As the festive cheer begins to envelop Singapore, what better way to celebrate than by indulging in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea? Check out the following five places in Singapore to enjoy afternoon tea experiences this Christmas.
The Portman’s Bar, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore
Get into the holiday spirit at The Portman’s Bar, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore, where a luxurious festive-themed “Yuletide Dreams” afternoon tea awaits. Indulge in classic offerings like freshly baked homemade cranberry scones with clotted cream and cranberry jam, and a divine pairing of baked brie cheese with honey. These are served alongside savouries like mize roll, meat loaf, and charcoal bun with sustainable salmon, cream cheese, and urban farm dill.
There is an equally irresistible desserts lineup, including the adorable Santa Hat which features vanilla mousse and cherry morello, and the Picnic Box, a decadent creation of chocolate mousse, raspberry compote, and chocolate sable. For a truly sweet celebration, Portman’s Bar’s Sweet Wagon comes laden with an assortment of Christmas patisseries, macarons, pralines, and cookies. Complement the experience with some booze, including Taittinger Brut ($40++), Bolla Prosecco ($30++), and two specially crafted cocktails: Midnight Muse ($30++) and Chimney Charmer ($30++).
The Yuletide Dreams afternoon tea is available in two seatings, 1pm to 3pm and 3.30pm, until Jan 4, 2024. It is priced at $58 per person, with a minimum booking of two persons. For reservations, call 6845 1119.
Ginger.Lily, Hilton Singapore Orchard
Yuletide magic beckons at Ginger.Lily as the lobby bar and lounge at Hilton presents a unique Nikkei-cuisine afternoon tea experience alongside seasonal festive cocktails. Drawing inspiration from Japanese and Peruvian influences, savouries include bite-sized nigiris torched at the tableside and juicy kurobuta pork sandos. Dessert lovers are in for a treat, with adorable creations in inventive flavours like Matcha & Sudachi Mousse, ‘Strawberry’ Miso Tart, and Mikan Cacao Pepper Choux, decked out in festive motifs such as polar bears and winter mittens.
These are paired with aromatic teas, including the December-exclusive blends of Fruity Summer and Tropical Dreams. Those who enjoy a tipple will want to try Ginger.Lily’s holiday cocktails – starting with the Botanical Trailed Mulled Wine, which blends upcycled fruits and herbs with wine reduction and honey distillate; followed by a refreshing 0°F (-18°C) Negroni, a frozen mix of Canaima Gin, Mancino Rosso, and Campari. No Christmas celebration would be complete without eggnog. Ginger.Lily delivers a comforting version of Clarified Eggnog with Plantation Rum Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple, milk, cream, and nutmeg.
The Festive Afternoon Tea is available until Dec 31. There are two sessions: 1pm to 3pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm. The tea is priced at $68++ per person, with a minimum booking of two persons, and an additional $20++ per person for a glass of Champagne or festive cocktail.
Lobby Bar, Sheraton Towers Singapore
Sheraton Towers Singapore in collaboration with luxury lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang presents “Oriental Soirée”— an oriental-themed afternoon tea inspired by Shanghai Tang’s iconic “Chinese Garden” home collection. The experience kicks off with a refreshing Lychee Oolong Mocktail, or Passionfruit Mint Cocktail; followed by a beautiful spread of sweets and savouries that fuses western pastry techniques and oriental flavours.
On the menu are items such as osmanthus black sesame macaron, jasmine mango pomelo tartlet, and duck rillette brioche with hoisin sauce. There are also two sublime handcrafted highlights from Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant: bird’s nest almond egg white tart and mini chilli lobster bolo bun. Each order of afternoon tea comes with a exclusive memento: limited edition Sheraton Towers Singapore x Shanghai Tang postcards and Shanghai Tang vouchers, while stocks last.
The Oriental Soirée Afternoon Tea is available daily at the Lobby Bar from 2pm to 5pm until Dec 31, priced at $88++ per person and $150++ per pair.
The Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Singapore
Shangri-La Singapore’s popular high tea venue, The Rose Veranda, has undergone an stunning transformation as part of its Enchanted Afternoon Tea experience. Aptly themed “Roses, Bubbles & Baubles”, interiors are decked out in innumerable baubles and sweet-smelling roses, inviting guests to bask in a warm, festive ambience whilst providing a dreamy backdrop for Instagram feeds.
Moreish morsels are beautifully presented on a Christmas Tree Afternoon Tea Stand, filled with savoury sandwiches such as bourbon maple glazed ham with red currant, truffle egg and parmesan puff, and roasted turkey ragout with wild morel. Sweet-toothed patrons will love traditional favourites like the chestnut mont blanc tart, forêt-noire (black forest), and citrus tea cake. Complement the experience with a selection of a la carte items such as prawn cocktail, caviar d’eden, and chocolate fondue. Festive beverages including hearty mulled wine, Christmas Colada, and Gingerbread Punch are also available as add-ons.
The Rose Veranda Enchanted Afternoon Tea is available until Jan 1, 2024, and priced at $64++ per person with a minimum booking of two persons per afternoon tea set.
Alley on 25, Andaz Singapore
Alley on 25 invites guests to feast on the Festive Tea-scape, an afternoon tea experience filled with sweets and savouries that feature familiar local flavours. Enjoy free flow coffee and TWG tea as you admire sweeping views of the Singapore skyline, before a specially handcrafted box – resembling a traditional Singapore shophouse – is served to the table. Inside are a variety of treats, including vegetable tikka turnover pie, Kulbarra barramundi papillote, and Alley on 25’s signature chicken rice arancini with homemade chilli sauce.
Conclude the experience with an array of themed desserts, such as sesame praline eclair, cashew nut and dulce de leche tart; whisky-perfumed English fruit cake; white forest verrine; and for a local twist, freshly baked egg waffle with pandan and horlicks cream. Aside from tea and coffee, guests can also opt for alcoholic beverages including wines from Australia and Chile, as well as Andaz Pilsner.
Festive Tea-scape is available from 3pm to 5pm until Dec 31, and priced at $42 per person.
Crossroads Bar, Paradox Singapore Merchant Court
Executive pastry chef Ben Soo brings you on a whimsical journey with this fantastical afternoon tea. Get ready for a heartwarming experience amidst the calming ambience of Crossroads Bar, as you savour a sublime pairing of sweet and savoury delights.
Indulge in a range of Yuletide confections, accompanied by a selection of TWG teas. The charming Gnomes and Fairies Afternoon Tea features an assortment of 13 enthralling treats including too-cute-to-eat Mont Blanc Christmas trees, Choco Mint gnomes and Pistachio Cranberry gift boxes. Other delights include Winter Truffle, Chicken Roulade, Atlantic Lobster, Beef Vol Au Vent, Cherry Gateau, Traditional Rum Mix Fruit Cake, Stollen, and Gingerbread Spices and Lemon Vanilla Scones.
Gnomes and Fairies Afternoon Tea is available from Nov 1 to Dec 31, 2023, and is priced at $88 (excluding GST and service charge) for two persons.
A version of this article first appeared in epicure.
