If you thought high tea is only reserved for the Englishmen, think again! High tea is quickly becoming one of Singaporeans’ favourite pastimes, as it is a simple yet classy way to spend time with your loved ones.

If sweet and savoury bites - sometimes with a Singaporean twist - excite you, read on to discover five high tea places worth a visit.

Discover Local Favourites - National Kitchen by Violet Oon

Photo: Pixabay

National Kitchen by Violet Oon is housed in one of Singapore’s most majestic landmarks, the National Gallery. With the world’s largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art, the National Gallery is one of the go-to tourist attractions in Singapore, making the National Kitchen a convenient stop along the way.

Its menu presents some of Singaporeans’ favourite Nyonya and Peranakan food with charm typically found in western high tea. It is arguably a unique way to experience first-hand the concept of east-meets-west!

Some menu highlights include the Otak Crostini, spicy fish slices on bread used in Italian appetisers, and the Hae Bee Hiam Sandwich, finger sandwiches with dried shrimp floss. For an extra fee, you can also request for Laksa, spicy noodles in coconut and prawn broth.

National Kitchen by Violet Oon

St. Andrew’s Road #02–01, National Gallery Singapore

Available from 3 - 5pm daily

$56++ for 2 diners, additional $16++ for laksa

Dining in the Heart of Nature - Pollen

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Pollen is situated within the Flower Dome of Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s top tourist attractions. It is a another conveniently-located pitstop for tourists with limited time to explore the city.

Pollen’s menu offers a wide range of high tea favourites catered to every palette. Savoury treats include familiar items, such as chicken and mushroom tarts and smoked salmon with avocado, and twists such as the egg and watercress sandwich and beetroot hummus and squid ink crackers. For the sweets, customers will not be disappointed by the orange and white chocolate handmade scones, earl grey lemon cake and assorted macarons of the day.

The food comes accompanied with coffee and tea, but customers have the option of purchasing more drinks such as white peach bellini and prosecco. What better way to end the day than to enjoy a sip of prosecco in the heart of Singapore’s most majestic garden?

Pollen

18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-09, Singapore 018953

(found within the Flower Dome)

Available from 3 - 5pm daily except Tuesday

$38++ per person, with options for free flow coffee, tea and prosecco with additional charge

A Parisian Patisserie - Antoinette

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Antoinette has a divine ambience that would draw customers in with just a peek from outside.

If you have a sweet tooth, then you are in for a treat! Pick from a L’heaure du The (which literally translates to the time for tea) menu which includes savoury crepes and fresh pancakes.

For the chocolate lovers, they have the Nougatine, which contains nutella and salted caramel on nougatine ice cream. Dark chocolate lovers would enjoy the Chocolicieux, offering a double-dose of chocolate with its warm sauce and 66% dark chocolate ice cream. Otherwise, there’s always cakes, french toast and pancakes to choose from!

While the price is relatively steep, Antoinette makes up for it with its quality food and ambience. It is perfect for dates, especially if you would like to impress your loved one.

Antoinette

Address: 30 Penhas Road, Singapore 208188

Available from 3 - 5pm daily

Prices range from $18 - 25 per item

Something for the Family - Tiffany Cafe amd Restaurant

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Tiffany Cafe and Restaurant is a rare find for Muslim travellers. One of the few Halal-certified high tea options in Singapore, the cafe is both affordable and family-friendly. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Alvin Yeo, a respectable industry veteran with over 30 years of culinary expertise specialising in fusion cuisine.

Not only does the restaurant serve the usual fare found in high tea buffets - assorted mini sandwiches, tarts and tea - individuals who wish to get a taste of Singaporean cuisine can find dim sum such as bite-sized siew mai (small pork rolls topped with shrimp) and flavourful dumplings.

Tiffany Cafe and Restaurant is best suited for families and individuals seeking a fuss-free high-tea experience on a budget.

Tiffany Cafe and Restaurant, Furama City Centre

Address: 60 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059804

Available from 3 - 5pm on weekends

Prices range from $19.90++ per adult, and $12.90++ per child

A Touch of Nostalgia - Red Star Restaurant

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Travellers from the West who are seeking a different type of high tea might be interested in the Red Star Restaurant’s dim sum (an assortment of Chinese dishes) offering. The restaurant maintains its 1970s feel, with its wooden tables and cushioned metal chairs, and still serves dishes through the traditional dim sum cart.

While the Chefs for this restaurant are renowned for their creations in Cantonese Cuisine, prices have remained extremely affordable. Staples such as the xiao long bao (pork dumplings with soup within), liu sha bao (custard buns) and char siew bao (pork buns) go for $4 per basket. For something more filling, there’s also the traditional roast duck and century egg porridge, both of which are Cantonese favourites.

Red Star Restaurant

Address: Block 54 Chin Swee Road, #07-23, Singapore 160054
Available from Monday - Saturday, 8am - 3pm

Estimated cost per person ranges from $15 onwards