10 Top Afternoon High Teas in Singapore to Feel Like a Tai Tai

Being a Brit myself, sitting down for afternoon tea has long been one of our national past times so I was delighted to find that it’s becoming just as popular right here in Singapore. It’s the perfect way to catch up with girlfriends or to spoil loved ones on a special occasion. Quite frankly, there is nothing more sophisticated than taking two hours out of the day to sip tea from a bone china cup whilst nibbling on crust-less sandwiches. Ah, the tai tai life.

For me afternoon tea must be served at the table (no buffet’s allowed) and scones with clotted cream and jam must feature – that’s the true English way of having tea. With that in mind I went in search of the best that Singapore has to offer, here’s my current favourites spots to indulge in this most glorious of afternoon rituals.

1. The Knolls at Capella

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a trip to the peace and tranquility that is Capella. Nestled amongst luscious vegetation on Sentosa, you will feel instantly zen upon arriving here. This is a beautiful venue for a sophisticated yet casual afternoon tea. Staff here are welcoming and made us feel right at home instantly. Service is efficient and discreet.

Our three tiered serving platter was packed with delicate bites, all of which were perfectly formed and a real treat to eat. The sweets in particular were flawless and picture perfect. Though it’s not only the food that stands out here, the tea list is extensive and features solely Gryphon brews. Your pot really will runneth over, our waitress kept us topped up regularly.

Beautiful venue, delicious tea, elegant savouries and sweets – this is a perfect afternoon tea suitable for any occasion.

Damage: $39.90++ per person

The Knolls at Capella: 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297 | Tel: +65 6591 5000 | Website

Afternoon tea hours: Monday – Sunday 3.00pm – 5.00pm (tea is served in ‘Cassia’ on Saturday and Sundays)

2. Anti:dote at The Fairmont

For the stylish and uber chic, afternoon tea at Anti:dote will be right up your street. The interior is modern and sumptuous, think velvet sofas, interesting light installations and clean lines.

Tea begins on a high note with truffle scrambled egg served in it’s shell, accompanied by two ‘soldiers’ to dip. This is followed by the arrival of a treat laden jewellery box – certainly a contender for the coolest presentation award – each draw will reveal yet more delights for you to nibble on whilst you sip your Earl Grey.

Every savoury, scone and sweet is perfectly put together and tastes sublime. This is the ideal venue for a girlie afternoon, but don’t let the fun stop there – why not hang around for a cocktail at the bar as day turns into night.

Damage: $45++ per person / Kids tea $15++ per person

Anti:Dote: 80 Bras Basah Rd,#01-00 Fairmont, Singapore, 189560 | Tel: + 65 6431 5315 Website

Afternoon tea hours: Monday – Friday 3.00pm – 5.00pm / Saturday – Sunday 12.00pm – 2.oopm and 3.00pm – 5.00pm

3. Lime at The Park Royal

Whilst the venue might be a little uninspiring, this tea makes our afternoon tea list for several very good reasons. Firstly, it’s great value. Working out at $19++ per person, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything of the same quality elsewhere.

Secondly, Lime sticks to British tradition and serves sandwiches sans crust – for the tea aficionados, you’ll appreciate just how important that is.

Thirdly, not only were we served scones that were regular sized they also came out warm. The joy of spreading clotted cream on a scone fresh out the oven should never be underestimated.

This is the perfect spot for a low key afternoon tea with friends, at this price there’s really no point waiting for a special occasion to indulge.

Damage: $38++ per set (serves 2 people)

Lime at ParkRoyal Pickering: 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore, 058289 | Tel: +65 6809 8888 | Website

Afternoon Tea hours: Daily 3.00pm – 6.00pm

4. Axis Bar at The Mandarin Oriental

Tea at the Mandarin Oriental is a elegant affair, the interior is classy and stylish whilst a live pianist adds to the air of sophistication. If you are trying to impress your mother-in-law, or your own mother for that matter, you can’t go far wrong with tea at Axis.

Over the course of two hours we ate our way through a five course tea, beginning with two savoury courses, the obligatory scone, pastries and pies, then a charming tier of beautiful sweet treats. To celebrate SG50 the team here are switching up the menu on a monthly basis to showcase different local cultural cuisines. This month it’s India’s turn whilst previous months have drawn influence from Cantonese, Hokkien and Malay cuisines.

Fear not, more traditional tea items were not forgotten, scones were served accompanied by a tangy lemon butter, sweet raspberry jam and clotted cream. Whilst some of our savoury items were a little lacking in flavour, the atmosphere and excellent service made up for it.

Damage: $42 per person or $80 for two

Axis Bar at The Mandarin Oriental: 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore, 039797 | Tel: +65 6885 3500 | Website

Afternoon tea hours: Monday – Friday 3.00pm – 5.00pm / Saturday – Sunday 12.30pm – 2.30pm and 3.00pm – 5.oopm

5. Pollen

Set in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, Pollen have created a unique environment that is a beautiful setting for afternoon tea. The ambience here is spot on – intimate with a buzz.

You can expect the traditional classics such as scones and macarons from the choice of sweets, whilst the savoury options tend to channel a more mediterranean vibe. Think parma ham and mozzerella. There is a choice of tea or coffee to drink, though we couldn’t resist adding a drop of cava into the mix for an additional $12.

If you’re looking for something that’s a little different to the usual hotel style afternoon tea’s, Pollen is really worth a visit.

Damage: $38++ per person or $50++ with a glass of Codorniu Cava

Pollen: Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive #01-09, Singapore, 018953 | Tel: +65 6604 9988 | Website

Afternoon tea hours: 3.00pm – 5.00pm daily

6. Tablsescape at Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa

At first glance afternoon tea at Movenpick is a pricey option. However, I urge you to take advantage of the Groupon offers that seem to be forever in circulation for Tablescape and grab yourself an afternoon tea bargain.

We were seated on two huge plush sofas, in a beautiful room that also featured an incredible light installation. As far as settings go, Movenpick is certainly up there.

Once seated our tea sets arrived swiftly. The selection of savouries and sweets is varied and whilst it doesn’t look like much upon arrival, I guarantee this tea set will leave you bursting at the seams. Each item was tasty and perfectly formed, and our teapots seemed to be miraculously full at all times. A delicious afternoon tea that would be suitable for any occasion.

Damage: $78++ per set (Tip: Look out for the Groupon voucher currently which will get you a set for $39++)

Tablescape: Movenpick Heritage Hotel, 23 Beach View Sentosa, Singapore, 098679 | Tel: 6818 3388 | Website

Afternoon tea hours: Daily 2.00pm – 6.00pm

7. The Marmalade Pantry

For those with a smaller appetite who struggle to polish off a full on afternoon tea, why not try this stripped back version of events. Featuring a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and a choice of two heavenly cupcakes it’s an ideal way to enjoy the tea tradition without over-indulging. In my view these are all the best bits anyway.

Coming in at $19++ per person this is perhaps also a more budget friendly way to treat yourself and after a hard days shopping this is a delightful way to recharge. The tea is also exclusively Gryphon and two pots are included in the set price.

The Marmalade Pantry is ideal for an impromptu outing when only an afternoon tea will do.

Damage: $38 per set (serves 2)

The Marmalade Pantry: Unit 03-22 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore, 238801 | Tel: +65 6734 2700 | Website

Afternoon tea hours: Daily 3.00pm – 6.00pm

8. Flutes

We know it’s a little annoying that Flutes has a minimum group booking of 10 people, but it’s so quintessentially British that it really is worth rounding up your friends (and a few strangers if need be) to sample it’s delights.

This is a no fuss with all the frills affair, crustless sandwiches, Earl Grey, classic British sweet treats – mini Victoria sponge anyone? – and savoury delights that are executed with flair. All of this and it’s presented on the most beautiful crockery, what more could you possibly ask for? Oh yes, a beautiful setting, Flutes delivers on that front too.

For a birthday treat with all of your friends this would be the perfect afternoon tea experience.

Damage: $50 per person (minimum booking of 10 people)

Flutes: 93 Stamford Road, #01-02, National Museum of Singapore, Singapore, 178897 | Tel: +65 6338 8770 | Website

Afternoon tea hours: Daily from 3pm.

9. Clifford Pier at The Fullerton Bay Hotel

For afternoon tea with a twist, the Singapore Heritage tea at Clifford Pier combines the best features of a classic tea with local flavours and inspiration. Located within The Fullerton Bay hotel, this elegant dining room is a modern, cool space in which to unwind and relax.

We love how authentic Singaporean flavours, such as chilli crab and kaya, had been incorporated into this tea set and sat beautifully alongside the more traditional scones and macarons. The triple tiered display also makes for an impressive arrival at the table.

Another tea that would be suitable for any occasion, and provides a welcome twist on a classic.

Damage: $38 per person

Clifford Pier: The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore, 049326 | Tel: +65 6333 8388 | Website

Afternoon tea hours: Daily 3.30pm – 5.30pm

10. 10 Scotts at The Grand Hyatt

I know I said no buffets so this is slightly cheating, however afternoon tea at 10 Scotts was so much fun I had to include it even though it’s a semi-buffet affair.

If you’ve been trying to get your husband, boyfriend or, come to think of it, any man to join you for an afternoon tea to no avail, 10 Scotts might just be the place to tempt them with. This feast is not for the meagre and you’ll need a man-sized appetite to do it justice. Starting with a set containing hearty servings of scones, macarons and four savoury options, you are then invited to make your way to the buffet section to indulge in an array of cheese and cold cuts plus numerous cakes and sweet items. Be sure to save room for the ‘main’ course however – flambeed steak no less.

Whilst this is on the pricier end of the scale you certainly get your monies worth, and the food quality is high. To truly indulge yourself I recommend going all out with the champagne option, the free flow is generous and make for an extra special treat.

Damage: Monday – Friday $43 per person or $75 including free flow champagne / Saturday – Sunday $53 per person or $85 with free flow champagne

10 Scotts: The Grand Hyatt, 10 Scotts Rd, Singapore, 228211 | Tel: 6738 1234 | Website

Afternoon tea hours: Daily 12.00pm – 2.30pm and 3.00pm – 5.00pm

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