Top 15 Best High Teas in Singapore
After a long week of slaving yourself to your desk, there’s no better way than to treat yourself to having high tea at a swanky café. Get ready to take in the sights, the architecture, the scrumptious delights! Afternoon tea, also known as ‘low tea,’ is what most people think of when they hear ‘high tea.’ It involves things like manners, lace, and dainty foods. It is typically served in the mid-afternoon and it was traditionally served on low tables, hence its two names. An afternoon tea menu is light and focuses on scones, finger sandwiches. Marmalade, lemon curds, and herbed butter may also be included. Favorite teas for afternoon tea include black teas like Earl Grey and Assam as well as herbal teas like chamomile and mint. Historically, afternoon tea was considered to be a ladies’ social occasion, and it is more often enjoyed by women than men to this day. Tropika Club takes you to tea at the Top 10 Best High Teas in Singapore.
These are Tropika Club’s very own aggregated rankings, or ‘rankings of rankings’. We collect information from a variety of sources to ascertain the final rankings here. This is further refined through consulting the TripAdvisor rankings to decide the position of the choices here when there’s a tie.
Table of Contents
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- 1. Atrium Bar, Pan Pacific Singapore: Unlimited supply of Peranakan and English high tea delights served on their signature 22-metre long bar.
- 2. MO Bar, Mandarin Oriental: Their Afternoon Tea Takeaway Menu doesn’t disappoint with the combination of classic and contemporary flavours of Asia.
- 3. The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel: They serve up bold flavours that’s fitting for the striking views and decor.
- 4. The Westin Lobby Lounge: Forget about your scones and desserts. The Lobby Lounge at The Westin is switching it up – they’re serving seafood instead.
- 5. ATLAS: Their Afternoon Tea menu comes in two selections: the Atlas Selection and the Prestige Selection.
- 6. The Lobby Lounge at the Shangri-La: Indulge in an elegant Local Afternoon Tea experience with a 3-tier tea set comprising assorted Nyonya kueh, savoury items, and pastries.
- 7. Arteastiq: They also offer Art Jamming sessions, where you can pour your heart out onto a blank canvas, with a drink on the house to keep your creative juice flowing
- 8. Colony at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia: The Colony Tea will be the penultimate end to your afternoon tea. Revel in their custom blend of black and white Sumatran tea leaves from Tea Bone Zen Mind. You can choose tea syrup enhancement go with it.
- 9. National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore: You can find savoury bites like Otak Crostini, Kueh Pie Tee, Pulled Beef Sambal Pao, Nasi Kuning Serunding, Hae Bee Hiam Sandwich, and Buah Keluak Crostin.
- 10. Alley on 25: Experience street dining in the sky
- 11. Lobby Lounge, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: Enter their Floral Fantasy High Tea, a dreamy selection of savouries and sweet confections
- 12. Latest Recipe, Le Méridien Singapore, Sentosa: Delight in their Discovery High Tea Set. As they imbue French culture along with Singaporean staples.
- 13. The Orchard Café, Orchard Hotel: They serve exquisite local delights for their afternoon tea, with signature dishes like the Wok-Fried Carrot Cake.
- 14. Marriott Café, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel: The high tea buffet at Marriott Café mixes local staples with international favourites.
- 15. Crossroads Bar, Swissôtel Merchant Court: Travel the world with their daily Afternoon Tea Set,
1. Atrium Bar, Pan Pacific Singapore
Introduction: The Atrium Bar is the centrepiece of the lobby of this esteemed hotel lobby in Singapore. With elegant seating pods floating over a reflection pool, this is certainly a striking venue for spirited conversations and afternoon tea.
Offerings: Get ready for the unlimited supply of Peranakan and English high tea delights served on their signature 22-metre long bar, complete with a buffet spread and live stations with chefs from the hotel waiting to serve you.
They’ve recently debuted their new English afternoon tea set. Relish in sweets and savouries fit for the royals: Red Pepper Quiche with Whipped Cream Cheese, Strawberry Pistachio Roulade, Wagyu Beef Teriyaki and Shishito Peppers, Dark Chocolate Pear Caramel and Coffee Walnut Praline. Top it all of with the fragrance and flavours of TWG teas, Lavazza Coffees, or their cold brew infusions.
For.a heavier affair, you can have a taste of their Handcrafted Sausages, Hams, Salami and Cold Cuts, prepared fresh by their chefs.
Location: 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039595
Contact: +65 6336 8111
Website: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina/offers/english-afternoon-tea.html
2. MO Bar, Mandarin Oriental
Introduction: Opened in 2018, you can indulge in sleek luxury at this modern bar. The treasures and heritage of the Pacific Ocean and the ports of Asia inspires the decadent food and decor of MO Bar, where choice ingredients are refined with new cooking techniques. With the resplendent views splashing across the windows, it’s no wonder they call themselves the hottest hotel destination in Singapore.
Offerings: Embark on a journey with their opulent cocktails like the Comfort, Harvest Queen, and Silk Market, as well as dishes like their Gyu-Katsu Sando and Lobster Rolls.
Prefer to take in their treats in the comforts of your own couch? Their Afternoon Tea Takeaway Menu doesn’t disappoint with the combination of classic and contemporary flavours of Asia. The takeaway menu includes: Caprese Sandwich, Shawarma Sandwich, Matcha Yaki-Imo Cake, and Coffee Praline Sable Breton.
Location: 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797
Contact: +65 6885 3500
Website: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore/marina-bay/fine-dining/bars/mo-bar
3. The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Introduction: The Landing Point at Fullerton Bay Hotel pays homage to the first immigrants and seafarers that set foot on Clifford Pier when it was built in 1933. With an indoor promenade lined with mosaics and gold, The Landing Point is befitting of the history it inherits. As you wine and dine, its difficult to not admire the majestic panorama of Marina Bay, perhaps a peek into what the future holds.
Offerings: They serve up bold flavours that’s fitting for the striking views and decor, offering dishes like Cucumber Sandwich, Wagyu Cheeseburger, Smoked Salmon Mille Feuille with Caviar, Prosciutto Bagel, Duck Confit Crepe Roulade, Lemon Tart, Salted Chocolate Caramel Tart, Vanilla Crème Brûlée, Petit Chocolate Eclair and, of course, English Scones with Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream.
Location: 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326
Contact: +65 6338 8388
Website: https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-bay-hotel-singapore/dining/the-landing-point
4. The Westin Lobby Lounge
Introduction: One of the highest hotel lobbies in Singapore, the Lobby Lounge at The Westin Hotel boasts fantastic views of Marina Bay, but here you get to see the scores of ships on the Singapore Strait. As the bustle continues down below and far away, the Lobby Lounge is one of the best places to unwind over afternoon tea.
Offerings: Forget about your scones and desserts. The Lobby Lounge at The Westin is switching it up – they’re serving seafood instead. Expect an international endeavour with their menu, which includes Freshly-Shucked Oysters, a whole Lobster Thermidor, a three-tier platter of savoury bites and seafood delicacies. Complete your afternoon tea at The Lobby with tartlets, petite cakes, assorted housemade chocolates.
Each order of their afternoon tea comes with beverages too:
- $45++ per person inclusive of a pot of TWG tea
- $55++ per person inclusive of a glass of Belstar Prosecco
- $60++ per person inclusive of a glass of Taittinger Champagne
Want to go big? Top up $38++ for free-flow of Belstar Prosecco, or $88++ for a bottle of Taittinger Champagne.
Location: 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961
Contact: +65 6922 6888
5. ATLAS
Introduction: Atlas is unforgettable. The bar adorns the ground floor of the iconic Parkview Square, with interiors reminiscent of the unabashed opulence of the Jazz Age with its golden Art Deco embellishments. Its grand decor and their impeccable drinks earned them the Bar of the Year at the 2019 World Gourmet Awards, as well as the fifth spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019 list.
Offerings: Their Afternoon Tea menu comes in two selections: the Atlas Selection and the Prestige Selection.
The teas on the Atlas Selections includes Royal English Breakfast, Milk Oolong, as well as the Atlas Art Deco Blend. Meanwhile the Prestige Selection features exquisite Asian tea blends: Huoshan Yellow Bud, Himalayan Shangri-La Gold, and the Formosa Oriental Beauty.
This recherché affair begins with the appetisers: a warm canapé of Mushrooms ragout, crunch barley, and potatoes espuma. Then comes their showstopper in a gold two-tier tray. The savoury delights features iberico salmon on toast, cured salmon on a glutinous rice cracker, and mock truffle raviolo, while their selection of sweets include madeleines, canelé, French-style scones, and salted caramel bon bon.
Location: 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
Contact: +65 6396 4466
Website: http://atlasbar.sg/
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6. The Lobby Lounge at the Shangri-La
Introduction: In sunny Singapore, the indoor gardens of The Lobby Lounge at the Shangri-La Hotel is an absolute respite. Have your afternoon tea with a side of class with its stately interiors and the luxuriant greenery beyond the glass.
Indulge in an elegant Local Afternoon Tea experience with a 3-tier tea set comprising assorted Nyonya kueh, savoury items, and pastries that offer a taste of iconic local flavours. Traditional afternoon tea items such as scones are given a local twist, with flavours such as Gula Melaka and Pandan. Other delectable items that offer quintessentially local flavours albeit with a twist in presentation include a Coconut Kaya Tart and Durian Dome. Complete this mid-day pleasure with your choice of tea, coffee, Kopi Tarik or Teh Tarik. Each tea set comes with 2 cups of beverages.
Offerings: The Lobby Lounge offers local inspirations with the 3-Tier Local Signature Afternoon Tea Set. Indulge in Singaporean classics such assorted Nyonya Kueh, Coconut Kaya Tart, and the Durian Dome. Even the tea comes with local flavours like Pandan Gula Melaka.
Location: 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Contact: +65 6737 3644
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila/dining/bars-lounges/lobby-lounge/
7. Arteastiq
Introduction: Its name alludes to the concept behind Arteastiq: the art of teasing. It aims to be a modern, luxurious sanctuary with its exclusive range of teas and its graceful furniture. They also offer Art Jamming sessions, where you can pour your heart out onto a blank canvas, with a drink on the house to keep your creative juice flowing.
Offerings: You can find the Signature High Tea Set and National Treasure High Tea Set at all three of their outlets.
The Signature High Tea Set includes savouries like Vol au vent with tuna and cheese, Foie Terrine on toast bread, yuzu marmalade, and crushed pistachios, Smoked salmon roulade with cream cheese and tobiko, and Truffle shell pasta. The sweet delights for this menu are Chocolate cone with banana custard, Mini New York cheesecake, Mochi, and Macarons. You can end it all off with 2 specialty teas (except alcoholic teas), and 1 signature teasery.
The National Treasure High Tea Set features local favourites like Kueh pie tee, Satay chicken with rice cake and peanut suace, Rainbow kueh lapis, and Soft Gula Melaka custard with red bean.
For a delectable midnight haunt for tea with a special someone, try the Midnight High Tea, which is only available at their Jewel Changi Airport. Get ready for the rich flavours of Vol au vent with tuna and cheese, Smoked salmon roulade with cream cheese and tobiko, Otah fries and green chilli sauce, Sweet potato fries with truffle oil, Truffle shell pasta, and Beef bolognese wrap. Topping it all off for you are a tea specialty for 2 to share and a special Midnight Teasery. For a sparkling end, simply top-up $20+ for sharing cocktails or sangria.
Location: They have outlets at the Mandarin Gallery, Plaza Singapura, and Jewel Changi Airport
Contact: +65 6336 0952
Website: https://www.arteastiq.com/
8. Colony at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia
Introduction: It inspires awe even from its entrance at the grand lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Millenia Singapore. With high skylights that invites the sun in and elegant furniture, high tea at the Colony is certainly high class. Their seven kitchens works to recreate the voyage of how the British explored the East Indies in their search for spices and other riches. Colony features a fusion of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Indonesian, and Western flavours through their bountiful breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets.
Offerings: The Journey Afternoon Tea is nothing short of decadent. It includes a 5-tier tray of savoury treats that includes “Songkok” Lobster Rojak, “Harmonica” Butty, Swimmer Crab, Pressed Cantaloupe, Ikura. Then feast on unlimited servings of desserts like Scones, Miniatures, Chocolate Pralines, Cookies, Candies, Ice Cream, and Sorbets.
The Colony Tea will be the penultimate end to your afternoon tea. Revel in their custom blend of black and white Sumatran tea leaves from Tea Bone Zen Mind. You can choose tea syrup enhancement go with it.
Go for a fruity finish with Lemongrass & Pineapple Prosecco or Pineapple & Raspberry Prosecco. Or end it all off with a big finish: a flute of Champagne Barons de Rothschild Réserve Ritz Brut NV.
Location: 7 Raffles Ave, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia, Singapore 039799
Contact: +65 6434 5288
Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/singapore/dining/colony
9. National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore
Introduction: Lead the tai tai life. Its interiors is awash with blue, gold, jade, the hallmarks of Peranakan culture. Couple with pendant chandeliers and rattan fans, you’re transported to the Jazz Age – with a dash of Singaporean flair – at the National Kitchen.
The titular owner, Violet Oon, helms this respected establishment. As a renowned chef and food connoisseur, she infuses classic favourites with flavours of the world. Born a Singapore Nyonya in 1949, Violet Oon is the grande dame of Singaporean cooking and is widely considered to be an authority on Asian cuisine, specialising in Nyonya food. Her reputation as a chef and food connoisseur spans the international arena and she often represents Singapore as a food ambassador abroad.
Having successfully carved a niche out for herself, Violet has served as an F&B consultant in key national events such as the 2006 IMF World Bank Conference and the 2009 APEC Meeting in Singapore. She is also lauded as a speaker and has presented talks at the International Association of Culinary Professionals’ annual conference in Baltimore, USA. Violet has also been appointed Chef de Mission, leading Singapore’s team of chefs at the World of Flavors Conference and Festival (2004, 2007 & 2009), held by the Culinary Institute of America.
Offerings: Their Singapore High Tea menu, serving for two, is chock full of local delights with a twist. You can find savoury bites like Otak Crostini, Kueh Pie Tee, Pulled Beef Sambal Pao, Nasi Kuning Serunding, Hae Bee Hiam Sandwich, and Buah Keluak Crostini.
The indulge in their sweet treats: Kueh Beng Kah, Roti Jala with Gula Melaka and Banana Sauce, Kesturi Pie, Mini Gula Melaka Cupcakes, Kueh Lapis Sago, and Kueh Dah Dah.
To wash it all down, have a cup of Kopi VO or Tea that’s hand blended each season by the Singapore Tea Company.
Location: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #02–01 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Contact: +65 9834 9935
Website: https://violetoon.com/national-kitchen-by-violet-oon-national-gallery-singapore/
10. Alley on 25
Introduction: Experience street dining in the sky. Alley on 25 is created to become the culinary hub of Andaz Hotel Singapore. 7 shophouse-inspired venues grace the restaurant on the 25th floor, each with its unique cooking methods.
Offerings: With the Andaz Afternoon Tea, you’ll be tasting modern flavours with their international dishes. The savoury bites include Smoked Salmon Crostini, Confit Cherry Tomato, Lobster Croissant, Impossible™ Satay Tacos, and Parma Ham Toast.
Their sweet treats include Vanilla & Raisin Scones, Chocolate Mousse Shooter, Matcha Red Bean Cake, Mini Pandan Chiffon Cake, Passionfruit Curd Tartlet, Red Velvet Cake, and Soft Serve Ice Cream.
Then you can sit back and enjoy the city unfurling underneath you with the free-flow of Andaz Iced Tea, Homemade Lemonade, Teas by TWG, and Coffee. Or wine away after you top up to indulge a glass, or a bottle of Delamotte Champagne or Ruinart Rosé.
Location: 5 Fraser St, Level 25, Singapore 189354
Contact: +65 6408 1288
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/singapore/andaz-singapore/sinaz/dining
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Fancy for more? Read on for 5 more destination for high tea.
11. Lobby Lounge, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Introduction: Jetting off somewhere? Why not have some refreshments at the Lobby Lounge of the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. Towering full glass windows offers views of the al fresco garden. Inspired by the hotel’s tropical theme, the design of furniture here takes its cue from the tropical fruits we know and love.
Offerings: Enter their Floral Fantasy High Tea, a dreamy selection of savouries and sweet confections. It’s array of dreamy delights include the Smoked Salmon Wrap, Honey Crème Brulee (with a side of lavender shortbread), Roselle-infused Cheese Tart, and Sunflower-filled Praline Éclair.
Location: Crowne Plaza® Changi Airport, 75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819664
Contact: +65 6823 5367
Website: https://www.crowneplazadining.com/dining/lobby-lounge
12. Latest Recipe, Le Méridien Singapore, Sentosa
Introduction: Dive into new sensations at the Latest Recipe. Their plush furniture serves as a perfect backdrop to discovering their bold fusion of Asian and European flavours. What’s more? It’s a five-star experience that won’t break your bank.
Offerings: Delight in their Discovery High Tea Set. As they imbue French culture along with Singaporean staples, you’ll be having Truffle Deviled Egg Tartin and Chili Crab Brioche in one sitting. You’ll also be relishing in Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Avruga Caviar Pearls and Dill, Lemon Meringue Tartlet, and Cranberry Scones with Strawberry Jam. To finish it off, have a cup of rich Illy Coffee or TWG Tea.
Location: Le Meridien Singapore, 23 Beach View, Sentosa, 09867969
Contact: +65 6818 3305
Website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/sinmd-le-meridien-singapore-sentosa/
13. The Orchard Café, Orchard Hotel
Introduction: An afternoon tea at The Orchard Café is an homage to Singapore’s heritage of luxury. With a multi-million dollar overhaul, the café now houses a spacious, garden-inspired lounge – a sanctuary from the bustle of Orchard Road.
Offerings: They serve exquisite local delights for their afternoon tea, with signature dishes like the Wok-Fried Carrot Cake and the Orchard Café Porridge, Durian Pengat, and their Signature Mango Cake.
Location: 442 Orchard Road Singapore, 238879 Singapore
Contact: +65 6739 6565
Website: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/orchard-hotel-singapore/orchard-cafe/
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14. Marriott Café, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Introduction: As their top chefs take the centre stage, relish in their legendary international buffet spread, filled to the brim with gastronomic delight made with the freshest of ingredients.
Offerings: Just as how Singapore sits on the global stage, the high tea buffet at Marriott Café mixes local staples with international favourites. Explore the medley of Poached Prawns, Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Assorted Maki & Nigiri Sushi, Crêpes, Dim Sum, Nasi Lemak, Mutton Curry, Carrot Cake and more.
Location: 320 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238865
Contact: +65 6831 4605
Website: https://www.singaporemarriott.com/restaurant/marriott-cafe/
15. Crossroads Bar, Swissôtel Merchant Court
Introduction: A riverside destination, the Crossroads Bar at the Swissôtel Merchant Court is a sophisticated hangout. It’s grand floor-to-ceiling windows allows the panorama of Clarke Quay be the backdrop to your afternoon tea – Asian-inspired tapas made with local fruits and spices along with homegrown herbs.
Offerings: Travel the world with their daily Afternoon Tea Set – choose from English, Nagoya, or ‘Spring in Tokyo’. Each selection comes with its own distinctive selections of savoury bites and sweet treats. Then, revel in a cup of TWG Tea, where you can choose from a selection of Emperor Sencha, Chamomile, Moroccan Mint, Vanilla Bourbon, Jasmine, English Breakfast, and French Earl Grey.
Location: 20 Merchant Rd, Singapore 178882
Contact: +65 6239 1848
Website: https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-merchant-court/bars/crossroads-bar/
Conclusion
High tea is a wonderful way to catch up with friends and unwind after a long week. And in Singapore, there are plenty of amazing high tea spots to choose from. Tropika Club Magazine has done the research and rounded up the top 15 best high teas in Singapore, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy some delicious treats and delightful tea blends.
But it’s not just about the location. These high tea spots have been chosen for their delicious food, delightful tea blends, and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for traditional scones and finger sandwiches or something a little more local, there’s something to satisfy your cravings.
So why not treat yourself to a little indulgence and check out one of Tropika Club Magazine’s top 15 best high teas in Singapore? With so many amazing options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax and unwind with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?
A: High tea and afternoon tea are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different meals. Afternoon tea, also known as ‘low tea,’ is traditionally served in the mid-afternoon and focuses on light foods such as scones and finger sandwiches. High tea, on the other hand, is a more substantial meal that is served later in the day and includes heartier foods such as meat dishes and baked goods.
Q: What kind of food is served at high tea?
A: High tea typically includes a variety of sweet and savory foods such as scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and sometimes meat dishes or other hearty foods. The exact menu will vary depending on the location.
Q: What kind of tea is served at high tea?
A: A variety of teas are typically served at high tea, including black teas like Earl Grey and Assam as well as herbal teas like chamomile and mint. Some locations may also offer a selection of specialty teas or other beverages.
Q: How should I dress for high tea?
A: There is no specific dress code for high tea, but many people choose to dress up a bit for the occasion. Smart casual attire is usually appropriate, but it’s always a good idea to check with the location beforehand to see if they have any specific dress code requirements.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation for high tea?
A: It is recommended to make a reservation for high tea, especially at popular locations or during peak times. This will ensure that you have a table and can avoid any potential wait times.
Have a Place to Recommend?
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