Ladies in elegant dresses and gentlemen in well-tailored suits. A silver-plated tea stand and high polished silverware. The clinking of champagne glasses and unparalleled skylines. There’s nothing better than being treated like royalty at these exquisite high teas across the world.
The Edge – Bali, Indonesia
At The Edge, high tea takes on a figurative – and literal – meaning. Perched on the peak of the Uluwatu clifftop, 500ft above the Indian Ocean, be guaranteed remarkable views of lush greenery and an emerald blue waterfront.
This cliff-front bar only opens its doors to in-house and high tea guests, giving all a private and exclusive dining experience. Tuck into delectable pastries such as choux buns, kirsch roulade, and raspberry truffles while cozying up to an inviting sea breeze.
With its stunning backdrop and intimate décor, The Edge is also an ideal location for celebrating special occasions, romantic dates, or a treat for oneself. Feeling parched? Select from an award-winning wine list or sip on an icy cocktail in tropical Bali.
1864, Singapore
At Sofitel City Centre Singapore’s 1864, its afternoon tea will make you yearn for more. Be welcomed by a four-tier stand of hand-crafted tapas, Valrhona chocolate ganache on brioche, mini croissant waffle with truffled camembert, and more delicate bite-sized delights.
Weaving traditional favourites with a modern twist, satisfy your savoury tooth with the famed Kueh Pie Tee with Crab Meat and Caviar Creme. Apart from a wide selection of coffee and tea, it’s never too early to start on a glass or two of Sofitel’s signature barrel-aged cocktails.
Fancy Tea at Lyaness – London, United Kingdom
Lyaness was voted one of the world’s 50 best bars in 2019 and it’s easy to see why. Guests will be treated to a dazzling assortment of classic English tea snacks such as sausage rolls, pineapple upside-down scones and paprika devilled eggs.
The cerulean blue velvet banquettes and brass tables instil joviality without compromising the opulent and luxurious look of Lyaness’s interior. Undoubtedly, magnificent views of the Thames river adds on to the extravagance of the setting.
Accompany the tasty bites with a pot of fine loose-leaf tea or allow the Lyaness team to shake things up with cocktails that are inspired by unique flavours and ingredients from around the world.
Want to keep it classy? The distinguished Laurent-Perrier champagne is on the menu.
THIRTY8 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Spend an unforgettable afternoon atop the 38th floor of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Petronas Towers and city. THIRTY8 is known for its spread of sweet treats such as the Berriolette Mousse, Yuzu and Bergamot Madeleines, and macarons. Try their “High on Sugar” buffet for an unlimited selection of desserts and pastries.
Executive Chef Rolf Knecht and his team focus on using chocolates from all around the world, including Belgium, Switzerland, and even locally-grown ones. Connoisseurs have agreed that THIRTY8 has some of the best cocoa-rich desserts in Kuala Lumpur, gifting chocolate-lovers a perfect treat.
Don’t have a sweet tooth? Guests can enjoy delicacies such as Dim Sum, Lamb Shepherd’s Pie, Steamed Sea Bass, and access to a noodle station.
Gunners Barracks Tea Room – Sydney, Australia
Nothing is ordinary at Gunners Barracks and its afternoon tea is no different. The team of highly-skilled chefs and patissiers bring molecular gastronomy to tiers of high tea petit-fours. Based in a heritage military barrack, this luxury tea room is a top-favourite amongst locals and tourists.
From fluffy scones with clotted cream and an assortment of savoury pastries, the high tea experience is an absolute glamorous affair. Select from 41 specialty teas, Asia’s largest selection of Ronnefeldt teas, and not forgetting the unobstructed view of Sydney Harbour and its waterfront.
Le Dali – Paris, France
Embark on an epicurean journey at Le Dali and experience the elegant art of high tea in the city of love. Established in 1815, Hotel Le Meurice, the home of Le Dali, has been visited by distinguished guests like Queen Elizabeth, Pablo Picasso, Elizabeth Taylor.
Le Dali was designed by the highly-respected interior designer Philippe Starck, who gained inspiration from the surrealist movement. Be sure to pair your afternoon tea with either one of its 16 teas and infusions sourced from the reputable French gourmet tea company, Mariage Frères.
The pastries here are beautifully crafted by executive pastry chef Cédric Grolet, who was named The World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2017. There’s the savoury Aubergine caviar Eclair topped with cabbage, the classic Sesame seed and Cranberry scones, and Chocolate tarts with Fleur de Sel.
Keen on expanding your culinary horizons? Venture to these five mouthwatering destinations.
