10|Scotts
Photograph: 10|Scotts
Photograph: 10|Scotts

The best tea rooms in Singapore for afternoon tea

Pamper yourself with a luxurious high tea set or buffet

Rachel Yohannan
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Originally an aristocratic British tradition, afternoon tea is now an indulgence that’s universally known and loved. What’s not to enjoy about whiling an afternoon away in an elegant tea room, as you nibble on freshly baked scones and other tiny morsels with pinkies in the air? Consider it a residual effect of our colonial past, if you will, but we’ve got plenty of great afternoon tea spots in the city for days when you’re feeling for some royal treatment. From swanky hotel lounges to cafés by proud homegrown brands, and skyscrapers towering up to 70 storeys high, here’s our take on the best places for afternoon tea in Singapore.

RECOMMENDED: The most Instagrammable cafés in Singapore and The best cafés in Singapore for dessert

12 best places to enjoy high tea in Singapore

  • Hotels
  • Orchard
  • Recommended

What is it? A plush, elegant dessert lounge in the newly refurbished The St. Regis Singapore.

Why we love it: A welcome drink of sparkling tea, a live harpist playing lilting tunes, and a whole tea cart wheeled over for your selection – it’s the little touches here that make a royal difference.

Time Out tip: Scones here are unlimited, something you don’t often get with other tiered afternoon tea sets in Singapore. Just make sure you pace yourself on these buttery carbs – and do try pairing them with the fruit caviar.

Address: 29 Tanglin Rd, The St Regis Singapore, Singapore 247911
Afternoon tea pricing: $65 per person

2. 1-Arden

What is it? A soaring dining venue with unmatched city views from the 51st storey.

Why we love it: Assembled as what’s basically an edible zen garden, each of the dainty morsels in 1-Arden’s Japanese-inspired high tea set is made using plants from 1-Arden’s own ‘food forest’ – a concept that lends both aesthetic appeal and sustainability.

Time Out tip: The aforementioned rooftop herb garden is open for visits. Take a stroll around after finishing off your feast with a pot of complimentary floral tea. Just note that this high tea set is only available on weekdays.

Address: 88 Market St, Level 51 CapitaSpring, Singapore 048948
Afternoon tea pricing: $75 for two

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3. 10|Scotts

What is it? The refined lobby lounge of Grand Hyatt Singapore, newly revamped as of mid-2025.

Why we love it: While delicate sweet treats are served to your table on a sleek stand as part of the Grand Afternoon Tea, the savouries are from a free-flow self-serve counter. So go on and knock yourselves out with sustainable smoked salmon, French cheese and cold cuts, seafood vol-au-vents, grilled cheese sandwiches and more. Each diner gets a glass of Saicho jasmine sparkling tea, two servings of coffee or tea, and unlimited juices.

Time Out tip: Request a window seat to enjoy the waterfall garden view as you dine.

Address: 10 Scotts Rd, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore 228211
Afternoon tea pricing: $65 per person

4. L'éclair Pâtisserie

What is it? Homegrown eclair specialty store by a pair of Le Cordon Bleu-trained friends.

Why we love it: Artisanal flavours like pistachio with white chocolate, ispahan, and vanilla with caramelised pecans will challenge your perception of the humble eclair as you know it. Its L'Experience afternoon tea for two includes chouquettes, scones, financiers, mini madeleines, and drinks on top of three regular-sized eclairs of your choice.

Time Out tip: For some savoury balance in the mix, go for the Merry-Go-Delicé afternoon tea instead. Served in a merry-go-round stand that actually turns, this comes with five mini eclairs, scones, and five pairs of savoury canapes that you can pre-select.

Address: 190 Clemenceau Ave, #01-28 Singapore Shopping Centre, Singapore 239924
Afternoon tea pricing: L'Experience: $48 for two; Merry-Go-Delicé: $78 per set

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  • Rochor
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? Brooding Gotham City vibes on the outside, Great Gatsby glamour on the inside – this gorgeous Art Deco-inspired bar is a repeat favourite that’s consistently on the World’s 50 Best list. 

Why we love it: Gilded interiors with intricate frescos aside, Atlas houses one of the largest gin collections in the world, at 1,300 bottles strong. While it’s notoriously difficult to get a last-minute reservation for drinks here, you might have better luck with the afternoon tea, which comes with indulgent bites like smoked salmon rillette with caviar and pistachio amaretti bonbons.

Time Out tip: There are also vegetarian and gluten-free versions of Atlas’ afternoon tea, so those with dietary restrictions can also join the party.

Address: 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
Afternoon tea pricing: $68 per person

6. Skai

What is it? The highest contemporary grill restaurant you’ll find on the island, perched 70 storeys in the sky.

Why we love it: The views are immaculate, need we say more? Each high tea set here is well-balanced in flavour and portion, and diners get to choose either a pot of TWG tea or a robust cup of Suzuki Gourmet Coffee.

Time Out tip: Skai surprises us with themed afternoon tea experiences from time to time – past editions include collaborations featuring Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, Katsushika Hokusai's art and Frédéric Malle perfume.

Address: 2 Stamford Rd, Lvl 70 Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore, Singapore 178882
Afternoon tea pricing: $68 per person

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7. Violet Oon

What is it? Eponymous restaurant by the celebrated Singaporean Nyonya chef, restaurateur and food critic.

Why we love it: It’s a great introduction to Peranakan food for newbies – and a comforting homecoming for those already familiar with it. From dry laksa to chilli crab in a crispy shell, and a variety of sweet tidbits like kueh kosui and coconut panna cotta, its high tea set is essentially a satisfying sampling platter of all the perennial favourites. 

Time Out tip: Try the Nyonya-inspired cocktails, infused with ingredients like assam essence, gula melaka, and pink ginger flower for a unique kick of flavour.

Address: Three locations at Ion Orchard, National Gallery, and Dempsey Hill. Only the former two serve afternoon tea. Find the full addresses here.
Afternoon tea pricing: National Gallery: $66 for two; Ion Orchard: $68 for two. Menus differ slightly.

  • Property

What is it? One of Singapore’s grandest tea lounges, boasting fluted Victorian columns and a vintage grandfather’s clock that still chimes every evening.

Why we love it: It doesn’t get any more quintessentially British than clinking teacups in this famous colonial hotel, while live harp music plays in the background. On top of classic and raisin scones, The Grand Lobby also does a unique savoury one – and you get to try all three. Many also look forward to its highly popular sakura afternoon tea, a pretty pink seasonal affair often starting in March or April to coincide with cherry blossom season.

Time Out tip: Factor in time to stroll around the hotel’s vast grounds afterwards – its courtyard with intricate architectural details and an iconic turquoise fountain surrounded by palm trees is an attraction in itself.

Address: 1 Beach Rd, Raffles Hotel Singapore, Singapore 189673
Afternoon tea pricing: $98 per person

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9. TWG Tea

What is it? A Singaporean luxury tea brand with a strong international presence, operating more than 70 outlets worldwide.

Why we love it: Tea-infused sandwiches, tea-infused macarons, scones with tea-infused jelly…and the list goes on. Pore through TWG’s tea book – basically a Bible of tea with over 1,000 carefully categorised varieties listed – and you’ll know that it takes its craft very seriously.

Time Out tip: Each of its tea salons has a different vibe; The Tea Garden at MBS ‘floats’ atop water, while the other outlet within the same mall has jewel-toned floral wallpaper. Takashimaya’s has a tucked-away feel, with chandeliers and gold mirrors adding a regal air. 

Address: Multiple locations, including Marina Bay Sands, Orchard, and Raffles City. Check out the full list here.
Afternoon tea pricing: Up to $92 for two

10. Ginger.Lily

What is it? A high-ceilinged, botanical-inspired bar and lounge at Hilton Singapore Orchard.

Why we love it: Its afternoon tea set brings back the childlike wonder of stumbling into a fairytale – except you’re opening the ‘book’ to unveil a rainbow of bite-sized treats, including oysters, beef tartare, and Japanese-inspired sweets. Beverages aren’t skimped on, with each diner getting a cocktail or mocktail, on top of two orders of tea or coffee.

Time Out tip: Skip lunch. You certainly won’t leave hungry after this four-chapter culinary adventure. 

Address: 333 Orchard Rd, Level 5, Hilton Singapore Orchard, Singapore 238867
Afternoon tea pricing: $78 per person

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11. L'Espresso at Goodwood Park

What is it? A longstanding favourite for leisurely afternoon tea buffets.

Why we love it: As much as afternoon tea typically leans towards sweet, this one ensures that the savoury lovers have more than enough to chow down. Its extensive range of hot delights includes classics like cottage pie, beef stew, and gratin, alongside a carving station with slow-roasted meaty chunks.

Time Out tip: Fans of the pungent king of fruits should keep an eye out for L’Espresso’s annual Durian Fiesta buffet. Past editions included items like D24 cream puffs and even durian sourdough pizza.

Address: 22 Scotts Rd, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221
Afternoon tea pricing: From $65 per person

12. Allora Ristorante & Bar

What is it? A fairly new Italian restaurant and bar at the award-winning Crowne Plaza Changi Airport.

Why we love it: Helmed by Italian chef Stefano Sanna, Allora brings authentic home-style Italian flavours through comfort nosh like handcrafted pizzas and honest-to-goodness pastas. Its Italian afternoon tea comes with a local twist, featuring items such as laksa prawn mousse crostini, truffle honey ricotta focaccia, chilli crab quiche, and gula melaka cannoli.

Time Out tip: For ‘Italian summer’ vibes, grab a seat at the pet-friendly outdoor garden terrace – there are umbrellas overhead to shield you from the sun. But if you can’t take the heat, the chill indoor space also has its fair share of leafy greenery.

Address: 75 Airport Blvd, Changi Airport Terminal 3, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Singapore 819664
Afternoon tea pricing: $68 for two

For more tea-time treats

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