While away a lazy afternoon at one of these exquisite high tea spots, where elegance takes center stage—freshly baked scones and exemplary service are just the icing on the cake.
High tea itself defines luxury: a three-tiered set with freshly baked scones and a beautiful mix of sweet and savory treats, all set against a sophisticated backdrop of crystalware, chandeliers, and plush armchairs. What started as a quaint British tradition has become a staple of Singapore’s food culture, with hotel lounges and refined establishments putting their spin on this timeless ritual.
A nod to the quintessential brewed pot of tea is key, but many of our city’s high tea spots have also thoughtfully woven in local culinary flavors. Whether Peranakan-inspired or a tribute to delicate French canapés, these nine high tea lounges in Singapore have elevated the time-honored experience of high tea.
1. Atlas Bar
Glamorous 1920s-themed cocktail bar
Image: Atlas Bar
This glitzy 1920s cocktail bar is the holy grail of decadent high teas in Singapore, with reservations opening 90 days in advance—it’s typically booked out a month ahead. It is housed in Parkview Square, an art deco-style building that looms statuesquely in the heart of Bugis. The bar is stylishly dressed with chic brass fittings and exposed lighting, so make sure to dress to the nines too.
When you order the set, you’ll find it presented with a delightful mix of savory and sweet bites, such as coronation egg brioche, lobster on crystal bread, smoked salmon rillettes, rhubarb tartlet, and blueberry choux. Traditional scones are also served with clotted cream and jam. Since you’re seated in one of Asia’s top 50 bars, you might as well order a flight of three petite martinis ($42) to get a taste of some of the best mixologists’ expertise in the region. Vegetarian and gluten-free high tea menus are available too.
Price: $68 per person
Atlas website
2. The Grand Lobby at Raffles Singapore
Elegant ambience with a live harpist
Image: Raffles Singapore
A high tea at The Grand Lobby at Raffles Singapore is the pinnacle of luxury, set within one of the city’s most iconic colonial landmarks. Settle into an elegant lounge chair, the ideal setting for an intimate tête-à-tête, all while being serenaded by a live harpist performance. With tall Victorian pillars and natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, high tea at this five-star hotel is both sophisticated and timeless.
The high tea is presented on a classic three-tier stand, artfully arranged with a selection of finger sandwiches and sweet pastries. The homemade scones—both original and raisin—are complemented by clotted cream and a fragrant rose petal jam. Interestingly, savory scones are also available. The tea menu is equally impressive, showcasing the premium Jing Tea range. For connoisseurs, there’s the option to indulge in higher-grade selections like Organic Darjeeling 2nd Flush or Assam Gold, each priced at $10.
Price: $98 per person
The Grand Lobby at Raffles Singapore website
3. Skai at Swissotel The Stamford
70 floors high with panoramic city views
Image: Skai at Swissotel The Stamford High Tea
When it comes to leaving a lasting impression, there’s no place quite like Skai at Swissôtel The Stamford for its exquisite high tea. But the tea itself is only part of the story: the sweeping panoramic views of Marina Bay take center stage—after all, this rooftop restaurant is perched a staggering 70 floors above the city.
While the menu is seasonal and often pays homage to Japanese culinary traditions, Skai is known for hosting many themed high tea experiences. Previous menus have drawn inspiration from iconic names such as Swarovski, perfumer Frédéric Malle, and the legendary Japanese artist Hokusai. Take the latest festive menu, a curated mix of savory and sweet, with highlights like foie gras mousse with spiced pear, king crab chawanmushi, minced fruit pie, and ginger scones. Each tea set is served with a choice of mocktail, TWG tea, or gourmet coffee. You can also add a glass of prosecco for an additional $12—a perfect sparkling finale.
Price: $68 per person (for special menus, $88 per person)
Skai at Swissotel The Stamford website
4. The Courtyard at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Seasonal experiences in a heritage hotel
Image: The Courtyard at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Heritage charm and high tea indulgence come together against the iconic backdrop of The Courtyard at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. Tucked within the historic hotel, the sunlit courtyard exudes elegance, with towering arches and the serene notes of a live harpist filling the space. The high tea here is anything but ordinary, thanks to its rotating seasonal menus.
Past experiences have included a chocolate-themed spread featuring lemon ivory chocolate curd and chocolate citrus macarons, as well as a festive menu showcasing The Fullerton fruitcake and turkey madras curry on brioche. With vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and pescatarian menus available, The Courtyard ensures everyone is included. Throw in the hotel’s rich history and stunning setting, and you’ve got a high tea that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
Price: $68 per person
The Courtyard at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore website
5. The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Singapore
Refined local flavours served in a three-tier set
Image: The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Singapore
While many claim that local flavors are best savored at a humble hawker stall, The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Singapore makes a compelling case to the contrary. It has reimagined the distinctive flavor profiles of Singaporean favorites, presenting bites like pandan kaya choux, Nyonya curry chicken sandwiches, and black pepper crab pie tee, all elegantly served on vibrant Peranakan plates for an added pop of color. True to tradition, freshly baked vanilla and raisin scones are also included, accompanied by strawberry jam, clotted cream, and house-made kaya.
Two beverages are included with your high tea. The Rose Veranda Signature Blend is a standout – Ceylon tea infused with soursop, offering a refreshingly delicate tang. For something more local, opt for a comforting cup of kopi or teh tarik, a tribute to Singapore’s kopitiam culture.
Price: $98 for two
The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Singapore website
6. Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental
Thematic high tea menus
Image: Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental
Most head to Mandarin Oriental for MO Bar, a constant fixture on Asia’s top 50 best bars list. What many don’t know, though, is that the high tea at this recently revamped hotel is equally exceptional. The Lobby Lounge is a vision of understated sophistication, dressed in neutral hues yet still a standout with wall murals and vibrant orchid arrangements.
The high tea itself is presented in a variety of elegant tableware, from the traditional three-tier stand to Baccarat crystalware. The menu is seasonal, but you can take a look at the recent festive menu for an idea of what to expect. You’ll be tucking into indulgent creations like foie gras with berries and marsala wine jelly, salmon gravlax with imperial sturgeon roe, and poached pear with red wine granita. The decadence doesn’t stop there, though. Wander over to the hotel’s private wine club, Haus65, to sip and swirl your way through its extensive 1,000-label collection, a dream come true for discerning wine lovers.
Price: $88 per person
Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental website
7. The Astor Grill at The St. Regis Singapore
Classy backdrop with white tablecloths and chandeliers
Image: The St. Regis Singapore
With its gleaming chandeliers and pristine white tablecloths, The Astor Grill at The St. Regis Singapore is the epitome of elegance. Some may remember this space as the former Brasserie Les Saveurs, now rebranded following a successful pop-up run. Despite the name change, the plush armchairs and timeless ambiance remain, making it a distinguished spot for any occasion.
The high tea here is undeniably polished, featuring an array of canapés, pastries, and sweet treats. Highlights from the previous festive menu include inventive bites like beetroot-cured salmon rolls, banoffee spice tarts, and classic pâté en croûte, all served with the same signature refinement that this five-star hotel is known for. A standout is always the St. Regis scones, a classic high tea treat served with jam and clotted cream. Kids’ and vegetarian menus are also available.
Price: $65 per person
The Astor Grill at The St. Regis Singapore website
8. L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel
English high tea buffet since the 1970s
Image: L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel
Having been an afternoon tea institution for decades, L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel has proven to be a classic. Its distinctive buffet spread sets it apart, offering much more than the typical high tea fare. While the selection includes timeless favorites like finger sandwiches and savory canapés, it’s worth trying flavorful bites such as wagyu beef sliders, seafood croquettes, and an array of savory croissants. Adding a touch of theater to the experience, a live chef’s station serves herb-roasted beef tenderloin and freshly made croffles, cooked à la minute.
The buffet also features a variety of scones: plain, raisin, coffee, apricot, pistachio, and maple pecan—far more indulgent than the standard vanilla scones. You can pair these with generous dollops of homemade strawberry jam, caramel banana, lemon curd, Nutella, or the traditional Devonshire clotted cream.
Price: $65 per person
L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel website
9. Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore
Creatively executed afternoon tea sets
Image: Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore
If you’re after an afternoon tea with a twist, Anti:dote delivers. This isn’t your typical tea set—here, each bite is a refreshingly creative take on the classic ritual. Menus change with the seasons, and past highlights have included unexpected combinations such as smoked salmon with cinnamon pear compote, Boston lobster popiah, and mango yogurt kueh.
You’re bound to enjoy Anti:dote’s classic vanilla scones, served with lemon butter curd and strawberry marmalade. It also comes with two beverages, but why not elevate your afternoon tea with a boozy cocktail or two? The Misa De Gallo ($25) is a sophisticated choice, blending Lyre’s London Dry with lychee and apple juice, layered with the refined flavors of TWG’s Eternal Summer tea.
Price: $78 per person
Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore website
Best high teas in Singapore
An afternoon tea experience in Singapore is the perfect blend of indulgence and elegance. These nine high tea spots deliver more than just tea and scones—they offer an escape from the everyday, all framed within grand settings like hotel lounges and rooftop restaurants. Whether it’s unique, locally-inspired flavors or traditional three-tier sets done right, each venue has crafted its own take on this classic ritual.
Cover image: Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore, Skai at Swissotel The Stamford
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