Raise those pinkies, people – we’ve found the best places in Singapore to feast on afternoon tea... kid-friendly spreads included!
Afternoon tea: there’s nothing quite like it for making us feel like we’ve got our fancypants on. Because everything tastes better in miniature, are we right? Luckily for you, this very British tradition does a roaring trade here in Singapore. And just because we’re parents doesn’t mean we’re going to miss out on our scones and tea, thanks! So whether you’re looking to book high tea in for a special treat or a ‘just because’ family occasion, we’ve compiled our picks of the best places for afternoon tea in Singapore. And most are kid-friendly too!
From babyccinos and fussy-eater-friendly buffets to chocolate fountains and handy highchairs, we’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to. Three…two… scone… it’s tea time! And psst – for when you want to graze child-free, we’ve also found some relatively affordable high teas for a catch up with friends, and even the best places to take the grandparents. Yup, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best afternoon teas and high tea sets in Singapore, where you can raise those pinkies at!
Note. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, some of the buffet afternoon teas will be replaced with serve-to-table options – check in advance with each venue for all the info!
The best afternoon teas in Singapore for every occasion
1. Best for cartoon lovers: Hello Kitty Whimsical Tea Indulgence at Anti:dote
If your little critter is a fan of Sanrio’s famous feline, they’ll love the new Hello Kitty-themed afternoon tea set at Anti:dote. Expect a selection of adorable whiskered creations like yummy Hello Kitty-adorned quiches and choux puff pastries. The kids will also be able to sip on pink and blue mocktails imprinted with the adorable kitty. If you’re looking for an extra special treat for the whole family, book a themed staycation at Fairmont Singapore! You’ll even get to take home coveted Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel collectibles (think branded towels, face masks, mugs and cookies). A-meow-zing!
When: Daily 12–2pm (1st seating) and 3–5pm (2nd seating); Fridays to Sundays 9–11am (single seating)
Where: Anti:dote, Level 1, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560
Cost: $72–$88 per guest
2. Best for kid-friendly fanciness: Tea Lounge at Regent Singapore
We can personally vouch for the variety of yumminess on offer at Regent Singapore’s Tea Lounge, making it a great option for afternoon tea with kids in Singapore. On weekdays, the tea is a three-tiered set. Kid-friendly pieces include finger sandwiches and cranberry scones served with clotted cream (drool), strawberry jam and zingy lemon curd. Come the weekend; it’s time for full-on high tea buffet mode. Children will make a beeline for the cooked ham and cheeses, congee, mini pot pie with beef ragout and rosemary mashed potatoes, plus Scotch quail’s eggs. Psst… chicken nuggets and fries aren’t officially on the menu, but a little birdie tells us they’re usually brought out by the chefs for the young guests. If you need further persuasion, then the live crêpes station with fresh berries and gelato will give you the answer: a resounding YES, PLEASE!
When: Mondays to Fridays 2–5pm (single seating); Weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) 12–2.30pm (1st seating) and 3–5.30pm (2nd seating)
Where: Tea Lounge, Regent Singapore Lobby Level, 1 Cuscaden Road, 249715
Cost: $47 per guest on weekdays. $68 per guest on weekends. $23.50 per child, kids under five eat for free.
3. Best quintessential ‘high tea’: Raffles Singapore
Is Raffles Hotel THE place to come for the best afternoon tea in Singapore? It’s certainly a showstopper setting, so you should definitely give it a try for the experience alone (although this one is best sans-kids!). Savour finger sandwiches, homemade scones and pastries, and seasonal delicacies, all washed down with fine teas and even finer Champagnes. The opulent setting really is the icing on the cake! When you’re done with the tea, you have to pop into the Long Bar for a swift one. As the home of the Singapore Sling, it’s a bit of a rite of passage for anyone visiting or living in Singapore! Psst… we also love a shop at Raffles Boutique. There are some gorgeous goodies to be had!
When: Mondays to Thursdays 1–5pm (single seating); Fridays to Sundays 12–6pm (single seating)
Where: Raffles Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
Cost: $68 per guest
4. Best for an afternoon tea buffet: L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel
We’re big fans of L’Espresso for its afternoon tea offering. Having been to sample the wares ourselves, we can gladly report the spread is topnotch. Instead of your more traditional ‘tiered cake stand’ afternoon tea, L’Espresso puts on a full-on buffet spread. That scores big if, like us, you’re a chronic grazer and love sampling everything (dust off your elasticated waistband pants!). And it goes without saying that all that choice is a huge plus when you’re enjoying afternoon tea with kids! There are loads of yummy morsels to choose from, including dainty sandwiches, pastries, scones, salads, plus savoury hot options, too. Young ‘uns will also go wild for the pièce de résistance: the chocolate fountain. Need a highchair? Just ask, and your child-friendly seating wish will be granted.
When: Mondays to Fridays 12–2.30pm (1st seating) and 3–5.30pm (2nd seating); Saturdays to Sundays 11am–1pm (1st seating), 1.30–3.30pm (2nd seating) and 4–6pm (3rd seating)
Where: L’Espresso, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Cost: Monday to Thursday $60 per adult; $36 per child from age 6 to 11 years old; Friday to Sunday, eve of and on Public Holiday $62 per adult, $36 per child from age 6 to 11 years old. Children aged five and under dine for free. Price includes two servings of coffee or tea.
5. Best for traditional high tea: The Rose Veranda at Shangri-La Singapore
Head over to the mezzanine floor above the lobby at Shangri-La Singapore and indulge in a high tea tradition that’s been going strong for 30 years. Choose from more than 30 varieties of tea while tucking into the signature sandwiches. Save space for mains, and select between a range of tasty options, including parmesan-crusted chicken and braised short ribs – yum! There’s more yumminess to follow in the form of a three-tiered dessert stand, complete with strawberry tart, raspberry cheesecake, rose macarons…and we could go on! Let’s not forget the favourite either; vanilla and rose scones! Psst: don’t miss kids’ play haven buds by Shangri-La if you really want to keep the good times coming for the littlies.
When: Fridays 1pm–5pm; Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 12–2pm (1st seating) and 3–5pm (2nd seating)
Where: The Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Singapore, Tower Wing, Mezzanine Level, 22 Orange Grove Road, 258350, Singapore
Cost: $98 for two diners
6. Best for sharing: The Marmalade Pantry
Oooh, this one sounds like a goodie! The Marmalade Pantry’s High Tea Set feeds two and features a selection of sarnies, mini cakes and cupcakes, plus buttermilk scones with clotted cream, strawberry jam and orange marmalade. Kids not down with afternoon tea time? No worries. There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu for the under-12 set, with offerings including mini chicken and beef burgers, as well as a couple of yummy-sounding pasta dishes. From now till 30 April, The Marmalade Pantry will also serve a signature Periwinkle Afternoon Tea Set created to celebrate International Women’s Day. Think purple yam macarons, blush velvet petite cupcakes, and aburi mentaiko prawn on a brioche bun. Yum!
When: Mondays to Thursdays from 2–6pm
Where: The Marmalade Pantry, multiple locations including Ion Orchard and Novena
Cost: $68 per set (serves two)
7. Best for a laidback afternoon: Cafe Melba
You know it, you love it. OK, this option doesn’t come on your typical tiered stand, but if you’re willing to DIY, then this is a great, easy-breezy casual choice for a laidback afternoon tea with kids. There are some great sandwiches on the menu to tickle your fancy, as well as a fab selection of sweet treats to enjoy with tea, coffee and babyccinos. We love the location at the Goodman Arts Centre for the nearby child-friendly Artground, but all its venues are fab (hello, bouncy castles!).
Where: Cafe Melba, multiple locations including Goodman Arts Centre and Mediapolis
8. Best for older families: Chef’s Table at Capella Singapore
Treating your fam to a day out on Sentosa, or even a Singapore staycation? If you fancy incorporating an afternoon tea into your plans, consider making a beeline for Capella Singapore. We reckon older sproglets, tweens, and teens will really love the atmosphere and tasty high tea offerings here. It’s perfect for a special mother-daughter day out! Kid-friendly options on the menu include buttermilk scones, madagascar vanilla cheesecake, mushroom croque monsieurs and chicken sandwiches.
When: Mondays to Sundays, 3–5pm, excluding Public Holidays
Where: Chef’s Table, Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297
Cost: $45 per person
9. Best for both worlds: Atrium and Pacific Marketplace at Pan Pacific Singapore
Over at Pan Pacific Singapore’s Atrium, the private pods floating over a reflecting pool are a huge hit with the knee-high and tween clientele, so be sure to book one for your own famalam when coming for the Japanese-inspired Afternoon Tea with the kids. The set is also served up at Pacific Marketplace. Don’t forget to stock up on yummy sausages from the shop while you’re there! Let’s talk food: the tiered stands (which, in a cool twist, mimic the pods themselves) are bursting with scones, finger sandwiches, quiche, plus more Asian-themed morsels too. Only came for the cake? The hotel’s pastry team has you covered. Great grub + cosy chills = happy parents. For a kid-friendly afternoon tea twist, juices and babyccinos are available.
When: Available Mondays – Thursdays 2.30–5.30pm (single seating); Fridays to Sundays – 12:30–3pm (1st seating) and 3:30–6pm (2nd seating).
Where: Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595
Cost: $44–$68 per guest
10. Best for wow factor: Atlas Bar
A fact of life: if you haven’t been to Atlas yet, you must (without the kids!). You’ll feel like you’re in The Batman movie… this place is Gotham City personified! Set inside the art deco-inspired Parkview Square building in Bugis, everything about this place oozes sophistication and attention to detail. As each component of the Atlas Afternoon Tea is hand-made to order, reservations are required with at least 24 hoursʼ notice. The food won’t disappoint (lobster crostini or raspberry financier, anyone?), and the tea selection boasts customised blends full of all kinds of botanicals and yumminess. Dress to impress and stay for the bubbles.
When: Mondays – Fridays 3pm and 4pm; Saturdays and Public Holidays 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Where: Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
Cost: $56 per guest
11. Best value afternoon tea: Arteastiq
Served off gorgeous birdcage-esque platters, don’t let the affordability of this afternoon make you think it’s not special. Because it really is! This boutique teahouse, at three locations islandwide, has a selection of high tea options – we think the National Treasure set looks awesome! Its savouries include kueh pie tee, otah fries with green chilli sauce and glutinous rice wrapped in spicy shrimp. Only came for the cake? There’s rainbow kueh lapis with kaya, kueh and soft gula melaka custard with red bean. Nom!
When: Available daily, 1–5pm
Where: Arteastiq, multiple locations including Mandarin Gallery and Jewel Changi Airport
Cost: From $32 per guest
12. Best for Devonshire cream tea: Fosters Steakhouse
If you’re in the Dempsey neighbourhood or Holland Village area and feel the need for some freshly baked scones and a good cuppa, then swing by Fosters Steakhouse. Yep, you read that correctly: this is a steakhouse that serves up a traditional Devonshire cream tea set. For a mere $11.50 per set, you can get your gnashers round finger sandwiches, cake and scones served with butter, homemade strawberry preserve and fresh cream, plus a cup of joe or a pot of tea. This place prides itself on its chill-out alfresco dining area and cosy interior (there’s even a mock fireplace and snuggly wing chairs for that extra authentic vibe!). There’s also a kids’ menu if the children fancy something more substantial. The verdict: cheap, cheerful and chock full of yumminess.
Where: Fosters Steakhouse, 277 Holland Ave, Holland Village, Singapore 278994
Cost: $11.50 per set
13. Best for Alice in Wonderland vibes: Wonderland Savour
Fall down the rabbit hole and enjoy afternoon tea with your kids in this Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe at Wisma Atria. If the cute decor isn’t enough to entice you, then the rainbow-hued macarons on display certainly will. Enjoy teeny toasts, dinky sandwiches and assorted patisseries, washed down with tea or coffee. All the noms.
When: Available 11am–6pm daily
Where: Wonderland Savour, 435 Orchard Rd, #02-08 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877
Cost: Tea set options priced at $28 or $48.
So, which is your fave afternoon tea or high tea in Singapore? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram!
