From most affordable to biggest wow factor, we give you the lowdown on which spots are perfect for every afternoon tea occasion.
Cup of tea with a freshly baked scone? Yep, afternoon tea and Singapore just go together, don’t they? And while we love hanging out with our littlies and moody teens (honest), sometimes we can’t resist a little high tea treat time. It’s the perfect me-time moment, we reckon! Whether you’re after something relatively affordable, a catch up with friends, or are looking for somewhere to take the grandparents, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best afternoon teas and high tea sets in Singapore. Raise those pinkies and tuck in!
The best afternoon teas for every occasion
Best for post-shopping: Tea Lounge at Regent Hotel Singapore
Once you’ve hit all the shops at Tanglin Mall, Forum and other nearby faves, then you’ll be in need of some refreshment. Cue a happiness-restoring high tea! So pootle on down to Tea Lounge at Regent Singapore (pictured above); you won’t be disappointed. Here, you can enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea in a contemporary colonial garden setting. The freshly ground coffee and gorgeous Gryphon tea blends are delish, and as for the food… thumbs up! At the moment, the buffet is on hold: a three-tiered afternoon tea set and desserts will be served to your table on weekdays, with pass-around main courses on weekends.
Tea Lounge, Regent Singapore Lobby Level, 1 Cuscaden Rd, 249715
Best classic fare: L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel
When you’re after traditional scones, miniature sandwiches and gorgeous savouries, L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel is definitely one of the best afternoon teas in Singapore. We’ve been a couple of times: once when the typical buffet was in operation (complete with chocolate fountain!), and also recently, where it was table service in style. Regardless of how it’s served, the food is fab! And, if you head there soon, check out the Legacy Blend 120 – a commemorative black tea to mark the hotel’s 120 years of history. It was so yum, we had two pots! The hotel’s location on Scotts Road also means it’s the perfect retreat after a morning of shopping on Orchard Road.
Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Best for wow factor: Atlas Bar
Fact of life: if you haven’t been to Atlas yet, you must. 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.
Atlas, Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
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, we reckon! 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
Prettiest 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. Available daily except Tuesdays. We also like the option to tag on a glass of Pimms!
Fennel Cafe, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09, Level 2, Flower Dome Singapore
Best for an at-home experience: Atrium at Pan Pacific Singapore
We rate the setting and ambience of the private pods and reflecting pool over at Pan Pacific Singapore’s Atrium. But what we love even more is the daily afternoon tea it serves up. Although we’re keen as mustard to revisit, until it reopens up again we’re happy to know we can still get our afternoon tea fix. That’s right, you can enjoy high tea sandwiches, scones, sweets and TWG tea in the comfort of your own home. It’s priced at $38 per person, and you can order for takeaway in the hotel’s eshop. Enjoy!
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!
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
Where do you think is the best afternoon tea or high tea in Singapore? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram!
