With rumblings of restaurants opening on Wednesday, we look at our spring issue's afternoon tea feature with renewed hope. As much as we love al fresco dining, we also enjoy spending a nice afternoon tea with friends. With many afternoon tea options available in the city, here are the ones that we find memorable and certainly worth going to. From savoury bites to sweet pick-me-ups, there is something unique and fun about experiencing the different afternoon teas throughout the city. Why don't you join us and sample around?
PuLi Hotel Afternoon Tea
If you are looking to enjoy the afternoon in a serene environment, then the afternoon tea at the PuLi Hotel will delight your tastebuds. Dining outdoors at the Garden Terrace will give you an exclusive relaxing space away from the bustling cityscape. Surrounded by bamboo shoots, you will feel as if you are in nature. The afternoon tea provides guests the environment to enjoy bite sized pieces of carefully prepared canapés served in an elegant wooden box that has hints of Chinese-inspired design.
Address: 1 Changde Road Tel: 3203 9999
Tiffany Blue Box Café
For all jewellery lovers or fans of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, you won’t encounter a glitzier afternoon tea than the one at Tiffany Blue Box Café. Located on the second floor of the Tiffany store at Hong Kong Plaza, you will walk by rows of famous Tiffany signature designs before you head up the stairs to where the café is. The afternoon tea is all in the iconic Tiffany blue from blue lamingtons to lollipops which are made with the famous little blue box design on the inside. A mix of sweet and savoury bites, you cannot miss out on the foie gras macaron or the pralines & ganache. If you are craving for an extra dash of blue, go ahead and order the Tiffany blue martini, made with gin and champagne it will give a little boost to your afternoon tea. Price is 688 RMB for two people. It is a great experience if you want to feel fancy.
Address: 2F, 283 Middle Huaihai Road Tel: 6360 0118
Amanyangyun Floating Afternoon Tea
A peaceful sanctuary on the outskirts of downtown Shanghai, Amanyangyun offers a glimpse of China’s past in a magnificent natural setting. Invite your loved ones to experience the exclusive floating afternoon tea on the tranquil lake amid the flourishing forest of camphor trees. Guests can savor the Chinese tea and their finest Chinese refreshments such as barbecued pork pastry, fried spring rolls with shrimp or pan-fried turnip cake while enjoying the afternoon with this picturesque scenery.
Address: 6161 Yuanjiang Road, Minhang District Tel: 8011 9999
Harrods Tea Room
If you are seeking a quintessential English afternoon tea experience, a trip to the newly opened Harrods Tea Room is a must. Located in the historic Cha house near Weihai Road of HKRI Taikoo Hui, you can get freshly baked scones, signature patisserie selection and savoury bites in their afternoon tea menu. Famous for its tea, you can select yours out of a menu that caters to your taste.
Address: 1F, Cha House, 420 Weihai Road
Tel: 6227 6857
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
A Steiff teddy bear named Charly and its friend Honey have travelled the mountains and seas from their hometown in Germany to arrive at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund for the first time. A three-meter-tall Steiff Charly bear and its iconic gold-plated “Button in Ear” now stands in the grand hall with a history of more than a century. While Honey is transforming into sweet and savoury bites to be a part of Waldorf Astoria’s classic red velvet afternoon tea.
Steiff bear afternoon tea is presented by Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund in collaboration with renowned German Toy Brand, Steiff. While enjoying the delicate and delicious treats, take a moment to slow down and feel the flow of time with melodious harp music, and let the hot cup of tea touch the gentle heart with spring breeze. Make reservations by calling the hotel or email shawa.fb@waldorfastoria.com.
Address: 68 Middle Sichuan Road Tel: 6322 9988
Highline
Highline afternoon tea is as fun as the dining experience itself. Located on the 6th floor of the Ascott hotel, their afternoon tea always changes with the festivals and seasons. Their Chinese New Year afternoon tea features elements that are unique to the festival, like a vanilla raspberry mousse disguised as a hongbao. Coming here with a friend, we had fun tasting all the festive decorations. The afternoon tea features some of the culinary genius that is part and parcel of Highline, such as their Wagyu burger. Starting from 298 RMB for two people, it is certainly worth coming with friends, especially with their welcoming outdoor terrace to soak in some springtime sun.
Address: 6F, 282 Middle Huaihai Road Tel: 6333 0176