Who says treating yourself is reserved for the weekends? Pamper yourself with a weekday high tea
High tea in Singapore, so posh. Cucumber sandwiches and scones – very Downton Abbey; or, perhaps even better, traditional treats like kueh and ondeh ondeh. We just love it and, here’s the thing: you don’t have to save it up for the weekend. The proof? Here are our favourite weekday high tea places for that perfect afternoon indulgence. Or, head here if you prefer afternoon tea on a weekend.
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 ($52) and ($56) with the choice of teas being the difference in price points. Savouries include croque monsieur, crab coquettes and mock truffle ravioli, while sweets featured tropical tartlet, salted caramel bon bon, and cheesecake with lemon curd.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778. Available Monday to Saturday, 3pm to 5pm.
Capella
When one thinks of afternoon tea, one inevitably thinks of decadent delights, like bite-sized tarts, creamy curd and buttery pastries. But what if we told you that you could have all the luxuries of this Brit tradition without sacrificing your health? Every Friday at Capella’s The Chef’s Table, a gluten-free and dairy-free, vegan afternoon tea is offered. Called Wellness Tea Time ($59++), the treats include tempeh portobello sliders, sprouted whole grain bread with tomato tapenade and quinoa and zucchini chocolate tea cake and more. Down it all with Ayurvedic tea.
Chef’s Table, Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island. Singapore 098297. Available every Friday from 3pm to 5pm.
LeBar at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
Add a sprinkle of French flair to this quintessentially British ritual with the Afternoon Tea à la Française at LeBar. Featuring a myriad of French-inspired petit cakes and patisserie all served up in a customised jewellery box (complete with a mini Eiffel Tower playing Fur Elise, no less), this tea will delight even the most discerning of Francophiles. Though traditionalists need not fret; the obligatory scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam remain firmly on the menu.
LeBar, 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099891, p. 6708 8310/8362, e. H9474@sofitel.com. Afternoon Tea à la Française is served daily from 12pm to 5.30pm, $80++ for 2 pax.
The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Not one for scones or finger sandwiches? Have your high tea with a local twist at The Shangri-La Singapore’s The Lobby Lounge. The set (priced at $30+ per person) features some of Singapore’s all-star food – savouries include char siew puffs, yam cake and lemper udang while sweet options are gula melaka macaron, durian cake, and ondeh ondeh. But more than tiered trays, plated hot dishes like satay and white carrot cake are also available on rotation, with desserts like cheng teng, pulot hitam, and bubur chacha.
The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350, available from Monday to Friday, 3pm-530pm, at $30+ per person
Anti:dote
This fixture at Fairmont Singapore is no small contender in the cocktail scene – it was one of Asia’s 50 best bars and a former winner of Bar Awards’ Bartender of the Year. But did you know it also whips up a mouthwatering afternoon tea too? All types of treats are available – think ikura roe sandwiches, homemade pork sausages and sweet potato coconut cone. You can even find a gluten-free menu too. Talk about an antidote to your mid-week blues!
Anti:dote, Fairmont Singapore, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, p. 6431 5315. High tea is served Mon-Thu 3pm-5pm, Fri 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm, $50 per person.
PARKROYAL on Pickering
Now here’s a high tea that brings Tiers of Joy. Available at the hotel’s Lime Pâtisserie, this elegant set has recently undergone a makeover with a distinctly Asian take on dishes like Peking Duck Duxelles encased in Profiterole, Ayam Percik Shepherd’s Pie and Coconut Pandan mousse. Need caffeine to get through the day? $50 will get you unlimited servings of speciality coffee and TWG tea.
PARKROYAL on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289, p. 6809 8888. High tea is served daily from 3pm to 6pm, $44 for the set and one serving of speciality coffee and TWG tea, or $50 for unlimited servings of speciality coffee and TWG tea.
Lobby Lounge at Conrad Centennial Singapore
Available only during throughout March, Conrad Centennial Singapore’s afternoon tea features all the classics of this British ritual: scrummy scones, pastries and finger sandwiches. Down it all with a pot of Ronnefeldt tea; choose from 18 flavours of tea including earl grey, Ayurveda herbs and ginger, lavender harmony and roobois and lemon.
Lobby Lounge, Conrad Centennial Singapore, 2 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038982. Available daily from 3pm-6pm, S$28 ++ per person (coffee and tea), S$56++ for two adults (coffee and tea)
TWG tea salons
Calling all tea lovers! Go gaga at TWG tea salons with over 800 different types of teas to choose from for the high tea set. With four outlets in Singapore (Republic Plaza, ION Orchard, Takashimaya, and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands), you can easily sip a cup of your favourite tea and munch on their signature tea-infused pastries and savoury bites. Prices range from $19 to $42.
TWG Tea Salons, Republic Plaza, ION Orchard, Takashimaya Department Store,
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. High tea sets are served daily from 2-6pm, prices range from $19++ to $42++
Tiffin Room
Aside from being the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, the colonial marvel that is Raffles Singapore also houses the Tiffin Room that’s known for its curry buffets and high tea. Served in a three-tier stand are assorted sandwiches (tuna with mayonnaise, salmon with cream cheese, turkey ham and chicken with mayonnaise, to name a few) and pastries such as strawberry pistachio tartlet and banana crumble. And if you’re craving something Oriental, there’s even a dim sum station with free-flow dumplings and baos. There’s also a dairy- and gluten-free high tea menu too, so your whole clique can get classy. Note that due to restoration, the restaurant is temporarily closed. Afternoon tea will be served in the Grand Lobby when the hotel reopens so guests can dine as daylight softly streams in from the skylight.
Tiffin Room, Raffles Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673, p. 6412 1190.
Brasserie Les Saveurs
At St. Regis, you know you’re in for some ample pampering – and you won’t even have to wait for the weekend. Take a day off work, and indulge in The Grand Astor Afternoon Tea at the hotel’s eminent French restaurant. Goodies here range from duck foie gras profiteroles and prawn, lobster and tarragon cup pies, to crème caramel with orange compote and homemade chocolate pralines. Not to mention, the hand-made waffles and crêpes served à la minute and the myriad of fine teas ripe for the picking.
Brasserie Les Saveurs, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911, p. 6506 6860. High tea is served Mondays to Fridays, 3pm to 5pm, $49++ per person.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon
One of Singapore’s national treasures puts her spin on the high tea tradition, turning it into a homely feast of Peranakan-inspired staples and local bites. A three-tier stand offers snacks such as buah keluak crostini, hae bee hiam sandwiches, kueh pie tee and beef-bak pow. And instead of Western pastries and desserts, you’ll dig into Nyonya kuehs, roti jala with gula Melaka banana sauce, and kesturi lemon tart with papaya compote. What can this kitchen doyenne not come up with??
National Kitchen by Violet Oon, #02-01 National Gallery Singapore (City Hall Wing), Singapore 178957, p. 9834 9935. High tea is served daily from 3pm to 5pm, $56++ per set (for two pax).
The Rose Veranda
While not your traditional high tea, this is still an afternoon delight that we wouldn’t mind skipping work for (*cough* you didn’t hear this from us). High tea purists will be happy to find a selection of 164 premium tea blends alongside scones, pastries and other desserts. But bear in mind that this high tea buffet also stocks international fare like sashimi, a rotating carving station and even local laksa – so much for saving space for dessert! It also starts as early as 11.30am, which is a great perk.
The Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350, p. 6213 4486. High tea is served daily from 11.30am to 6pm, $52++ per person.
The Lobby Lounge
One seriously spiffy option that has recently come onto our radar is afternoon tea at InterContinental Singapore’s Lobby Lounge. Swanky setting? Check. This Bugis-based hotel has recently revamped its lounge area into a luxurious space ideal for tea; think old-world grandeur meets modern design, with touches of colonial charm and Peranakan heritage. Scones? Check. We love the sound of the lemon raisin scones served with coffee mascarpone clotted cream and house-made wild strawberry jam! Affordability? Jackpot! Now available is the Citrus Collection, where all of its treats are infused with citrus fruits and available with a beverage upgrade of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne or the Spring Awakening kumquat cocktai.
The Lobby Lounge, Level 1, InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966. High Tea is served daily from 2pm to 5pm, $78++ for two persons
Chihuly Lounge
Kick back on the couches at Chihuly Lounge while sipping on loose leaf teas from the Ronnefeldt tea collection. Savour the impressive eight-course high tea set, featuring delicacies like slow cooked short beef ribs, andsmoked salmon and truffle egg mayonnaise alongside desserts like tarte normande and poached pear with vanilla chantilly and almond tuile.
Chihuly Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore #03-00, 7 Raffles Avenue Singapore 039799, p. 64345288. High tea is served daily from 12pm-5pm, $49 per set.
The Providore at Tangs
Go ahead and shop ’til you drop; here’s a cosy spot where you can catch your breath, dump your bags and relax with a cup of tea (or a glass of Prosecco for extra kick). Cloistered conveniently within the second storey of Tangs in the heart of Orchard, The Providore always packs a treat with its high tea set menu. Poached chicken and avocado sandwiches, bruschetta and crostini, buttermilk mini scones with jam or marmalade are just some of the goodies you can sink your teeth into. Energy for the next shopping escapade.
The Providore, 310 Orchard Road, Tangs Orchard, Singapore 238864, p.62351425. High tea is served daily from 12pm to 6pm, $27.50++ (tea) or $37.50++ (champagne).
L’Espresso
Choose to enjoy your high tea spread in the cosy indoors or by the breezy poolside terrace at L’Espresso. The reputable high tea buffet features a dazzling assortment of dainty sandwiches, salads, pastries, a chocolate fountain and, of course, traditional English scones.
L’Espresso, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228221, p.67301743. High tea served daily, Mon-Thu ($45 per adult) 2-530pm, Fri-Sun & Public Holidays ($48 per adult) 12-230pm & 3-530pm. Prices range from $69 to $72 for an additional glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne
Woo Bar
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and venture to Woo Bar for a relaxing high tea experience. Their high tea set is served in an exquisite decorative silver bird cage and features savoury delights like foie gras ganache tart and sweet treats like macarons and scones. Complement your delicious munchies with Dilmah’s finest teas or a glass of bubbly.
Woo Bar, W Hotel Singapore, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Dr, Singapore 098374, p.68087258. High tea is served daily from 3-5pm. $65++ for 2 (Weekdays)
The Landing Point
Unwind at The Landing Point as you dine along the waterfront and soak in the magnificent view of the Marina Bay area. Savour a refillable three-tier high tea set, which boasts an assortment of premium savoury and sweet treats like Boston lobster cornet, duck confit crepe, and macarons.
The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326, p. 65975277. High tea is served daily from 3-530pm, $48++ per pax.
Arteastiq
Arteastiq is synonymous with relaxed art jamming afternoons and chichi meals. But if rolling up your sleeves and busting out your Picasso moves isn’t the plan of the day, perch yourself on one of their many plush, velour chairs for an afternoon of dainty delicacies from the Deluxe Teasery set ($38++ per set). On your gilded rack you’ll find smoked salmon roulade with cream cheese and chocolate soil, oysters baked with cheddar cheese and tobiko, macarons and a chocolate cone and banana custard.
Arteastiq, Outlets in Mandarin Gallery and Plaza Singapura. $38++ per set, available all day.
10 Scotts
Fancy indulging in a high tea spread after an afternoon of shopping in town? 10 Scotts offers an afternoon of respite over a mix of local and international treats like scones with raspberry jam and kaya (coconut) jam.
10 Scotts, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228211, p.67321234. Available from 12-230pm and 3-5pm. $45++ per adult with free flow coffee and tea, $75 per adult with free flow champagne
The Marmalade Pantry
This quaint franchise has bloomed in popularity since establishing itself as a household name in ION Orchard, and that means more places in Singapore – including Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore that we recently reviewed – to get your high tea fix! Served daily from 3pm to 6pm, the Afternoon Tea Set includes two pots of Gryphon Teas; a selection of egg and cress, beef and horseradish, and green land shrimp finger sandwiches; buttermilk scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream; and your choice of two cupcakes.
The Marmalade Pantry, available at several locations. High tea is served daily from 3pm to 6pm, $38 for two.
Tissenta Lounge
Not a fan of English high teas? At Hotel Fort Canning’s Tisettanta Lounge, traditional Asian delicacies are the star of the game. Enjoy savouries like crispy carrot cake with hot sauce, seafood kueh pie tee, plus gourmet coffee or TWG tea at $25++ per set. Picture-perfect views of verdant foliage, a gorgeous heritage venue and affordable high tea treats? We’re sold.
Tisettanta Lounge, Hotel Fort Canning, 11 Canning Walk Singapore 178881, p. 6338 5498. $25++ per set, available from 3pm-6pm everyday.
Pollen
Nestled within the lush garden of Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome, enjoy Pollen’s high tea set while basking in the Mediterranean setting and admiring the exotic flora around you. We love that Pollen prepares their bites with fresh herbs and vegetables from their in-house garden too.
Pollen, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953, p. 66049988. Available daily from 3-5pm, $38++ per pax with coffee or tea, or $50++ with a glass of white peach bellini.
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