In the sea of endless responsibilities, it’s always nice for a girl to get out for a bit. To spend a whole afternoon not worrying about assignments, chores or when your next work Zoom call’s going to be. Ladies, contrary to the status quo, it’s always a good idea to give yourself a break every once in a while. Who says indulgence is reserved for weekends? Indulge whenever you feel like it and don’t let anyone tell you differently.
Nothing screams indulgent better than a bougie high tea with your closest gal pals, replete with an array of sweet and savoury treats, a fresh pot of tea, and a good measure of stress-free chatter. Take a break and pamper yourself at any one of these 10 utterly indulgent high tea spots in Singapore. (A word of caution: You might want to book a few sessions at F45 in advance for after.)
When it comes to high tea — whether that's afternoon high tea, weekday high tea or high tea with a view — 10 SCOTTS carries it out impeccably. Come luxuriate in a seasonal-themed high tea spread replete with stellar views and a cascading waterfall to really transport you away from the hustle and bustle of town. Perfect for cosy gatherings with your best pals, every trip down comes with the promise of delectable cuisine and a splendid experience. Select from three beverage tiers starting from SGD58 that comes with fresh juices, coffee and tea or a more premium option that entitles you to wines, cocktails and champagne to pair along with your array of high tea delights. Noteworthy bites include the Yarra Valley salmon caviar with crumpets, Croque monsieur and chilled gazpacho.
One of the big players in Singapore’s illustrious cocktail scene, this fixture at Fairmont Singapore is no small contender among cocktail aficionados around the world. But little do many know that it offers high tea as well. Its current collaboration with Sanrio sees a limited-time-only Hello Kitty-inspired spread featuring cutesy cocktails and a plethora of savoury sammies like Kurobuta pork with a stout barbecue glaze and homemade lox with trout roe alongside sweets such as red currant macaron and lychee cream custard and cherry confit choux puff. On the tea front, Anti:dote serves tea by TWG Tea Company so you can expect teas of utmost and unrivalled quality.
ATLAS Bar is as much an architectural masterpiece as it is an award-winning gin-focused cocktail bar. So stopping by for martini or afternoon tea promises an exquisite affair from start to finish. Situated on the ground floor of Parkview Square, ATLAS’ interior inspires grandeur and lavishness with a likeness to DC’s Gotham City. The design itself takes its cue from the swanky Art Deco skyscrapers of Europe. Its Afternoon Tea set for two arrives in a stunning rose-gold tier stand and features a medley of sweet and savoury bites, served with a fresh pot of loose tea. its unique tea selections are created and curated entirely by themselves. Take for example The ATLAS Art Deco Blend, which was specially blended for the bar and incorporates dry gin botanicals, or Palace Grade Pu’er.
Singapore’s first eclair speciality shop, L'éclair Pâtisserie Cafe (Singapore Shopping Centre), is where you go to satiate your sweet tooth. On any given day, you’ll find up to 10 different, elaborate fashioned eclairs available. Apart from eclairs, it also serves Chouquettes, Scones and Pies, preferably enjoyed with a fragrant pot of loose tea or a cup of speciality coffee. Perhaps one of the more affordable high tea options around, opt for the L’Expérience Menu for two at SGD45 which includes four Chouquettes, two scones, two Financiers, four mini Madeleines, three regular Éclairs and one beverage per person.
Recognised as one of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2020 and inspired by the Pacific Ocean and the rich culture of Asia's ports, MO BAR offers guests a vibrant experience that celebrates the flavours and aromas of the region. The techniques applied by its talented crew is progressive and imaginative and the bespoke cocktails birthed are spirited and exciting, never failing to hit their mark. On the food front, the award-winning cocktail lounge also boasts a Japanese-themed afternoon tea set that comes with rotating treats such as egg roll with ikura, smoked salmon with wasabi mayo, baked cheesecake and sable tart. Pair your meal with a pot of tea, exclusively selected from Asia’s most famous tea-growing regions or take it up a notch with a signature cocktail.
One-Ninety Bar over at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is where a deep passion for botanicals and sophisticated craftsmanship go hand in hand in every shake and stir. The alfresco space features a “secret garden” — a breezy outdoor terrace perfect for cosy weekend afternoon tea sessions and all-day imbibing. Blooming right now until 26 June 2022 is the ethereal Floral Weekend Afternoon Tea conceptualised by Nicolai Bergmann, celebrity florist and Floral Art Director at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Set a date and savour an exquisite collection of botanical-inspired gourmet creations paired alongside artisanal teas or boozy concoctions created by an artisan renowned for his unique style that blends Scandinavian and Japanese design.
Hankering after something posh? Well, the sky’s the limit over at SKAI — in every sense of the word. Perched on the 70th floor of Singapore’s acclaimed Swissôtel The Stamford, SKAI’s afternoon tea selection comprises a spread of savoury and sweet creations layered with influences of Asian cuisine with a touch of Japanese flair and refinement. While you admire the iconic city view, munch on bites such as their Foie Gras Naranja Bitter Orange and Salmon Gravlax with Caramelised Onion and Ikura.
A haven where luxury and exuberance thrives in the heart of the city, The Lobby Lounge over at 5-star The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is where you go to properly treat yourself. Take an epicurean stroll through nature’s enchanting flavours with a Botanical-inspired Five-course Afternoon Tea set. Get comfortable and let luxury take you by the hand as you savour each course of meticulously crafted treats that come presented on equally breathtaking botanical landscape-inspired, floral-esque sculptures and branches that you can literally pick off.
Offering colonial-inspired afternoon tea with a Peranakan slant, Violet Oon has something a tad different. Tracing Singapore’s food heritage and the early beginnings of Peranakan culture, taste your way through beloved local favourites and Nyonya signatures alongside a celebrated selection of British cuisine as interpreted by the early Hainanese chefs of Singapore. The Singapore High Tea set served here showcases a unique selection of nibbles that evoke familiar local flavours like the spicy Otak on Belgium Endive, Chilli Crab Tartlet with Quail Egg and Kueh Ko Sui if you’re pining for something sweet. Their freshly baked Gula Melaka Scones come highly recommended as well.
For a change of pace, escape the buzzy side of town and surround yourself with lush greenery over at Wildseed Cafe (The Summerhouse) instead. Situated in the quieter district of Seletar just a stone’s throw away from the aerospace park amidst quiet nature, Wildseed resides within an old colonial block flanked by lush foliage and an open garden. As you soak up the surroundings, treat your belly to an exquisite selection of afternoon tea bites comprising savoury sandwiches and sweets such as cheesecake, macaroons, madeleines and more.
(Photos from: Alvin Tan)
Thinking of a get-together set at brunch? Check out these locations.
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