The best tea rooms in Singapore for afternoon tea

Afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel Singapore is a true classic. Flanked by palatial floor-to-ceiling Victorian pillars, the Grand Lobby is a sight to behold. The tea room offers thematic afternoon tea sessions with curated menus, the most recent being the Chocolate Afternoon Tea set ($98 per person) which is available till March 7. Ideal for chocoholics, the set comes with all the proper trimmings of an afternoon tea like finger sandwiches, scones, jam and clotted cream, but is spruced up with an assortment of chocolate delights and an exclusive 68% dark chocolate scone. And of course, it all comes beautifully plated on an exquisite three-tier silver stand, only fitting for the luxurious hotel.  

Indulge in a lavish afternoon tea set in the private enclave that is Shangri-La Singapore. Since 1991, the afternoon tea institution has been plating up a traditional high tea menu involving delectable pastries and dainty sandwiches to please both sweet and savoury palates. The spread switches up every month so expect to be delighted by tasty creations, including the Rose Veranda signature scones with strawberry jam and lemon curd. And of course, a glass of bubbly to pair – The Rose Veranda serves the Pierre Paillard ‘Les Terres Rosés’ Grand Cru Brut. The inclusive tea room also caters to those who are looking for vegan or gluten-free alternatives.

Atrium at Pan Pacific is easily recognisable by its iconic architectural pods that double up as dining spaces. The tea room’s current afternoon tea concept ‘Panache of Singapore’ is a nod to local flavours. There might be heavier-hitting flavours like otah and chilli crab on the menu, but these are well balanced out with delicate sweets and pastries like the canelé yam and lemon lime pound cake. They offer a unique take on scones with vanilla and pandan flavours to pair with Nyonya kaya, cream and strawberry preserve. Prices start at $68 per person.

Over at The Landing Point at The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, they serve up one afternoon tea that’s unlike any other. Modern Asian influences come into play here, making the most of premium ingredients from land and sea. This rings true with savoury bites like a Boston lobster brioche roll with shio kombu or the duck rillettes with red wine. The dessert lineup is clearly inspired by local heritage too, with a unique Kopi & PB Toast or the Apple Nostalgia, a gula melaka (palm sugar) chocolate with vanilla sponge. And of course, you’ll be happily tucking into freshly baked scones – perfect with clotted cream and jam.

Prices start from $62.

Ginger.Lily goes beyond the typical high tea experience. Instead, the new Nikkei-inspired afternoon tea set (from $68 per person) blends Japanese and Peruvian flavours, putting a spin on traditional high tea elements. Sandwiches are swapped out for sandos that are stuffed with kurobuta pork, tonkatsu sauce and black garlic aioli, while classic scones are given a twist with the introduction of a yuzu chocolate crème. Nigiris will also be served – expect luxurious ingredients like foie gras and chu-toro to make an appearance. The Japanese-inspired sweets are equally promising, featuring matcha and sudachi, and a mikan cacao pepper choux among others. To round it off, choose from 10 premium tea varieties, including the Ginger.Lily house blend which is a mild floral and fruity blend that includes goji berries.

Lifting your pinky at Pan Pacific Orchard's verdant garden terrace over dainty treats and charming cups of tea is quite possibly one of life's little pleasures. And in collaboration with the whimsical Wedgwood crockery, the tropical-inspired high tea (from $58) seeks to transport you to the lush Brazilian forests with stylish teaware crafted from fine bone china. Expect to tuck into fingerling sandwiches bejewelled with smoked salmon, roast beef, poached lobster and avruga caviar. There are also sweets such as the exotic mango choux, morello cherry petite cake and the earl grey frangipane tart to satisfy. Of course, the afternoon tea experience isn't complete without the classic pairing of clotted cream and scones. 

High tea may not be a Singaporean thing, but the snacks can be. At The Marmalade Pantry, the spread of dainty treats is inspired by local flavours. Indulge in the seasonal Spring Blossom Afternoon Tea Set ($78 for two), which includes sweet and savoury snacks like seafood wonton cups with Asian salsa, deep-fried taro dumpling puffs and mango purin with osmanthus sago pearls. Each set comes with two pots of artisan tea by homegrown brand Monogram, or you can also top up for something more swish like lychee prosecco.

There’s no better spot for a traditional afternoon tea than at The Courtyard at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – it comes beautifully presented in a three-tiered set. Traditional finger sandwiches and freshly baked pastries make an appearance, with the likes of a smoked salmon eclair with brie and a blueberry violet cheesecake. It’s the simple cucumber sandwich that wins us over though, a classic afternoon tea staple. You’ll be pleased with the new Nyonya Medley creation too, a tribute to Peranakan cuisine with flavours of gula melaka (palm sugar), coconut, pandan, and mango. All the while, tuck into classic or raisin scones too. These freshly baked scones go perfectly with generous lashings of jam and clotted cream. 

Prices start from $53.

Luxury hotel Sofitel Singapore City Centre might be fully decked out in modern finishings, but it also pays homage to the rich history of Singapore. Its stylish lobby tea lounge 1864 is a nod to the founding year of Tanjong Pagar Dock Company, which is the forerunner of today’s Maritime & Port Authority. The high tea sets change with the seasons, and from now to  February 29, you can enjoy the Oriental Afternoon Tea ($118 for two). It comes with six sweet treats and a lineup of savoury bites. With vibrant hues all around, it’s an elegant afternoon tea set that ushers in the festive spring season. A unique dessert is the jackfruit crème brûlée, where the tartness of the local fruit cuts through the rich custard base. And on the savoury side of things, look forward to yuzu pickles paired with a baby abalone tartlet and sake-infused sakura. 

Perched on the 70th floor of the Swissotel The Stamford, Skai overlooks the civic district down from the Padang to Marina Bay. The afternoon tea set ($68 per person) features the usual high tea elements but elevated with a touch of finesse – think cucumber sandwiches with dill, mint and cream cheese – and for sweets, a classy hazelnut Paris-brest and delightful caramel entremets. For an even more premium upgrade, the Skai Caviar and Champagne Experience comes at a hefty top-up of $65 per person, but comes with a spoon of N95 caviar, Cadoret La Lune oysters and a bluefin tuna tartare tart, both topped with caviar, as well as a glass of Henriot Brut Souverain NV. A vegetarian high tea option is also available at $68 per person.

The Lobby Lounge at Singapore Marriott Tang is a worthy contender for those seeking a more delicate high tea experience. The newest Tea Garden Afternoon Tea set (from $48 per person), available from now till March 31, is a carefully curated selection of light bites leaning towards refreshing rather than heavy or greasy flavours, perfect for those who prefer something satisfying yet not overly cloying. Case in point: the earl grey chicken torchon crostini, and Hakka lei cha quiche – which is a unique bite-sized twist on lei cha. For sweets, the fruity Berry Blue Tea Tart and Green Tea Blossom Jelly are tangy and well-balanced, minus the sugar overdose.

It’s hard not to be impressed when you first step into Atlas. The grand art deco-inspired bar looks exactly like a hotel lobby of the era. The afternoon tea ($65 per person) is classically European. Among the savoury items are 5J iberico jamon on toast, the Atlas croque monsieur, and a crab croquette while sweet tooths will be eyeing the madeleines and hazelnut cremeaux. Gluten-free and vegetarian afternoon tea menus are also available.

You’ve got a ritzy afternoon lined up for you at Colony when you order the Journey Afternoon Tea ($65 per person), available from Monday to Saturday. Presented in a five-tier ceramic tiffin, highlights include the Oscietra caviar and crabmeat canapé, as well as the duck rillette tart with foie gras mousse. While the savouries are limited to one serving per person, the desserts are unlimited, featuring an assortment of scones, miniatures, chocolate pralines and ice cream. Don’t miss the warm crêpes which are made to order and doused with strawberry compôte, vanilla chantilly, chocolate sauce and your choice of ice cream. Each set also comes with a flute of champagne or prosecco and tea.

Try InterContinental Singapore’s latest offering – Classic Afternoon Tea: Blooming Abundance (from $52 per person). Available from now till April 17, the entire menu is a reinterpretation of traditional afternoon tea with oriental flourishes to usher in a new season. Savoury highlights include the mini abalone with blue pea glutinous rice, and drunken chicken with leek, celery and a dash of Shao Hsing, while sweet treats include a tropical violet tartlet and blood peach financiers among others. A $25 top-up option is also available if you’re in the mood for a flute of champagne.

Drop by L’Espresso and settle down either at the hotel’s lounge area, or choose to dine al fresco at the poolside terrace. If the usual high tea portions don’t fill you up, this is the place to be. L’Espresso’s English afternoon tea buffet (from $65 per person) comes at a reasonable price considering the dazzling array of options available. The free-flow selection of savouries and sweets will see the likes of sandwiches, croissants, chilled delicatessen, cheeses, scones, soup and desserts. The highlight? The hot food section with both Western and local fare, complete with a carving station that serves up slices of slow-roasted beef tenderloin. A fair warning: you’ll most likely be skipping dinner.

No high tea list would be complete without homegrown brand TWG Tea, which makes an appearance in plenty of afternoon tea menus. The brand boasts its own range of afternoon tea sets, and to its credit, its food offerings are as commendable as its tea. Priced at $20 for the 1837 set, diners can expect two freshly baked muffins or scones served alongside TWG Tea Jelly and whipped cream – simple but scrumptious nonetheless. Feeling peckish? Peruse through the menu for more substantial options like the Chic ($35), Fortune ($44) and Parisian ($72) sets, depending on your appetite.

As a new Latin-European restaurant in the 51-storey CapitaSpring Building, Sol & Luna overlooks the entire CBD, with sprawling sunset views and a glimpse of the Marina Bay waterfront included. At $28 per person, the afternoon tea is one of the more affordable choices – but they don’t scrimp on quality. Tuck into a croque monsieur croissant, gruyere cheese profiterole, and mushroom vol-au-vent. They do sweet treats and pastries well too, with the likes of an ispahan tart and lavender madeleines. The afternoon tea includes free-flow black coffee and tea.

Located on the third floor of Ion Orchard, Lady M Champagne Bar provides a gorgeous backdrop for shoppers to unwind over some bubbly and bakes. Grab a seat at the horseshoe bar counter, flanked by reflective rose gold columns, or head over to the main dining area with plush chairs and marble tabletops. Come weekends, at noon and 3pm, Lady M Champagne Bar will serve the signature afternoon tea set ($60 per person). Snack on dainty versions of mille crepe, truffle cream crab tartlet, and lobster toast – washed down with pots of tea, freshly brewed by the table, and glasses of champagne.