Afternoon tea and Singapore just go together, don’t they? Whether you’re after something relatively affordable, a catch up with friends, or are looking for somewhere to take the grandparents, HoneyKids has rounded up our pick of the best afternoon teas and high tea sets across our fair island.
Best for grandparents: L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel
Traditional afternoon tea fare at L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel. Photography: Goodwood Park Hotel
When grandparents come to town, it’s nice to give them the full ‘afternoon tea experience’, with loads of atmosphere and all of the afternoon tea staples you’d expect, like sandwiches, savouries, pastries, a chocolate fountain and traditional English scones. L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel delivers the goods and its location on Scotts Road means it’s the perfect retreat after a morning of shopping on Orchard Road.
Cost: Adults with one accompanying child, Monday to Thursday $61.90++; Friday to Sunday, eve of and public holiday $66.70++, from now until 28 July
Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221, www.goodwoodparkhotel.com
Most accessible location: Anti:dote high tea at Fairmont Singapore
Anti:dote high tea at Fairmont Singapore. Photography: Fairmont via Instagram
Located adjacent to City Hall MRT, the Anti:dote high tea at Fairmont Singapore is the perfect central meeting place. We love the impressive array of food, presented in a delightful box – from Muscat vanilla roulade, to smoked salmon and torched foie gras and the delish TWG tea selection. And $30++ for free flow Prosecco ain’t bad either! Big shoutout to Anti:dote for providing a separate gluten-free menu, too. When you’re done with afternoon tea, saunter over to Raffles City for a spot of shopping before popping on the MRT and heading home.
Cost: Adults $50++. Kids, $25++.
Anti:dote, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560; fairmont.com/singapore/dining/antidote
Best for girlfriends: Woobar at W Singapore
A quirky and cool afternoon at Woobar at W Singapore. Photography: W Singapore
When you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate with your girlfriends, why not eat your afternoon tea out of a silver birdcage at Woobar at W Singapore? This is a quirky afternoon tea with delicious T2 teas and whimsical dishes like rocky road bars, chorizo madeleines and meringue lollipops. W Singapore’s Sentosa Cove ocean-side setting almost makes you feel like you’re on holiday, too!
Cost: Monday to Friday $65++ per cage (serves two). Weekends and public holidays $75++ per cage (serves two).
Woobar, W Singapore, Sentosa Cove 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 98374; www.woobar.wsingaporesentosacove.com
Best atmosphere: The Clifford Pier
Enjoy afternoon tea in a splendid setting at The Clifford Pier at The Fullerton Hotel. Photography: The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Look at that chandelier! And the decor! And the view! This is our pick for best atmosphere for afternoon tea in Singapore. The Clifford Pier at the Fullerton Bay Hotel is just so pretty and their clever take on traditional Singapore fare tops off this as an unforgettable afternoon tea experience. The dishes – eight sweet and eight savoury, are designed to reflect Singapore’s past and present and include chilli crab bao, pandan swiss roll and mini kopi and almond butter buns. Yum!
Cost: Adults, weekdays $50++. weekends and public holidays $55++, Kids aged six to 11, weekdays $25++, weekends and public holidays $28++, Add S$15* for a glass or S$49 for free flowing of Rive Gauche Red/White, add S$20* for a glass of Chandon Sparkling Wine
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay Singapore 049326; fullertonhotels.com
Best quintessential ‘high tea’: Raffles Singapore
Raffles Singapore is the quintessential location for Singapore afternoon tea. Photography: Raffles Singapore via Instagram
Chances are, when you say ‘Singapore afternoon tea’, you immediately think of Raffles Hotel. Since 1892, Raffles Singapore has been serving up a traditional English afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches, scones and the finest teas and Champagnes. When refurbishment is complete in 1 August 2019 (the hotel is currently closed for restoration), afternoon tea will be served in the Grand Lobby – what an iconic location for arguably Singapore’s most quintessential afternoon tea!
Raffles Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673; www.raffles.com/singapore
Best Singapore-themed high tea: National Kitchen by Violet Oon
The sumptuous interiors of National Kitchen by Violet Oon at the National Gallery. Photography: Violet Oon
A beautiful showcase of Singapore’s culinary heritage, National Kitchen by Violet Oon is our pick for the best Singapore-themed afternoon tea. You’ll enjoy dishes that represent Singapore’s history, with Nyonya, Chinese, Indian and Malay influences. Think otak crostini, kueh lapis sago and kesturi pie. National Kitchen is located within the National Gallery, a picturesque setting with decadent interiors and gorgeous views across Marina Bay and the city of Singapore. If you’re looking to experience afternoon tea with a proper Singapore twist, this is the place for you.
Cost: $56++ per set (for two persons).
National Kitchen, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #02–01, National Gallery Singapore (City Hall Wing), Singapore 178957; violetoon.com
Best if you’re hungry: 10 Scotts
You won’t leave 10 Scotts at Grant Hyatt Singapore hungry. Photography: Grand Hyatt Singapore via Instagram
Unbuckle your belts, people – it’s free flow food time! If you’re in the mood to go all out, 10 Scotts at the Grand Hyatt might just be what you’re after. In addition to a two-tiered tray of scones, sandwiches and pastries, which is brought to your table, there’s also a buffet serving fresh oysters, crispy crab cakes and cured salmon. If you’re still hungry, ask the wait staff to replenish your tray or head back to the buffet. Set on Scotts Road, with a pleasant outlook over a huge waterfall, the location is a winner too.
Cost: Adults, Monday to Friday $52++; Weekends and public holidays $55++. Kids aged five to 12, Monday to Friday $32++; Weekends and public holidays $35++.
10 Scotts, Grand Hyatt, 10 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228211; www.singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com
Best for tea aficionados: Atlas
Atlas is an art deco beauty to behold. Photography: Atlas
Atlas is set inside the art deco inspired Parkview Square building in Bugis. Everything about this place just oozes sophistication and attention to detail. The tea selection is the same, with customised tea blends like the ‘Atlas Art Deco Blend’ infused with dry gin botanicals, elderflower and yuzu. Or you could try the ‘Sicilian Pu Erh Tea’, a fermented black tea pu erh cured with orange peel. The food won’t disappoint either, with dishes like basil panna cotta with artisanal cheese and Iberico jamon on toast.
Cost: $52++ for Atlas tea selection and $56++ for prestige tea selection
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778; atlasbar.sg/dining
Best value: So Sofitel Singapore
Enjoy the full afternoon tea experience without the hefty price tag. Photography: SO Sofitel Singapore via Instagram
If you’re looking for an afternoon tea that isn’t going to bankrupt you, look no further than the SO/ Afternoon Tea Xperience at SO Sofitel Singapore. It’s still got the luxurious feel of a proper afternoon tea, without the hefty price tag. We’re talking artisanal teas and gourmet coffee paired with delicious sweet and savoury treats in a chic French-inspired setting in the heart of the city.
Cost: My French Afternoon Break: $35++, TWG High Tea: $45++, Caviar Display: $175++
So Sofitel Singapore, 35 Robinson Rd, Singapore 068876; www.sofitel-so-singapore.com
Best allrounder: Pollen
Pollen at Gardens by the Bay is a beautiful setting for afternoon tea. Photography: Pollen
Looking for an afternoon tea that has a bit of everything? Not too pricey, iconic location, yummy food? Pollen ticks all the boxes. Such a pretty setting, nestled beside the flower dome at Gardens by the Bay, Pollen serves up a yummy selection of sweet and savoury dishes including beetroot hummus with feta and sesame, beef, caramelised onion and cumin croquettes and earl grey lemon cake.
Cost: $38++. Add $12++ for a White Peach Bellini. Add $40++ for free-flow Prosecco (2 hours).
Pollen, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-09, Singapore 018953
www.pollen.com.sg
Best for all occasions: Antoinette
Drop in anytime to enjoy freshly baked bread and inventive pastries alongside delicious tea. Photography: Antoinette
Whether you want to enjoy tea in the morning, afternoon or night, Antoinette has you sorted. We recently popped down to its chic French-styled cafe to try its brand new range of delish soufflé’s pancakes ($16) and divine cakes (you’re welcome). Dress the little ones up for a tea party and tuck into beautiful cakes like the popular banana and chocolate flavoured Bananier (from $9), or a personal favourite, a cloud-shaped white chocolate mousse, appropriately called Fluffy (from $13). Too early or late for tea? The all-day bistro menu will sort you right out with wagyu beef cheek, crispy pork belly and chicken and sausage casserole.
Where: Antoinette, 30 Penhas Rd, Singapore 208188
www.antoinette.com.sg
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