Like many out there, I am guilty of spending my afternoons as a kid “drinking tea” with my Barbie dolls. Yet, growing up made me realise how high tea sessions are so out of my reach, simply because they are too atas and expensive. That is, until my best friend recommended Chilli Padi Tok Panjang, which offers an affordable Peranakan high tea buffet. Since then, I’ve sifted out more high tea buffets that can fulfil my inner tai tai and yours too. Here are 10 high tea buffets in Singapore that you should try if you’re looking to pamper yourself.
Chilli Padi Tok Panjang—a Peranakan restaurant tucked away in NUS—offers a range of traditional Peranakan dishes that reminded my mama of her younger days back in Melaka. Go for their Weekend High Tea Buffet, priced at just $22.80++ per person! Many have sung praises about their laksa and kong ba pao—a steamed leaf-shaped bun sandwiching together a slice of juicy braised pork and lettuce. Besides the savoury treats and variety of kueh available, you can also round your meal up with a bowl of Chilled Soya Beancurd.
Check out our full Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe review.
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Chilli Padi Tok Panjang is not a halal-certified eatery.
The gu zao (old-school) feels of this place will transport you back to 1980s China. Sip on some Chinese tea from a bone china cup, while indulging in Lao Beijing’s High Tea Buffet ($21.80++). Bring your grandparents here to talk about the good ol’ times and help yourself to five different kinds of noodles and an array of appetisers in addition to the dim sum ready to fill your stomach. Check out more dim sum buffets to visit!
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Lao Bei Jing is not a halal-certified eatery.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Singapore River lies Tiffany Cafe & Restaurant. Their Weekend Hi-Tea Buffet ($30++) may have a spread of English and Asian cuisines, but what draws returning customers is their Durian Pengat—a creamy, fragrant durian bomb that explodes with rich flavours in your mouth. If you don’t eat durian, don’t fret as they have a range of other desserts available as well.
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Tiffany Cafe & Restaurant is not a halal-certified restaurant but serves no pork or lard.
Located within Chinatown, Yum Cha offers a whole range of Cantonese dim sum for you to feast on. Their Weekday High Tea Buffet ($32.80++) will spoil you with their menu of over 60 dishes, including crowd-favourites such as XLB, siew mai, and liu sha bao!
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Yum Cha is not a halal-certified eatery.
Swatow prides itself on serving good quality dim sum and Teochew dishes. Drop by for their High-Tea Dim Sum Buffet ($30.80++). Be attentive to the bell that indicates their pushcarts coming out, otherwise, all the goodies will get snatched by other diners! Do note that this high tea buffet is exclusively available at their Toa Payoh outlet.
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Swatow is not a halal-certified eatery.
A scrumptious affair, Carousel’s High Tea Buffet ($58++ per person) offers an array of fresh seafood, Western fare, and some classic hawker dishes. After indulging in their fresh salmon and tuna sashimi, wrap the meal up with their wide selection of desserts, such as Bread and Butter Pudding With Vanilla Sauce, and Shaved Ice Kachang.
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Carousel is a halal-certified eatery.
For a local experience like no other, enjoy a hearty Singapore High Tea Set at National Kitchen by Violet Oon boasting your usual high tea with a Peranakan twist in the iconic National Gallery. Priced at $66++, the high tea set here serves two diners with a huge range of sweet and savoury treats: Chilli Crab in Crispy Shell on the savoury front and Coconut Pannacotta for a sweet treat are just some examples. End your high tea with their Rum Balls, which is essentially a rice chocolate fudgy truffle-like treat infused with rum.
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National Kitchen by Violet Oon is not a halal-certified eatery.
High tea at L’ Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel is an elegant affair. Here, you’ll be pampered with a pool view and a collection of desserts including a chocolate fountain. Release your inner tai tai and goy for this English Afternoon Tea Buffet (from $65++ per person) to show yourself some love. Expect local dishes such as laksa and Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, a carving station with Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin, a selection of steamed dim sum, open-faced sandwiches and more!
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L’Espresso at Goodwood Park Hotel is not a halal-certified eatery.
Located at Conrad Singapore Orchard is Tea Lounge, known for their delectable Weekend High Tea buffet priced at $72++ per person—this will get you a variety of English and locally inspired treats, along with your choice of tea or coffee. For a more atas experience, consider topping up $50++ for free-flow Prosecco.
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Tea Lounge is not a halal-certified eatery.
Priced at $65++ per person, The Journey Afternoon Tea offers a five-tier Asian-inspired menu presented in a ceramic tiffin, accompanied by a flute of champagne or prosecco, or a jug of tea. While diners only get one serving of savouries per person, you can enjoy unlimited desserts from The Patisserie, featuring assorted scones, sandwiches, chocolate pralines, cookies, and ice cream.
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The Colony is not a halal-certified eatery.
Make your childhood dream of being a tai tai come true for a few hours at these high tea buffets. If buffets aren’t for you, here are some affordable high tea sessions to check out instead. Otherwise, read our guide to the best buffets in Singapore.
Feature image adapted from Royal Palm Meat & Dine, RegentTeaLounge, @royalplazasingaporehotel, @wen.jiak.where and Colony
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