eton mess and devon cream tea scone. Oh, and feel free to splurge on extras like champagne or caviar if you’d like. Talk about an antidote to your mid-week blues!
Anti:dote, Fairmont Singapore, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882; daily 3pm to 5pm
Pacific Marketplace at Pan Pacific Singapore
Get cosy with an English afternoon tea experience ($38 per person) that will have you enjoying goodies such as beef pastrami sandwich, matcha yuzu tartlet, strawberry pistachio choux and coffee caramel roulade. Complete the meal with two beverages of choice from a menu that includes cold brew infusions, TWG teas and Lavazza coffees.
Pacific Marketplace, Pan Pacific Singapore, Marina Square, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595; daily 2.30pm to 5.30pm
The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Not one for finger sandwiches? Have your high tea with a homegrown twist instead! This local three-tiered afternoon tea set ($38-$42) features some of Singapore’s all-star foods, including Nyonya kuehs and desserts like coconut kaya tart and durian dome. As for the scones, they get a splash of familiar flavours like gula melaka and pandan. Wash it all down with tea, coffee, kopi tarik or teh tarik.
The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350; Monday to Friday, 3pm to 5.30pm; Saturday to Sunday, 4pm to 6pm
Lime Patisserie at Parkroyal Collection Pickering
Now, here’s a high tea sesh that brings us Tiers of Joy. Have tea for two in the lush, elegant space with plush sofas and comfy corner tables. At $58, the set for you and a dining partner features goodies such as Earl Grey cappuccino tart, parma ham sandwich, nasi lemak ball, mini shepherd’s pie and pandan coconut tart. Oh, and did we mention the unlimited servings of coffee or TWG tea? That’s your caffeine for the day, sorted.
Lime Patisserie, Parkroyal Collection Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289; daily 3pm to 6pm
TWG Tea Salons
Calling all tea lovers! Go gaga at TWG Tea salons with hundreds of brews to choose from. When tea time rolls around, you can pick a spot to lounge around with your fave flavours and light bites. Feeling peckish? Nibble on muffins or scones served with TWG Tea jelly and whipped cream, plus your choice of hot or iced tea with the 1837 set ($20). For $35, you’ll enjoy all that alongside finger sandwiches such as Thai basil chicken brioche and crab meat tart.
TWG Tea Salons, multiple locations including Ion Orchard and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; daily 2pm to 6pm
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore
Violet Oon, one of Singapore’s national treasures, puts her spin on the high tea tradition. The gorgeous National Gallery restaurant turns it into a homely feast of Peranakan-inspired staples and local bites. Anyone who orders the Singapore high tea set ($58), which serves two, will munch your way through savouries like kueh pie tee, chilli crab tartlet, pulled beef sambal bun and the signature dry laksa. When it’s time for sweets, you’ll be on a sugar high with bubur cha cha pudding, mini gula melaka cupcakes and kueh kosui.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore, #02-01, National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957; Friday to Sunday, 3pm to 5.30pm
The Rose Veranda at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Temporarily closed.
While this isn’t your traditional high tea, it’s still an afternoon delight we wouldn’t mind skipping work for (*cough* you didn’t hear this from us). The Rose Veranda has been serving afternoon tea since 1991, and there’s no other quite like it. Purists will be happy to find a selection of over 50 premium tea blends alongside scones, pastries and other desserts. It starts as early as 11.30am, which is a great perk, so you’ll have all the time you want to pile up your plate with sushi, sashimi, roast beef and more.
The Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350; Friday to Sunday, 11.30am to 5pm
10 Scotts at Grand Hyatt Singapore
Fancy indulging in a high tea spread after shopping in town? 10 Scotts offers an afternoon of respite over an a la minute buffet ($55 per person) including toasted crumpets with raspberry and kaya jam, tartine with smoked salmon and beef pastrami, blue swimmer crab salad and Maine lobster bisque. If you’d like to jazz it up, go for the $88 set with booze.
10 Scotts, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211; daily 12pm to 2.30pm or 3pm to 5pm
Colony at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
One of our favourite hotel buffets in town, Colony provides the best dining experience complemented by a sophisticated yet cosy setting. The Journey Afternoon Tea ($49 per person) gives you a true taste of Singapore with its five-tier menu. Think scones with jam and clotted cream, mini steak ale pie, tandoori chicken and prawn sandwiches, strawberry coconut choux puff, ondeh ondeh and more. To complete the experience, you’ll be sipping on your choice of champagne or prosecco.
Colony, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799; Monday to Saturday, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel
Choose to enjoy your high tea spread in the cosy indoor space or by the breezy poolside terrace at L’Espresso. The reputable afternoon buffet-turned-tableside service ($45-$48 per person) features a dazzling assortment of dainty sandwiches, cheeses, pastries, meats, ice cream, a chocolate fountain and, of course, traditional English scones. Pair your light bites with TWG teas or coffees, or toast to luxury with a glass of champagne ($68-$72 per person).
L’Espresso, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221; Monday to Friday, 2pm to 5.30pm; Saturday to Sunday, 12pm to 2.30pm or 3pm to 5.30pm
The Landing Point at The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Unwind at The Landing Point as you dine along the waterfront and soak in magnificent views of the Marina Bay area. This afternoon tea ($50-$55 per person) treats you to seared beef pastrami on brioche, five-spice smoked chicken on sesame tartlet, maple pecan orange tart and ondeh ondeh macaron, alongside scones, coffees and teas. If you’re in the mood for bubbly, add on $78 for free-flow prosecco, moscato, house white, red and rosé for two hours. Cheers!
The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326; Monday to Friday, 3pm to 5.30pm; Saturday to Sunday, 12pm to 2.30pm or 3.30pm to 6pm
The Lobby Lounge at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Temporarily closed.
Capitol Kempinski’s lobby lounge is the perfect refuge for a zen high tea in Singapore. Its five-course afternoon tea menu ($58-$78) serves a mix of sweet and savoury snacks such as chicken rice ‘arancini’, chilli crab quiche, prawn salad, cranberry scones, chocolate financier and raspberry yuzu meringue tart. Best of all, you get tea pairings with each course to bring out the best flavours!
The Lobby Lounge, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, 15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906; daily 3pm to 5pm
Fennel Cafe at Gardens by the Bay
Nestled within the lush garden of Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome, this experience allows you to bask in a Mediterranean setting and admire the exotic flora around you. For $45 per person, the set includes savoury bites like gruyere cheese gougere and smoked salmon sandwich, plus lemon meringue pie and violet choux pastry. Psst: There’s also a vegetarian menu for plant-based diners!
Fennel Cafe, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953; Wednesday to Sunday, 3pm to 5pm
The Marmalade Pantry
This quaint cafe has bloomed in popularity, and it’s one of the more affordable places in Singapore to get your high tea fix. Served daily, the afternoon tea menu at Ion Orchard allows you to pick and choose what you’d like. We’re eyeing the selection of buttermilk scones ($14 for four), salted caramel pecan tart and s’mores cupcakes ($6 each) and chocolate banana banoffee pie ($10 per slice). Meanwhile, the Oasia Hotel locations offer high tea sets ($48 for two) from Friday to Sunday, 3pm to 6pm, with free-flow tea plus an array of sandwiches, scones and cupcakes.
The Marmalade Pantry, multiple locations including Ion Orchard and Oasia Hotel Downtown; daily 3pm to 6pm
Arteastiq
Arteastiq is synonymous with relaxed art jamming afternoons and chi-chi meals. But if busting out your Picasso moves isn’t the plan of the day, perch yourself on a plush, velour chair for an afternoon of dainty delicacies. The signature high tea set ($32 per person, $48 for two) comes with truffle shell pasta, mochi, mini New York cheesecake and teas. Meanwhile, the National Treasure set ($39 per person, $55 for two) goes the local route with otah fries, satay chicken with rice cake, rainbow kueh lapis and baked tapioca kueh with lychee.
Arteastiq, multiple locations including Mandarin Gallery and Plaza Singapura; daily 1pm to 5pm
So what are you waiting for? Time to book yourself a luxe weekday afternoon tea sesh in Singapore!