Singapore’s culinary scene continues to evolve, blending tradition with modern creativity. Among its standout offerings is the high tea culture, which has transformed into a must-try experience for locals and visitors alike.
From luxurious hotel settings to cozy cafés, venues now craft signature menus that cater to diverse tastes. Many spots feature rotating themes, seasonal ingredients, and even collaborations with renowned brands like TWG Tea.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging, these curated tea experiences offer something for every person. With options ranging from budget-friendly to premium, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this timeless ritual.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore’s tea culture blends tradition with modern innovation.
- Themed and locally inspired menus are gaining popularity.
- Many venues offer dietary-friendly options like vegan or gluten-free.
- Prices vary, with luxury sets reaching up to $98 per person.
- Brand partnerships elevate the experience with premium touches.
1. The Grand Lobby at Raffles Hotel: A Timeless Classic
Step into the iconic Grand Lobby at Raffles Hotel, where elegance meets indulgence. Until March 7, the space transforms into a chocolate lover’s dream with its limited-edition themed afternoon tea. Victorian pillars and three-tier silver stands add a touch of old-world charm.
Chocolate Afternoon Tea Set ($98)
The menu features five savory bites and five sweets. Highlights include finger sandwiches with jam and clotted cream, plus vegetarian alternatives. Pairings with TWG Tea’s finest blends elevate the experience.
Signature 68% Dark Chocolate Scone
The star? A signature scone made with 68% dark chocolate, served warm. It’s a rich contrast to the lighter pastries and a must-try for cocoa enthusiasts.
| Feature | Raffles Hotel | Fullerton Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $98 | $53 |
| Themed Menu | Yes (Chocolate) | No |
| Vegetarian Options | Yes | Limited |
Since 1887, Raffles has been Singapore’s grand lobby for tea traditions. This set is a splurge—but the historic ambiance and signature touches justify every cent.
2. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse: A Savory Twist on High Tea
Meat lovers rejoice—Wolfgang’s Steakhouse reinvents the classic high tea with bold New York flavors. Leather banquettes and dark wood replace lace doilies, offering a masculine counterpoint to traditional settings. The newly refreshed menu features hearty portions, from beef crostini to lobster brioche.
Lobster Brioche & Beef Crostini ($88)
Five savoury bites dominate the set, including a buttery lobster brioche and beef crostini with horseradish cream. A caramelized onion tart and herb-roasted chicken vol-au-vent round out the plate. Gluten-free scones with clotted cream cater to dietary needs.
New York-Style Cheesecake
Dessert stars a dense cheesecake, paired with seasonal berries. For a richer experience, add a foie gras apple tartlet ($12 supplement). Cocktails like a smoked Manhattan ($20) or lavender mocktail ($16) complement the meal.
| Feature | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $78 | $88 |
| Portion Size | 8 pieces | 10 pieces |
| Alcohol Pairing | Optional | Included |
Compared to L’Espresso’s buffet, Wolfgang’s offers fewer items but larger servings. Ideal for those who prefer quality over quantity—and a tea break with steakhouse swagger.
3. Ginger.Lily: French-Japanese Fusion in a Botanical Oasis
At Ginger.Lily, French pastry techniques meet Japanese minimalism in a lush garden setting. Hanging plants and marble accents frame the space, creating an Instagrammable retreat. The tea experience here is elevated by a collaboration with La Maison de l’Excellence Savencia, ensuring premium ingredients.
Teatime Soirée Set ($68)
Served on a whimsical book-shaped stand, the set features a rotating seasonal menu. Fusion bites like miso brioche topped with Hokkaido scallops showcase the kitchen’s creativity. Sweet highlights include a signature violet chocolate gâteau layered with banana jam—a nod to French patisserie with Japanese precision.
Violet Chocolate Gâteau with Banana Jam
The star dessert blends 68% dark chocolate mousse with tangy banana jam, crowned with edible flowers. Unlike Atlas’ art deco tiffins, Ginger.Lily’s presentation leans into organic elegance. Each guest receives two pots of tea, with vegan substitutions available upon request.
For the best lighting, visit between 2–4 PM when sunlight filters through the foliage. Portions are generous compared to Opus Bar’s delicate skewer stacks, making it ideal for sharing.
4. The Rose Veranda: Shangri-La’s Monthly Rotating Menu
Since 1991, The Rose Veranda has set the gold standard for elegant tea service in Singapore. Its monthly rotating menu keeps regulars intrigued, with June 2024 featuring abalone tartlets and lychee-rose macarons. Pairings with Pierre Paillard champagne elevate the signature experience.
Rose-Veranda Signature Scones
The chef’s signature scones use Himalayan pink salt for a delicate balance of sweet and savory. Served warm with clotted cream and house-made bergamot jam, they outshine Kebuke’s budget-friendly versions in both size and flavor.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Options
Dietary needs are honored with almond-flour vegan scones paired with coconut cream. The lounge also offers nut-free tiers and low-sugar desserts upon request. For groups of four or fewer, the plush lounge seating ensures an intimate time.
| Feature | Rose Veranda | Kebuke |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $68 | $25 |
| Vegan Options | Full menu | Limited |
| Champagne Pairing | Yes (+$30) | No |
Visit between 3–5 PM for the best natural lighting through the veranda’s stained glass. This afternoon tea pioneer proves tradition and innovation can steep together beautifully.
5. Best Afternoon Tea Singapore for Local Flavors
Discover how local ingredients transform classic high tea into a cultural celebration. Venues like Pan Pacific and The Marmalade Pantry weave Singaporean heritage into every bite, from pandan-infused pastries to spicy seafood delights.
Pan Pacific’s Pandan Scones with Nyonya Kaya
The Atrium’s signature pandan scones swap clotted cream for fragrant Nyonya kaya—a coconut-jam blend. Served warm, they pair perfectly with TWG’s Singapore Breakfast tea. The set also includes:
- Savory bites like otah toast and chili crab vol-au-vents
- Ondeh-ondeh cake with gula melaka drizzle
- Vegetarian laksa tartlets for dietary preferences
The Marmalade Pantry’s Seafood Wonton Cups ($78 for two)
This cafe reimagines dim sum with crispy wonton cups filled with prawns and chicken satay. Monogram tea blends complement the bold flavors. Highlights include:
- Heritage collaborations (e.g., Old Chang Kee curry puffs)
- Portions ideal for 2–4 persons
- 50% less expensive than hotel sets
For a true taste of Singapore, these local flavours elevate tea-time beyond the ordinary.
Skai’s Peter Rabbit-Themed High Tea (Seasonal)
Seventy floors above Singapore, Skai transforms teatime into a storybook adventure with its Peter Rabbit theme. Available until June 30, this limited-edition menu pairs TWG Tea selections with panoramic Marina Bay views.
Foie Gras Apple Tartlet ($68)
The savory star honors the theme with woodland whimsy—a buttery tartlet layered with ethically sourced foie gras and caramelized apples. Each ingredient meets EU welfare standards, balancing richness with seasonal freshness.
Vanilla Raspberry Cheesecake “Toadstools”
Dessert brings Beatrix Potter’s world to life with mushroom-shaped cake pops. The vanilla-raspberry filling offers a tart contrast to the white chocolate caps—perfect for Instagram snaps against the skyline backdrop.
Compared to Colony’s unlimited desserts, portions here are curated but substantial. Cocktail upgrades like “Mischief in the Garden” ($22) add grown-up flair with gin, elderflower, and edible flowers.
For the best experience, book through their reservation system at least two weeks ahead. Families appreciate the $34++ child menu with rabbit-shaped sandwiches and berry-infused mocktails.
Golden hour (3-5 PM) highlights the 70th-floor vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows. Whether savoring the tartlet or admiring the skyline, this seasonal tea service turns an ordinary afternoon into a fairytale.
7. TWG Tea: Affordable Indulgence for Tea Purists
TWG Tea elevates the art of tea service with globally inspired blends and accessible luxury. Their salons at Marina Bay Sands and Orchard Road offer distinct afternoon tea experiences, from wallet-friendly sets to lavish gourmet pairings. Tea sommeliers guide guests through seasonal menu highlights, making this a haven for connoisseurs.
1837 Set with Scones & Tea Jelly ($20)
The budget-conscious person will appreciate this set featuring warm scones paired with TWG’s proprietary tea jelly. Pro tip: Spread the jelly thinly to let the bergamot notes shine. The set includes:
- Two freshly baked scones with clotted cream
- A pot of their namesake 1837 black tea blend
- Seasonal fruit garnish
Available weekdays from 2-5 PM, it’s 50% lighter on the wallet than hotel alternatives.
Parisian Set with Foie Gras ($72)
For a luxe experience, this tier includes smoked salmon canapés and duck foie gras truffles. The signature pairing? A floral Marco Polo blend that cuts through the richness. Compared to the 1837 set, you’ll enjoy:
| Feature | 1837 Set | Parisian Set |
|---|---|---|
| Savory Items | None | 4 pieces |
| Tea Selection | 1 blend | 3 premium options |
| Serving Time | 45 min | 90 min |
Visit their Orchard Road flagship between 3-4 PM for the quietest time. Take home exclusive retail blends like the limited-edition Singapore Surprise, developed in collaboration with Marriott’s Tea Garden. Whether you choose simplicity or opulence, TWG proves great tea needs no occasion.
Conclusion: Sip, Savor, and Celebrate Singapore’s Tea Culture
From chocolate-infused scones to savory steakhouse twists, the city’s tea culture offers endless delights. Sets range from $20 for casual outings to $118 for luxury spreads at the lobby lounge of Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza.
Themes span seasonal collaborations and cocktail pairings, perfect for birthdays or relaxed catch-ups. For popular spots like Skai, book at least two weeks ahead to secure window seats.
Many venues now prioritize sustainability, sourcing Earl Grey and other blends ethically. Explore beyond traditional styles—local fusion menus and sky-high settings redefine the tea experience.
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