Afternoon Tea at The Raffles Singapore is an experience epitomising elegance and luxury. Nestled within the storied walls of this iconic hotel, the afternoon tea service transports guests to a bygone era.
Upon entering the Grand Lobby, where afternoon tea is served, one is struck by the grandeur of the surroundings. The high ceilings, a giant chandelier and a Harpist playing set a tone of sophisticated refinement.
The ambiance is a perfect blend of colonial charm and modern sophistication, providing a serene and timeless environment ideal for indulging in this classic ritual.
The Raffles Hotel, which opened in 1887 with just 10 rooms, quickly became the most fabled hotel in the Far East, hosting an array of illustrious guests such as Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, Queen Elizabeth II, Michael Jackson, and Karl Lagerfeld, to name but a few.
The Singapore Sling cocktail was famously created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon to allow ladies of the time to enjoy alcohol in public. This iconic cocktail is still available in the Long Bar.
In 1987 the Singapore government declared The Raffles Hotel a National Monument, and to celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2017, the hotel underwent a careful and sensitive restoration. The Presidential Suite and Grand Lobby featured in the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians. Following the extensive two-year renovation, the hotel reopened its doors in 2019.
We were warmly welcomed by the well-dressed staff, who were engaging and conversational upon our arrival.
The Classic Afternoon Tea menu is served on a three-tiered silver stand, offering a selection of five finger sandwiches, five sweets, and three scones.
The menu is refreshed once a year, with the current menu launching recently.
Five finger sandwiches were served, with the Mustard Mayo Chicken and Curry Bread with Crab Mayo being particular favourites.
The sweet tier, featuring an assortment of cakes and tarts, is as delightful to look at as it is to taste. From the delicate Black Sesame Rollcake to the Coconut Bergamot Cake, each bite is a testament to the talent of Executive Pastry Chef Tai Chien Lin.
Three types of scones are served: plain, sultana, and savoury. The savoury scones, topped with bacon and melted cheese were our favourite.
The Classic Afternoon Tea includes a choice of JING loose leaf teas or Raffles custom-blended coffee, with Champagne available as an addition.
View this post on Instagram
Afternoon Tea at The Raffles Singapore offers a chance to experience a renowned and historic hotel.
The dress code is casual chic, no slip-ons or thongs (flip-flops for the non-Australians) allowed.
Classic Afternoon Tea Menu:
Finger Sandwiches:
- White bread with Egg Mayo and Lettuce
- Multigrain bread with Mustard Mayo Chicken
- Whole bread with Tuna Mayo and Alfalfa Sprout
- Curry Bread with Crab Mayo
- Smoked Salmon Blinis and Quail Egg Mimosa
Sweet Selection by Executive Pastry Chef Tai Chien Lin:
- Garden Herb Chitose Tartlet
- Black Sesame Rollcake
- Cherry Pistachio Dacquoise
- Coconut Bergamot Cake
Homemade Scones:
- Original, raisin and savoury scones with clotted cream and rose petal jam.
Drinks:
- JING loose tea leaves or Raffles custom blended coffee beans.
- Champagne available at an additional cost.
High Tea Singapore – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 2 November 2014: High Tea at The Raffles Hotel Singapore
