SKAI High Tea – truly a cut above the rest matched by stunning views.
The afternoon tea ritual, a highly civilised affair conducted in oases of calm, has seen its fanbase swell over the last century or so and hotels are increasingly upping the ante to bring tea-time lovers through the door. Whether it’s sparkling teas, an afternoon experience that exudes geographical charm or even afternoon tea sets that you can buy and replicate the experience at home, we have evolved and come a long way from scones and clotted cream. Here’s where to head for the weekend – or if you need to clear leave on a weekday.
Updated on 22 October 2020
THE COURTYARD AT THE FULLERTON HOTEL SINGAPORE
Perhaps no post office has ever experienced such a glamorous transformation as The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. It made headlines when the ball dropped on 31st December 2000, signalling the start of a new era for the heritage building. The property puts its raised ceilings to great use, bringing generous sunlight into The Courtyard where the ritual of traditional afternoon high tea is served. Enjoy savouries such as Ricotta Chives and Mashed Egg Mayonnaise Slider with Olive Bagel and from the sweets section, there are specials like the Fullerton Fruit Cake; even the macaron comes in an ondeh ondeh flavour! There are a few other renditions of the afternoon tea menu to cater, too, for the likes of vegans, vegetarians or those on gluten-free or non-diary diet. To lift your spirits, opt to have prosecco, house rose, red, white and moscato on free flow for two hours. MENU
Available Mondays to Fridays at S$50++ per adult and S$25++ per child
Available on weekends at S$55++ per adult and S$27++ per child
Add on S$78++ for free flow of selected prosecco, house rose, red, white and moscato for two hours.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore has a Pink Afternoon Tea special running for the month of October 2020 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. MENU
Available Mondays to Fridays at S$51++ per adult and S$26++ per child
Available on weekends at S$56++ per adult and S$28++ per child
THE KNOLLS AT CAPELLA
Overlooking cascading pools, the South China and dense forestry, The Knolls‘ luxury resort vibe feels more far flung and idyllic than the location promises. Afternoon tea here involves tasting a selection of savouries like crab salad, foie gras terrine and beef pastrami sandwich. The warm scones come in two flavours – buttermilk and blueberry thyme – and served with organic raw honey, mascarpone and strawberry jam. Bridge your way to desserts and enjoy the sesame-yuzu ganache and Iranian pistachio financiers as you lounge in the contemporary interiors by Yasuhiro Koichi. MENU
Available Mondays to Fridays at S$45++ per person.
BRASSERIE LES SAVEURS AT THE ST REGIS SINGAPORE
The St. Regis Singapore redefines the grandeur of afternoon tea experiences with its St Regis Afternoon Tea Experience at Brasserie Les Saveurs. A classic two-tiered silver stand delivers a who’s who of luxe savouries like Smoked Salmon Blinis with Salmon Roe and Cream Cheese, Foie Gras and Duck Rilette Brioche, Turkey Ham Ciabatta with Comté Cheese and Truffle Egg Mayonnaise Brioche with Cucumber. Buckwheat crêpes featuring turkey ham, cheese, egg and mushrooms are prepared à la minute – just the way we like it. On the sweet front, St. Regis has Raspberry and Pistachio Financier, Hazelnut and Milk Chocolate Tartlet and Orange Mascarpone Dome on offer and more. We highly recommend a glass of champagne to contribute to a bubbly afternoon. MENU
Available daily at S$38.00++ per person
$68.00++ per person, with a glass of “R” de Ruinart Champagne
$98.00++ per person, with a 375ml bottle of “R” de Ruinart Champagne
L’ESPRESSO AT GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL
L’Espresso‘s latest rendition of the English Afternoon Tea is now served to you so you can consume it comfortably tableside either indoors or alfresco at the poolside terrace. It is a hearty spread consisting of sandwiches, tartlets, croissants and more. What makes this so much of a meal is that L’Espresso has a number of warm items on offer: Pork & Cannellini Bean Stew served with Mini Baguette, Cheesy-baked Tortellini with Bacon & Sea Shrimps and even Maple Pecan-crusted Beef Tenderloin with Balsamic-Mustard Sauce! At the end of it all, partake in the Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce as well as the Chocolate/Vanilla Ice Cream (with a choice of toppings such as mini chocolate pearls or jelly candies). There is an assortment of desserts displayed, too, at The Deli for your selection. There is an extensive selection of fine TWG Tea but you should not leave without trying the Goodwood Exclusive – Legacy Blend 120. Customised for the hotel’s 120th Anniversary, this commemorative black tea blend draws inspiration from the rich history of the hotel and features bergamot, blue cornflower with hints of the sweet fragrant aroma of almonds. MENU
Inclusive of 2 servings of coffee or tea
Inclusive of a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve NV champagne and 2 servings of coffee or tea:
ONE-NINETY BAR AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SINGAPORE
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s One-Ninety Bar looks to Scandinavia for afternoon tea inspo and the result is a Copenhagen Sparkling Afternoon Tea that has sparkle firmly locked into the agenda. Danish award-winning sommelier Jacob Kocemba and his business partner created three variants of refreshing tea that are available at One-Ninety. Lyserod’s base is an exclusive white Silver Needle tea that combines with Oolong tea for complexity as well as hibiscus flower and First Flush Darjeeling tea for fruity undertones. As for Bla, guests will detect crisp notes of Jasmine and Chamomile and, in particular, three fine white teas which give the tea a signature softness all while remaining complex and elegant. The third variant, GRON, is made with organic green, white, ginger and citrus teas as well as white wine and organic lemon juice, giving it the scent of nectarine and fresh herbal notes. On the palate, you will detect peach and a touch of mint – pure genius!
To add to the sparkle of the experience, Four Seasons veteran and graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu School in London Pastry Chef Audrey Yee has prepared a great selection of food. We love the delicate finger sandwiches, brown sugar shortbread and scones accompanied by homemade Strawberry-Rose Preserve and Devonshire Clotted Cream and will gladly make room for sweets such as the Profiterole with Granny Smith Apple Compote. MENU
Copenhagen Sparkling Afternoon Tea is available on weekends at S$66++ per person. This includes three Copenhagen Sparkling Teas and a choice of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
Weekend Afternoon Tea, with a choice of freshly brewed coffee or tea, is available at S$46++ per person.
THE LOBBY LOUNGE AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SINGAPORE
Living in the lap of luxury: afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge.
This image is for illustration purposes only – refer to menu for the full list of food and drink items on offer.
The Lobby Lounge, situated in the Tower Wing with its high ceiling and iconic columns, is a great place to while an afternoon away while watching the world go by at this massive property that is home to 792 guestrooms and several more serviced apartments and residences. As you take small, manageable bites from the 3-tier Local Signature Afternoon Tea Set, you will notice inimitable design features of the space – think a basalt rock wall measuring 9 by 6 metres, featuring nine different types of living plants, designed by landscape artist Charlie Albone. There is a large collection of art: Hirotoshi Sawada was commissioned to create the Tree Canopy, an installation in the lobby made up of stylised metallic leaves that drift serenely in the air and contributes to that grand sense of arrival.
The 3 tiers start off with exquisite items such as Strawberry & Lychee Quenelle and 64% Chocolate Truffle at the top, followed by local kueh-kueh in the middle tier and finishing off with droolworthy savouries like Chilli Crab Puff, Smoked Salmon Canape and Hae Bi Hiam Sandwich. MENU
Available Mondays to Fridays at S$38++ per person.
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, chargeable at S$42++ per person.
The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore introduces a Pink Hope High Tea Set for the month of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Presented in collaboration with The Estée Lauder Companies, its aim is to raise awareness for breast cancer research. The 3-tier high tea experience features savoury and sweet pink treats as well as exquisite French desserts, familiar local kuehs and freshly baked rose-infused scones curated by Executive Sous Chef Maran Mariapin. The set includes a choice of two hot beverages from Shangri-La’s selection of teas handpicked from the best tea growing regions, freshly brewed coffee, or The Lobby Lounge’s signature Kopi Tarik or Teh Tarik. To complete the experience, guests will receive an iconic pink ribbon pin that they can wear to create greater breast cancer awareness.
The Pink Hope High Tea Set is available daily priced at $42++ on weekdays and $48++ on weekends from 7 October to 31 October 2020. Each high tea set serves 2 persons.
Add some sparkle to your afternoon with Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne available for $25++ per glass or $115++ per bottle.
MO BAR AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SINGAPORE
MO Bar‘s fabulous afternoon tea experience can now be replicated at home with their takeaway tea set. They have a good range of bites ranging from a Miniature Sandwich selection and scones to Pastry selection and Cookies and Pralines. For us, highlights from the curated specials include Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich (black forest ham, gruyère cheese and pommery mustard mayonnaise), Vanilla and Chocolate Scones accompanied by clotted cream and artisanal marmalades as well as Matcha Yaki-Imo Cake (matcha soufflé sponge, mascarpone cream and roasted sweet potato bavarois). It’s perfect for a family! MENU
Available daily at S$98 nett for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children). Orders have to be placed at least 24 hours in advance.
THE LOBBY LOUNGE AT INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE
InterContinental Singapore‘s The Lobby Lounge has an all-new Peranankan Afternoon Tea that draws rich cultural cues from the Bugis precinct. Prepared just in time for Singapore’s 55th birthday, this multi-tiered stand showcase is really quite the heritage food journey. Peranakan desserts on offer include Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Banana Genoa Cake as well as Milo and Lemon Scones, served alongside homemade gula melaka coconut jam, strawberry jam and clotted cream. IHG’s talented culinary team has also created savoury treats such as Kale pesto crab sandwich featuring pesto made from Singapore grown kale and crab meat; and fragrant Five-spice kurobuta pork ngoh hiang topped with sweet and spicy mango. The Kikorangi blue cheese strawberry crostini, comprising New Zealand farmed cheese and locally grown strawberries on a peanut butter crostini, sprinkled with crushed walnuts and hazelnut, might just be the morsel that you and your girlfriend fight over.
Symbolic of Sang Nila Utama’s discovery and founding of Singapore in 1299, The Lobby Lounge has also created a series of heritage cocktails crafted in honour of The Prince of Palembang’s journey – each comes with a riveting story to enhance the whole experience of spending an afternoon at the InterContinental Singapore’s beautiful lobby. MENU
Available daily at $118++ for two, inclusive of two flutes of Taittinger Brut Champagne and choice of fine loose-leaf tea or coffee; $88++ for two, inclusive of a choice of fine loose-leaf tea or coffee. This Peranakan Afternoon Tea is available until 31st October 2020.
GASTRONOMY
THE LANDING BAY AT THE FULLERTON BAY HOTEL SINGAPORE
Bask in the glorious view of the Marina Bay area as you sink into the comfy armchairs and sofas of The Landing Point at The Fullerton Bay Hotel; front row view is guaranteed if you pick a spot along the elegant indoor promenade paved with marble mosaics and gold hues. That’s if you get a table – advance reservations are absolutely mandatory if you are toying with the idea of an afternoon catch-up with girlfriends.
Once here, besides being captivated by Andre Fu’s sumptuous interiors, highlights from the afternoon tea include savouries such as Seared Beef Pastrami, Pesto, Cornichon Salsa, Brioche and Maple Pecan Orange Tart from the sweets section. To top the experience, consider adding S$78++ for two hours’ of free flow prosecco, house rose, red, white and moscato. MENU
Available Mondays to Fridays at S$50++ per adult and S$25++ per child
Available on weekends at S$55++ per adult and S$27++ per child
Add on S$78++ for free flow of selected prosecco, house rose, red, white and moscato for two hours.
Fullerton Bay Hotel has a Pink Afternoon Tea special running for the month of October 2020 where S$5 nett will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation for every Pink Afternoon Tea Set sold (applicable to adult price only). Highlights include savouries such as Truffle Free Range Egg & Chives, Mini Saffron Bun, Maple Glaze Tea-smoked Duck, Blueberry Bread and more. MENU
Available Mondays to Fridays at S$51++ per adult and S$26++ per child
Available on weekends at S$56++ per adult and S$28++ per child
ALLEY ON 25 AT ANDAZ SINGAPORE
Alley on 25 is Andaz Singapore’s multi-cuisine, all-day dining venue and just for a few hours each day it transforms into the site of a fabulous Andaz Pink Afternoon Tea. Each layer of the botanical-accented tiffin unveils luscious treats such as lobster tartlets and beetroot hummus crostini. For sweets, you’ll get to enjoy small bites such as raspberry beignet and lychee rose cake. Each session is complemented by free flow of beverages like Andaz Iced Tea, homemade lemonade, teas by TWG and coffee.
Andaz finally reopened in September 2020 so we’ll be back often for the afternoon tea and views to match. We’d gladly top up S$33 for a glass of Ruinart Rose, too, and embrace the experience as the golden hour. MENU
Available daily at S$48++ per person.
Top up $40 per person to enjoy free flow of wines, beer and prosecco.
THE TERRACE AT CONRAD CENTENNIAL SINGAPORE
Conrad Centennial Singapore has very cleverly created an actual tiered stand that makes afternoon tea at home decadent all the same! Its take away Charlie Afternoon Tea consists of a range of perfectly matched delicacies created by its experienced team of pastry chefs. On the savoury front, enjoy highlights such as Dill Cream Cheese topped with Smoked Salmon and Tobiko Charcoal Bun, Smoked Unagi with Cucumber, Guacamole and Mustard Cress as well as Truffle Egg and Mayo Sandwich. End it off on a sweet note with the likes of matcha almond financiers and chendol gula melaka mousse cake. There’s even a sweet 10% off if you are ordering for the first time via self-collection.
Available daily at S$74.90 nett for 2 persons
Collection timings: 12pm – 5pm
Delivery timings: 1pm – 4pm
THE GRAND LOBBY AT RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE
Credit: Raffles Hotel Singapore
If staying at one of Raffles Hotel Singapore‘s 115 beautifully-appointed suites calls for a bit of an occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, then afternoon tea at the Grande Dame could well be the next best thing you can do you for yourself on an indulgent whim.
The Grand Lobby‘s The New York Afternoon Tea takes your palate on an intercontinental journey to America with a selection of delectable savouries, home-baked scones and sweet treats served on a three-tier silver stand. The menu takes inspo from New York, serving up the likes of Reuben sandwiches, lobster rolls and decadent cheesecake by Executive Pastry Chef Tai Chien Lin. The pampering doesn’t stop here. Guests are treated to Mariage Frères (loose tea leaves) and Raffles custom blended coffee beans. Given New York’s reputation as one of the key cocktail capitals of the world, it is quite fitting that there are cocktails such as Manhattan, Cosmopolitan and Bronx on offer. MENU
Stay tuned for the next destination in what feels like a world tour!
Available daily till 13 October 2020 at S$78++ per guest
PACIFIC MARKETPLACE AT PAN PACIFIC SINGAPORE
Pan Pacific Singapore English Afternoon Tea experience is now available for both takeaway and dine-in.
The takeaway option, now available on the property’s e-shop, offers an enticing array of savouries and sweets. The former is made up of classics such as freshly-baked scones, shaved virginia ham sandwich with truffle mayonnaise, and beef pastrami sandwich with pickled mustard.
Executive Pastry Chef Eddy Yau and his talented pastry team were instrumental in curating a selection of sweet treats such as seasonal fruits, fruit-flavoured chocolate and more. We also have our eyes fixated on the chocolate pear caramel as well as a Muscat cheesecake, a no-bake cheesecake flavoured with Muscat grapes from France. Pair these treats with two TWG teas of your choice and you have a fabulous afternoon at home waiting to happen.
Self-collection and delivery available from 11:30am to 9:30pm via drive-through at Pan Pacific Singapore’s main entrance driveway.
Available daily at SGD 38 per person.
1864 AT SOFITEL SINGAPORE CITY CENTRE
Given Sofitel Singapore City Centre‘s downtown CBD location, it’s a little tempting to conduct a business meeting over Elegant Hi-Tea at its stylish bar and tea lounge 1864. Interestingly, the F&B venue was named for the very year the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company was founded; it witnessed the beginning of the district’s meteoric rise from fishing village to the financial hub it is today.
Take your pick from savoury highlights featuring the likes of Truffle Egg Mayo Sandwich and Stuffed Camembert Cheese and House-cured Salmon Tartare on Buckwheat Blinis, followed through with sweet offerings such as Green Tea Adzuki Bean Cake, Jivara Raspberry Tart and even Sofitel Macarons.
The experience is complemented by a selection of 13 blends of grand cru coffee by Nespresso as well as TWG Teas including the hotel’s exclusive Singapour Je T’aime tea blend. Level up with barrel-aged cocktails that 1864 is known for – the As It Is! Barrel-Aged Cocktail is available for an additional $20.
Available daily at S$78++ for two.
ANTI:DOTE AT FAIRMONT SINGAPORE
Fairmont Singapore’s Anti:dote Lounge’s classy afternoon experience is as creatively-presented as one might expect. An exquisite white leather-clad jewellery drawer-chest comes with different layers and each unveils a medley of sweet and savoury surprises. We love the variety of gourmet finger sandwiches as well as sweet creations that form the crowning glory of the jewellery box. The stylish interiors of Anti:dote Lounge and its freshly-baked scones, complemented by homemade raspberry jam and vanilla cream will keep the even the most sophisticated tea-goer contented.
Available daily at S$55++ per adult
SKAI AT SWISSOTEL THE STAMFORD
Few would dispute the fact that SKAI Restaurant has scaled the heights of the ultimate afternoon tea experience with its SKAI High Tea. Located on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, SKAI’s incredible views of downtown Singapore and the harbour are a great match for the Japanese- and Asian-inspired high tea experience presented in a stand resembling a stylised Japanese tree with cherry blossoms. Executive Chef Paul Hallett, known for his culinary philosophy centred on quality produce, and Executive Pastry Chef Ming Choong, armed with two decades of pastry experience, joined hands to create this delicious showcase of tea-time treats. Consider levelling up with a caviar top-up featuring Kaviari Kristal Caviar, 30g bellini and creme fraiche at S$150. MENU
Available from Sunday to Friday at S$60++ per adult; S$30++ per child (6 to 12 years old)
TEA LOUNGE AT REGENT SINGAPORE
AUTUMN GARDEN
Luxuriate in Regent Singapore‘s classy Tea Lounge and enjoy a quintessential Three-tier Afternoon Tea with three-tiers of delicate pastries, sandwiches, quiches and scones served to your table. MENU
Available from Mondays to Fridays at $47 per adult and $23.50 per child.
The Weekend High Tea is luxe one featuring individually hot plated items served to the table such as King Prawn Congee, Caramelised Kurobuta Pork Char Siew and Chef Chong’s Signature Laksa. MENU
Available on weekends at $68 per adult and $34 per child
Additional $10 | $40 for a glass or free flow Prosecco
Additional $15 | $60 for a glass or free flow Champagne
Tip:
Enjoy 2nd Weekday Afternoon Tea Set at 50% off (U.P. $47). Use promo code RSTL2ND when you make a reservation via Regent’s website.
Enjoy Weekend High Tea at $58 (U.P. $68). Use promo code RSTL58 when you make a reservation via Regent’s website.
Offer is not valid for use on public holidays and other blackout dates stipulated by Regent Singapore.
ATLAS BAR
Developer Chyau Fwu Group, the Hwang family, has been leaving its mark in Asia in the last two decades – think Parkview Green in Beijing, Hotel Eclat in Taipei and Parkview Deco in Shanghai – and it is a treat to be able to enjoy the beautiful interiors of Parkview Square from its grand lobby and bar ATLAS.
While we remember ATLAS a a cocktail bar with the world’s most envied collection of gins – Vicky Hwang was instrumental in making this bar one of a kind – it is also the home to a classy afternoon tea. Savoury treats include 5j Iberico jamon toast, lobster crostini, pumpkin quiche with cream cheese while the sweet offerings include items such as passionfruit cheesecake and raspberry financier.
True to the Hwang family’s Taiwanese roots, the broad curated selection premium tea shows great appreciation for it. The Milk Oolong from Taiwan is a buttery and mineral forward tea with a hint of spice; also from the island that celebrates tea is the Formosa Oriental Beauty – coined the champagne of oolongs – with a rich honey character.
Available daily: ATLAS Selection $56; Prestige Selection $60
