Afternoon tea started as a luxurious pastime afforded only by the British upper classes. Times have changed, and the meal is now served to the public by many eateries, though it continues to be regarded as something to enjoy on special occasions.
For many in Hong Kong and Macau, there's nothing quite like expressing appreciation through savory and sweet treats served on a stylish tea stand. Whether you're marking a special occasion or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, these spots offer the perfect blend of fine tea, delicate bites, and graceful ambiance.
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Berries, blooms, and cruffins in Hong Kong
Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
On the other side of the harbor, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is another hotel with an esteemed history. Clipper Lounge, in particular, has epitomized the rhythm of the city for decades, catering to high-profile business negotiations at one table and carefree chatter at another. The afternoon tea service unfolds at a newly renovated dining area that evokes Hong Kong’s past as a fishing village. While the tea menu changes periodically, the 1963 Mandarin Cheesecake and rose petal jam are so beloved that they have been untouchable throughout the hotel’s run. It is one of the great joys in life to spread the latter on freshly baked scones and let its fragrance waft in the air.
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The Blooms by Épure
One-Star French restaurant Épure has mesmerized local diners with its refined contemporary French cuisine. Just next door, its sister establishment The Blooms applies the same delicate touch to afternoon tea. The most distinctive element of the café is the outdoor terrace, with an abundance of colorful flowers and sweeping vistas of Victoria Harbor. While always carrying a French flair, The Blooms’ offering changes seasonally, with one notable menu nodding to the imperial traditions of France and China and the cultural exchange between the two countries.RELATED: Behind the Dish: Épure Chef Aven Lau’s Smoked Quail
The Lobby, The Peninsula Hong Kong
The foyer of the oldest operating hotel in town might be the first image travelers conjure up of old Hong Kong. The Lobby (hero image) has been a favorite haunt of socialites since The Peninsula Hong Kong first opened its doors in 1928. Its afternoon tea was an integral part of various recreational rituals, and afternoon tea is a tradition that endures to this day. Sitting among the ornate columns and crystal chandeliers, visitors can step back in time and enjoy carefully crafted finger food served with silverware and porcelain, washed down with a fine selection of Asian and British teas. Attentive and cheerful servers and musicians performing melodic numbers add a palpable sense of charm to the experience.
Salisterra, The Upper House
Afternoon tea is as much about setting as sustenance. Salisterra excels in this regard with a space designed by André Fu, one of Hong Kong’s leading architects. Fu uses sleek marble and soft velvet, geometric lines and curves, and a Mediterranean color palette to create a modern and serene setting. Similarly, its afternoon evokes a multi-sensory journey. One standout menu, for instance, featured various citrus fruits paying homage to the scents of the Korean fragrance label NONFICTION.RELATED: 10 Uniquely Designed Hotels in Hong Kong & Macau
Yamm, The Mira Hong Kong
The Mira Hong Kong’s beloved buffet restaurant has been given a sweet twist on weekends, with an afternoon tea menu that spans Britain and beyond. Dozens of cakes and pastries including peach and raspberry trifles, yuzu cruffins (croissant-muffins), and berry-laden treats are available in unlimited quantities along with an impressive chocolate fountain. In addition, the buffet features cooking stations serving Asian favorites such as sushi, dim sum, and fried noodles. Arrive with an empty stomach and an open mind to give everything a try.
Crab, cod, and cuppas in Macau
Churchill’s Table, The Londoner Macao
Given that afternoon tea is an English invention, it would be appropriate to enjoy it at the most anglophile venue in Macau. The dining area of Churchill's Table recalls the Victorian era – when the meal originated – with sophisticated wooden surfaces and backlit ceilings with floral motifs. Its signature Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea menu, however, is far more whimsical than the period decor would have you believe. The tableware would fit seamlessly into the Alice in the Wonderland movie set, while both the savory and sweet items reference Alice’s iconic words and the tropes of the tale.
Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Macau
The bar’s dynamic nightlife gives way to a more relaxing vibe during the afternoon. Being on the fifty-first floor means the teardrop-shaped windows open to gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Furthermore, its swanky interior space, adorned with an Italian marble counters and velvet sofas, is the ideal backdrop for unhurried table talks. Diners will be well fed too. Premium ingredients such as truffle, foie gras, and Alaskan king crab make frequent appearances on the menu.
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The Lounge, JW Marriott Hotel Macau
JW Marriott Hotel Macau prides itself on incorporating local elements into its culinary offerings. The Lounge’s afternoon tea has shone a light on the gastronomic tradition of the native Maquista community on multiple occasions, and the afternoon tea is no different, with a reinterpretation of Chá Gordo (“fat tea” in Portuguese), being one of the seasonal highlights. Traditionally, the elaborate spread coincides with festive celebrations or life milestones and is served in generous portions. The Lounge’s menu varies seasonally but has highlighted Iberian classics like salted cod and Southeast Asian spice-infused African chicken mixed into various small bites.
Xiao Ting, Four Seasons Hotel Macao
Diners can always count on tea-obsessed Xiao Ting for a perfect cuppa. The restaurant’s “tea bible” amasses oolong, rare aged pu’er, the signature Golden Rose Tea, and countless other fine options, each accompanied by informative tasting notes and origin stories. Such attention to detail extends to the service and food, with menus crafted to suit the seasons. Ask to be seated in the alfresco dining area, where direct access to the verdant garden sets the scene for memorable snaps.Hero image: The Lobby at The Peninsula Hong Kong.
All images courtesy of respective restaurants or hotels.
