Afternoon Tea, a British tradition, is rooted in history as a luxurious afternoon break, usually taken in between the hours of lunch and dinner. During this relaxing recess, scones, small sweets, tarts, and pastries were enjoyed in a laid-back environment such as the sitting room or the salon...accompanied, of course, by pots of tea with milk and sugar cubes on the side.
High Tea, on the other hand, became known in the 1700s, and was often enjoyed during post-work hours in an attempt to nourish the weary worker. Compared to afternoon tea, high tea was typically comprised of heartier fare such as meats and crustless sandwiches, which were taken either standing up or on higher tables and seats.
In Singapore, an afternoon tea program has become a staple and decadent offering in most hotels, where tiers of sandwiches and savouries are served, along with scones and miniature tarts and pastries. Call it a mishmash of both Afternoon Tea and High Tea, the tradition has been a very-much enjoyed mid-day treat that gathers friends and loved ones together for an afternoon of catching up, while being surrounded by delicious nibbles.
InterContinental Singapore's Timeless Icons Afternoon Tea Program Showcases a Refined Interpretation of Traditional Local Delights
Taking inspiration from old school classics and treasured Singaporean treats, MICHELIN Guide Hotel InterContinental Singapore's The Lobby Lounge showcases an array of both sweet and savoury treats that are a nod to local dishes and snacks.
Highlights include a Caramelised Pâte à Choux with Peanut Diploma Cream camouflaged as grilled satay skewers, as well as a Financier with Sablé, Pandan Coconut Curd, and Salted Mascarpone Cream that takes the shape of the iconic breakfast staple, Kaya Toast. Depicting a cup of kopi is a Bailey's Irish Mousse and Espresso Jello, Coffee Streusel, and Hokkaido Milk Espuma, while a 66% Chocolate Panna Cotta, Cocoa Syrup Sponge Finger, and Candy Brioche make up a can of the nostalgic childhood drink, Milo.
Savoury treats also include a honey prawn dumpling with XO sauce and bonito flakes; a mini mantou bun with seafood, ikura roe, and sprouts; a beef pastrami sandwich with sambal cheddar cheese and watercress; and lastly, an assam prawn nanas quiche.
Enjoy unlimited scones and ice cream with every set, as well as an optional flute of champagne. This tea time set is available until 01 May 2022; and for those looking for alternatives, InterContinental Singapore also offers a vegan tea-time option with more details here. Make a booking at The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore here.
Shangri-La Hotel Presents the EmpowHer High Tea Set to Support United Women Singapore in Advancing Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Singapore has curated a special high tea set for two, in partnership with United Women Singapore (UWS) to celebrate International Women’s Day throughout the month of March.
This is the second collaboration between Shangri-La Singapore and UWS to raise awareness of the organisation's local programmes on women empowerment and gender equality.
For every EmpowHer High Tea set availed of, Shangri-La Singapore will donate S$3 to UWS, where proceeds will support its flagship Girls2Pioneers STEM programme to narrow the gender equality gap through education, UWS Boys Empowered programme that empowers boys to prevent gender-based violence, and GenSafe Workplaces programme to help organisations support employees impacted by domestic violence and abuse.
Available this entire month of March, the EmpowHer High Tea experience features a myriad of savoury
and sweet treats in UWS’s brand colours of purple and yellow, with purple brought to the fore as the international symbol for women. The culinary treats comprise a mix of savouries such as the smoked royal salmon and forest mushroom quiche, ocean crabmeat with tobiko and sweet prawn salad in an ube roll, as well as classic French desserts, local kuehs and scones. Make a reservation here.
Raffles Hotel Celebrates Japan’s Famed Cherry Blossom Season in the Sakura Afternoon Tea Experience
Until 15 May 2022, Raffles Hotel Singapore presents an ode to one of Japan's most iconic celebrations: Sakura Season. The thematic experience is part of The Grand Lobby's afternoon tea offering, where guests can indulge in a spread of classic Japanese desserts, home-baked scones, and other creations.
Presented on a classic three-tier silver stand, the Sakura Afternoon Tea at Raffles Hotel Singapore features a Sakura Strawberry Verrine, Red Bean Sakura Ice Cream Monaka, and Sakura Roll Cake that come in colours to depict the famed cherry blossoms.
A sakura tree is also installed in the middle of The Grand Lobby, to provide the environment that matches the experience. To balance out the sweet treats is a selection of savoury snacks such as Beef Sando with Katsu Béchamel; Japanese Omelette with Ikura, which is a combination of a classic Japanese folded omelette topped with salmon roe; and the Surimi Sandwich Mayo and Tobiko Egg. Make a reservation here.
The Fullerton Hotel Offers a Plant-Based Afternoon Tea Set for Those Looking for Alternatives
For those seeking a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle and approach to dining, The Fullerton Hotel offers a plant-based menu that keeps to the same experiences, but with specially-crafted treats adjusted for plant-based diets. An array of both savoury and sweet snacks are served in a classic three-tiered silver stand with choice of coffee or tea.
Savoury menu highlights include an Omni Luncheon Meat wholewheat sandwich with tomato jam; a quinoa burrito wrap made with Unimeat and Daiya cheese, served with guacamole, grilled piquillo peppers, and red onion; and a mini crab-less crab slider with spicy mango salsa and coriander cress. Apart from classic and raisin scones accompanied by vegan cream and jam, plant-based desserts such as a Kaffir Lime Lychee Tart and Osmanthus Goji Berry Jelly are also served.
