Fancy a cup of tea? How about some dainty nibbles to go along with it? But do it in style, in luxury surrounds with string music, on outdoor terraces with dazzling skyline views or in a casual setting by the sea with the kids. We’ve been sipping some of the finest teas and indulging in scones with clotted cream to bring you our take of the best afternoon teas in the city. Some of these teatimes do have a dress code, but there’s no need to break out the white gloves or fancy hats – unless you really want to.
Urban Park
Butterfly afternoon tea set at Urban Park
This one gets our vote for best presentation. Sweets and savouries like butterfly cakes with lemon buttercream and petite prawn cocktails come to you in a sweet two-tiered birdcage adorned with flowers in Urban Park’s ‘Butterfly Blossom Afternoon Tea’ set. To top it all off, you get to take it all on their gorgeous outdoor terrace.
When: Daily from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $239 for two (Monday to Friday only at Central and TST branches); $289 for two (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays Central branch only); add $50 per person for a glass of sparkling wine
Where: 4/F, 20-22 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2751 1999, or
Where: 2/F, Shop 3-5, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central
Book: 3708 8083, or
Seasons by Olivier E.
Afternoon Tea Set at Seasons by Olivier E.
While afternoon tea is commonly associated with the British, Seasons takes you across the Channel to France with their Parisian-themed afternoon tea set. Sweets like Paris-Brest (choux pastry with a fluffy praline cream), madeleines and vanilla mille-feuille, along with savouries including croissant with ham and salmon ‘à la Parisienne’, are served in a special Seasons wooden box. Add on Champagne, cocktails/mocktails and Nespresso special ‘coffeetails’ for an extra charge if you want something stronger to go with your tea. Seasons have a charming outdoor terrace too.
When: Monday to Friday 3.00pm to 5.30pm; weekends and public holidays 3.30pm to 6.00pm
Cost: $248 for one; $468 for two; add $150 for a glass of NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne; add $58 for mocktail; add $68 for cocktail; add $18 for Nespresso ‘coffeetail’
Where: Shop 308, 3/F, Lee Gardens Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2505 6228 or info@seasonsbyolivier.com
FINDS
Nordic-style afternoon tea at FINDS
FINDS (Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden) holds claim to being the only Nordic restaurant in the entire Pearl River Delta region, and they like to indulge in a bit of afternoon tea too. Here it’s with a Scandinavian twist – think arctic shrimp with tarragon sauce, lingonberry and yoghurt mousse, and of course, cherry Danish – taken in an environment of sleek furniture and contemporary decor that our Northern friends are famous for.
When: Monday to Friday 3.00pm to 5.30pm; weekends 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $356 for two; add $40 for a glass of Luxe Manor sparkling wine or peach mimosa
Where: 1/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2522 9318 or reservations@finds.com.hk
The Lobby at The Peninsula
Classic afternoon tea in The Lobby at The Peninsula
Much like dim sum at Maxim’s City Hall, afternoon tea at The Peninsula is a long standing Hong Kong tradition. You don’t quite need to wear your Sunday best (dress code is smart casual), but the confines of The Lobby are truly elegant, with opulent ceilings and gilded columns surrounding you as The Lobby Strings play in the background. The food selection is classic British, with freshly-baked scones and Devonshire clotted cream, finger sandwiches and assorted savoury pastries. The Lobby is also a fantastic setting for brunch.
When: Daily from 2.00pm to 6.00pm (first-come, first-served basis)
Cost: $358 for one; $628 for two; add $190 for a glass of Deutz Peninsula Brut Champagne
Where: Ground Floor, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2696 6772 or diningphk@peninsula.com
Palm Court at The Langham
Afternoon tea at Palm Court at The Langham
The London location of The Langham is where it all started – it’s considered the birthplace of afternoon tea, celebrating the tradition since 1865. Palm Court carries on the custom in Hong Kong with the same fanfare courtesy of the bespoke ‘The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood’. Wedgwood speciality teas are presented in ‘Langham Rose’ Wedgwood teaware and paired with delicate pastries. For a little extra, upgrade to their deluxe version with a glass of Perrier-Jouët NV Brut Champagne plus milk chocolate cream with toasted almond and caramel sauce, all accompanied with a live harpist and pianist for a truly elegant and relaxing afternoon.
When: Monday to Friday 3.00pm to 5.30pm; weekends and public holidays 2.15pm to 4.15pm (first seating); 4.30pm to 6.30pm (second seating)
Cost: $348 for one; $598 for two; deluxe afternoon tea $528 for one; $858 for two
Where: 8 Peking Road, The Langham, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2132 7898 or tlhkg.palm.court@langhamhotels.com
Clipper Lounge at Mandarin Oriental
Afternoon tea at the Clipper Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental
A favourite with many a local, the Clipper Lounge delivers a beautiful afternoon tea experience complete with their famous rose petal jam. Spread it on soft plain or raisin scones with the customary clotted cream, and then move on to the many little sandwiches and cakes offered. Their seasonal themed teas are also a delight, celebrating Christmas, New Year’s and Easter.
When: Monday to Friday 2.30pm to 6.00pm; Saturday and public holidays 2.00pm to 4.00pm (first seating); 4.15pm to 6.00pm (second seating); Sunday 3.30pm to 6.00pm
Cost: $318 for one; $558 for two
Where: 5 Connaught Road, Mandarin Oriental, Central
Book: 2825 4007 or mohkg-clipperlounge@mohg.com
Café 103 at The Ritz-Carlton
Cafe 103 at The Ritz Carlton
This is where you take your mum to impress her – unless she’s afraid of heights. If that’s the case, sit away from the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views from the 103rd floor. Mind you, you’ll both be focused on the exquisite treats served on a wooden mini bookshelf of sorts at Café 103’s well-known chocolate-themed afternoon tea. Look out for their seasonal tea menus, too.
When: Daily from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $398 per person
Where: 103/F, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West
Book: 2263 2270 or restaurantreservation.hk@ritzcarlton.com
Nobu at InterContinental
Afternoon tea at Nobu
Umami and a different kind of sweet are on the menu at Nobu’s Japanese afternoon tea. Their ‘Simply T-Set’ comes with a choice of Rishouen teas from Japan, coffee or matcha drinks, while the ‘Fizzy T-Set’ comes with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne. Umami bites like fish and ebi dumpling are countered with the sweeter Fuji apple rosette, plus many more presented in stylish wooden boxes and trays.
When: Weekends from 2.30pm to 5.00pm
Cost: $328 for one; $528 for two; $508 for one with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne; $868 for two with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne
Where: 2/F, 18 Salisbury Road, InterContinental, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2313 2323 or nobuhongkong@interconti.com
The Envoy at The Pottinger
Afternoon tea at The Envoy
The Envoy take tea seriously, using it in many of their wonderful cocktails, so it’s no surprise they would have a rich selection at tea time. Flavours like rose and French vanilla, blueberry and pomegranate, and good old Earl Grey from the Dilmah range go nicely with items from either the ‘Colonial Three-Tier’ set (Chinese deviled egg, pandan kaya mascarpone Victoria sponge, avocado and prawn croissant) or the smaller ‘Get On Board’ set. For a little bit more, the Teamaker’s Private Reserve teas provide a more exotic range including gunpowder green tea or Ceylon artisanal spice chai.
When: Daily from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $158 per person for ‘Get On Board’ set; $398 per person for ‘Colonial Three-Tier’ set (weekends and public holidays only); add $28 for premium teas; add $38 for special iced tea; add $58 for Dilmah T-Series teas; add $78 for Teamaker’s Private Reserve teas
Where: 3/F, The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Book: 2169 3311 or
Café Gray Deluxe at The Upper House
Café Gray Deluxe’s afternoon tea
Another one on the list for sipping tea high above the city, Café Gray Deluxe’s afternoon tea provides lovely Victoria Harbour scenery as the backdrop. You will not leave hungry as their sweets and savouries are among the bigger we’ve seen, but still small enough for dainty nibbling. The velvety blackberry-yoghurt macarons are divine.
When: Daily from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $250 for one; $425 for two; add $150 for mini Champagne Lanson Brut or rosé
Where: 49/F, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway
Book: 3968 1106 or info@cafegrayhk.com
Above & Beyond at Hotel Icon
Afternoon tea at Above & Beyond
Afternoon tea, Cantonese style with a glorious view of Victoria Harbour to boot. With a ‘sometimes salty’ and ‘a little bit sweet’ menu to tempt you consisting of assorted Chinese dim sum and colourful tarts, this tea set is a nice alternative to conventional scones and clotted cream. Opt for a glass of bubbles for an additional cost, or stick with the refreshing oolong and green teas included in the set.
When: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 3.15pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $438 for two; add $78 for a glass of Rémi-Amélie Brut NV Champagne
Where: 28/F, Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon
Book: 3400 1318 or aboveandbeyond@hotel-icon.com
The Lounge at Four Seasons
Afternoon tea in The Lounge at The Four Seasons
A spacious, chic setting, comfortable seating and fine attention to detail make The Lounge’s afternoon tea one of our favourites, not to mention the traditional fare of cucumber sandwiches, scones with delicious homemade jams and an invigorating array of green, black and herbal loose leaf teas. Throw in a glass of Champagne and we’ll be sitting here for hours.
When: Daily from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $275 for one; $525 for two (weekdays); $295 for one; $570 for two (weekends); add $180 for a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne; add $75 for select loose leaf teas
Where: Lobby level, Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance Street, Central
Book: 3196 8820 or thelounge.hkg@fourseasons.com
SEVVA
afternoon tea at SEVVA
Definitely one of the higher-priced ones, but ooh is it decadent. Your sugar cravings will be fulfilled with delectable double chocolate-dipped strawberries with candy sprinkles and lollipop rainbow cake, while toasted crumpet with smoked salmon and chive cream cheese, or foie gras mousse and onion marmalade on a waffle with satisfy your savoury side. There are more delicacies to spoil you displayed on charming three-tiered stands, offered indoors in their stylish surroundings or on the rooftop deck for some fabulous views of the skyline.
When: Monday to Friday 2.30pm to 5.00pm; Saturday 3.00pm to 5.30pm; closed Sunday
Cost: $720 for two
Where: 25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central
Book: 2537 1388 (info only – no reservations)
Lion Rock at Royal Plaza Hotel
Lion Rock
We like to pop in here for a laid back afternoon tea after a jaunt to the nearby flower market. It’s not one of the fancier ones, so no need to worry about the dress code, and the food selection is decent, with ‘chef’s recommendation’ items like black truffle and lobster vol au vents, and light strawberry mousse. Get a table by the window for a view of its namesake attraction, the mighty Lion Rock.
When: Daily from 3.00pm to 6.00pm
Cost: $238 for one; $428 for two
Where: 3/F, Royal Plaza Hotel, 193 Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon
Book: 2622 6167 or inquiry@royalplaza.com.hk
The Parlour at Hullett House
afternoon tea at The Parlour at Hullett House
Come here on a nice day so you can enjoy your tea on the outdoor balcony seated in Chinoiserie-inspired chairs overlooking the historic Time Ball Tower. Choose from the standard ‘Hullett House Afternoon Tea’ for the usual scones and finger sandwiches, or sample the ‘Old Hong Kong Afternoon Tea’ for a local spin on the English institution, featuring Chinese crispy walnut cookies and sticky rice dumplings served with silky milk tea. The Parlour is also a lovely spot for brunch.
When: Monday to Friday from 2.30pm to 6:00pm; weekends and public holidays 3.00pm to 6.00pm
Cost: $418 for two (either set)
Where: Garden Level, Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 3988 0101 or theparlour@hulletthouse.com
The Verandah at The Repulse Bay
The Verandah at The Repulse Bay
Step back into colonial-era Hong Kong with the afternoon tea setting at The Verandah, complete with ornate ceilings and bay windows that bring in lots of natural light. While the scones and sandwiches are average, the sea views are marvellous, and the Repulse Bay location makes it feel like you’re on a mini holiday.
When: Wednesday to Saturday 3.00pm to 5.30pm; Sunday and public holidays 3.30pm to 5.30pm; closed Monday and Tuesday
Cost: $288 for two weekdays; $308 for two weekends and public holidays
Where: 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay
Book: 2292 2822 or verandah@therepulsebay.com
Tiffin at Grand Hyatt
Afternoon Tea set at Tiffin
Our eyes popped when the food arrived, not so much because of the look of the savouries and desserts, but how they came – on a luxurious five-tiered silver stand. Tea is served in equally attractive silver pots with vintage-looking tea cups and saucers in gold and white. Thankfully the goodies are as good as the plates they come served on, and there’s 14 different Ronnefeldt teas to savour. Oh, and there’s unlimited homemade ice cream and sherbet from the ice cream station to be enjoyed as you gaze at the Central skyline.
When: Daily from 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Cost: $298 for one (Monday to Friday); $328 for one (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays)
Where: Mezzanine, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
Book: 2588 1234, or
Mango Tree
Mango Tree’s afternoon tea set
Not your average afternoon tea, with a choice of different sets depending on location, Mango Tree infuses Thai flavours like lemongrass, coconut and unsurprisingly, mangoes, into their tea experience. The Elements-based restaurant in Kowloon has a mix of savoury seafood (spicy scallops with Thai herbs) and sweet desserts (pumpkin pudding) while across the water at the Cubus in Causeway Bay there’s green mango salad and Thai pandan layer cake to dig into. Refreshments include juice of the watermelon and lychee variety, and soothing Thai teas.
When: Daily from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $298 for two (Causeway Bay); $398 for two (Kowloon)
Where: 5/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay
Book: 2577 0828, or
Where: Shop 2032, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Book: 2668 4884 (Kowloon), or enquiry@mangotree.com.hk
Café bord de Mer & Lounge at Auberge Discovery Bay
Afternoon tea at The Auberge, Discovery Bay
A good option for Discovery Bay locals and especially those with children, as the outdoor terrace provides a big, quiet space for the little ones to run around while you sit back with your warm cuppa. The offerings of scones with jam and savouries aren’t too exciting, but the panoramic views over the South China Sea and spacious setting will draw you in.
When: Daily from 3.00pm to 5.00pm
Cost: $268 for two
Where: 88 Siena Avenue, Auberge Discovery Bay, Discovery Bay
Book: 2295 8288 or enquiry@aubergediscoverybay.com
Feast at EAST
Afternoon tea at FEAST
Casual and affordable, it’s not often that afternoon tea comes with a semi-buffet spread. Feast (food by EAST, get it?) makes sure you leave stuffed with an assortment of open-faced sandwiches, cakes, crepes and desserts. Afterwards, pop up to their rooftop deck at Sugar for a prime lookout point of the city.
When: Weekends and public holidays 3.00pm to 5.30pm
Cost: $238 for one
Where: 29 Taikoo Shing Road, EAST hotel, Taikoo Shing
Book: 3968 3777 or feastreservations@east-hongkong.com
Please note – many of these venues update their afternoon tea offerings regularly to feature seasonal specials or special promotions in conjunction with other brands, so check their websites or give them a call to get the latest menu.
Another Hong Kong tradition – brunch! Check out our pick of Hong Kong’s best free flow brunches here.