Make a fruit tart at home
Fruit Tart with Custard Filling
A Singapore-style baked fruit tart with a crisp buttery pastry shell and silky custard filling, finished with glossy tro...
Luxury High Tea Experiences: Raffles, Fullerton, and More
A curated guide to luxury high tea in Singapore — from colonial elegance at Raffles to waterfront service at The Fullerton, with practical tips on what to order, when to go and how to reserve a table.
A luxury high tea is Singapore’s elegant way to pause the day — great for celebrations or a calm, indulgent break from the bustle.
Book early, ask about tea refills, and always save room for the scone.
Why luxury high tea matters in Singapore
High tea in Singapore is more than a snack — it’s a social ritual that blends colonial history, modern hospitality and the city-state’s love of good food. From weekday meet-ups with colleagues to weekend treat-yourself afternoons with friends, luxury hotels have turned afternoon tea into an occasion.
Whether you’re in Orchard for shopping, lingering in the CBD after a meeting, or exploring Marina Bay, a proper afternoon tea offers a restful, elegant pause. Expect tiered stands, freshly baked scones, savoury finger sandwiches and attentive service — usually priced from around SGD 45 to SGD 120 per person depending on venue and inclusions.
- Popular with both locals and tourists — book ahead on weekends
- Typical service: two to three courses with unlimited or refillable tea
- Price varies by hotel, tea selection and added champagne or cocktails
Raffles Hotel: colonial charm and historic service
Raffles is synonymous with colonial-era glamour in Singapore. The Long Bar and the hotel’s tea salons serve a very different high tea from a modern city hotel: think lofty ceilings, teak furnishings and an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
At Raffles you’ll find classic British influences — fresh scones, smoked salmon or cucumber sandwiches, and pastry selection — paired with impeccable service. It’s ideal for celebratory gatherings or when you want the full heritage experience near the Civic District and City Hall MRT.
- Reserve a veranda or window table for the best light
- Dress smart-casual — some areas enforce a conservative dress code
- Combine with a stroll around Fort Canning or the national monuments
The Fullerton: waterfront views and refined pastry work
Positioned by Marina Bay, The Fullerton’s tea service pairs waterfront vistas with refined patisserie. It’s a great option if you want photo-friendly settings and a short walk to the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands.
Menus here often lean into contemporary European pastry techniques alongside classic items. If you’re planning a tourist-friendly itinerary — gardens by the bay or a river cruise afterwards — The Fullerton makes a scenic afternoon stop.
- Ask for tea pairings or a tea sommelier’s recommendation
- Great for combining with Marina Bay sightseeing
- Look out for seasonal menus and themed tea services
Other notable hotel teas, what to order, and practical tips
Beyond Raffles and The Fullerton, several hotels across Orchard, Tanglin and Sentosa offer luxurious afternoon teas — think Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis, or Capella — each with a signature twist, from local-infused pastries to champagne add-ons.
When choosing what to order, go for a mix: a freshly baked scone (request warm), one or two savoury items to balance the sweets, and a signature dessert that showcases the pastry chef’s style. If you’re sharing, most sets are easy to split between two people.
Practical tips: book at least a few days ahead for weekend slots, mention dietary restrictions when reserving, request a quieter table if you prefer a relaxed conversation spot, and check whether tea refills are included so you aren’t surprised by the bill.
- Top picks to try: cream scones, smoked salmon blinis, matcha or floral petit fours
- Consider the tea selection — some hotels stock rare single-origin teas
- Pair with sparkling wine if you’re celebrating (extra charge)
