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 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 English garden-themed tea is a three-tiered set with a semi-buffet, too. Kid-friendly pieces include quiches, 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 Rd, 249715
Cost: $47 per guest on weekdays. $68 per guest on weekends. Kids under five eat for free, and kids under 12 enjoy 50 per cent off the original price.
2. 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!
Raffles Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
3. 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: English afternoon tea buffet – Monday to Friday 2pm to 5.30pm; Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holiday 12–2.30pm (1st seating) and 3–5.30pm (2nd seating)
Where: L’Espresso, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Cost: Monday to Thursday $45 per adult; $27 per child from age 6 to 11 years old; Friday to Sunday, eve of and on Public Holiday $48 per adult, $28.80 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.
4. 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, vanilla rose roulade…and we could go on! Let’s not forget the favourite either; raspberry and vanilla 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: Open 1pm–5pm daily
Where: The Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Singapore, Tower Wing, Mezzanine Level, 22 Orange Grove Road, 258350, Singapore
Cost: $68 for two diners
5. 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. If you’re going just for the scones, that’s cool, too. You can enjoy 6 of those delectable bad boys for $16 and feast to your heart’s content. 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. Or here’s another suggestion: ditch the kids altogether, grab your gal pals, and add on Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial alongside the nibbles. Cheers to that!
When: Afternoon tea available Friday and weekends (and public holidays) from 3–6pm
Where: The Marmalade Pantry, #01-01, Oasia Hotel Downtown, 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333; #01-02/04, Oasia Hotel Novena; 8 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307470; #04-11a,
Cost: High Tea is $48 per set (serves 2)
6. 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 both venues are fab (hello, bouncy castles!).
Where: Cafe Melba, 90 Goodman Road, Goodman Arts Centre, Blk N #01-56, Singapore, 439053; 1 Stars Avenue, #03-01, Singapore, 138507
7. 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 vanilla scones, raspberry chocolate macaron, veggie rolls and chicken sandwiches.
When: Weekday Afternoon Tea available from Monday to Sunday, 3–5pm, excluding Public Holidays
Where: The Knolls, Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297
Cost: $45 per person
8. 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 afternoon tea with the kids. The daily afternoon tea 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 Monday – Thursday 2.30–5.30pm and Friday to Sunday – 12:30pm to 3:00pm (1st Seating); 3:15pm to 5:45pm (2nd Seating). Note. English Afternoon Tea experience will not be available until 31 March 2021 and will be replaced by the Japanese Afternoon Tea experience for this period.
Where: Atrium or Pacific Marketplace (Level 1), Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595
Cost: $44 per person, $76 for two persons, inclusive of two beverages from the high tea menu.
9. 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 a 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 passionfruit cheesecake, 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: Monday – Wednesday 2pm, 3pm and 4pm; Thursday – Friday 3pm, 4pm; Saturday and Public Holidays 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Where: Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
Cost: $56 per person
10. Best for a pretty setting: Fennel Cafe
Nestled beside the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, Fennel Cafe at Pollen could well be the prettiest setting going for afternoon tea in Singapore. It’s definitely one of our faves: the food is soooo good, the location is iconic, and the price isn’t too exxy. What’s not to like? With this high tea set, you can expect a generous selection of sweet and savoury treats such as finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and berry jam, and cakes and pastries. We also like the option to tag on a glass of wine!
When: 3pm – 5pm daily
Where: Fennel Cafe, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09, Level 2, Flower Dome Singapore
Cost: $45 per person
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, satay chicken with rice cake and peanut 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, Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897; 68 Orchard Rd #03-70/72, Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839; 78 Airport Boulevard #05-201 Singapore 819666
Cost: From $32 for one serve
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, 277 Holland Ave, Holland Village, Singapore 278994
Cost: $11.50 per set
13. Best for Alice in Wonderland vibes: Wonderland Savour
Fall down the rabbithole 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.
14. Best for an Italian twist: Prego at Fairmont Singapore
We love Italian food at the best of times, combine that with afternoon tea, and we think we’ve got a real hit on our hands. There’s a delicious array of savoury treats to get you started, including Coppa di Panzerotti Fritti con Ricotta Pecorino e Pomodoro al Basilico, or to us non-Italians fried ravioli stuffed with ricotta, tomato and basil. We can confirm it’s divine! But, don’t get too carried away on the mains; you’re in for an equally scrumptious treat when it comes to the desserts. There’s everything from the traditional tiramisu (or Pregomisu in this case) and a unique parmesan cheesecake (which is actually delicious!). The kids are sure to make a beeline for the pretty butterfly rose mascarpone choux pastry puff!
When: Available 3pm – 5pm daily
Where: Prego, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189560
Cost: Priced at $48.
So, which is your fave afternoon tea or high tea in Singapore? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram!
