The Lounge & Bar at The Ritz Carlton
Trust the Ritz to curate a remarkable afternoon tea. Getting into the Christmas spirit this December, the Ritz Carlton is honouring their long-standing partnership with German toy manufacturer Steiff. The Steiff Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea boasts a substantial menu of both sweet and savoury bites. Arriving in a gingerbread man-shaped display, the shelves are lined with the likes of a crab meat with artichoke and arugula dip mini sandwich, a mouthwatering cinnamon apple and Speculoos tart, and a praline chocolate German cream puff. Those looking to take this time to wind down and raise a glass to their eventful year can also opt for a seasonal cocktail to conclude the meal.
Price: HK$498 for one, HK$858 for two
When: Until 2 January 2023 except 24 & 25 December, Monday to Thursday 3-6pm, Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays 2pm-6.30pm
Sheraton Tung Chung
Tung Chung’s Sheraton hotel hosts a casual afternoon tea dining experience at their Lobby Lounge. Routinely switching it up to keep up with the change in seasons and introduce exclusive collaborations (re: Venchi and homegrown jam brand Jade’s Palette), they’re now offering a festive afternoon tea set throughout the month of December. Warm up to the Yuletide season with themed desserts like the snowflake-topped cassis and earl grey mousse and santa-themed strawberry compote and lemon cheesecake. Savoury selects include a mini ham quiche glazed with marmalade and a brioche topped with a foie gras torchon and pickled winter vegetables. It wouldn’t be an afternoon tea without some scones, so indulge in the Sheraton’s handmade traditional iterations with artisanal jam and clotted cream of course. As per usual, the afternoon tea set comes with your choice of coffee or tea, though some may want to live it up with a glass of champagne at an additional cost.
Price: HK$330.60 for two
When: Daily until 31 December (except 24th and 25th), 2.30-4.30pm
Island Shangri-La
This winter, the Island Shangri-La hotel has teamed up with luxury watch and jewellery manufacturer Chopard to transport their guests to the snowy altitudes of the Swiss Alps. Emanating a cosy glow from one side of the hotel’s Lobby Lounge, is a row of charming Swiss chalets boasting festive Christmas decor and cushy interiors, which guests can book to enjoy the lounge’s festive afternoon tea set. Featuring a balanced menu of both sweet and savoury choices, standouts include a glossy sacher cake dressed up with chocolate antlers and a Rudolf nose, lobster sandwiches and foie gras terrine atop a slice of brioche.
Price: HK$888 for two, HK$950 for two in a Swiss Chalet
When: Until 20 January 2023 from Monday to Friday, 3-6pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 2-6pm
Four Seasons Hotel
Offering the chance for more daytime festivities this winter season is the Four Seasons hotel. Throughout the month of December, The Lounge at Four Seasons has curated a Christmas afternoon tea set featuring a collection of both savoury and sweet treats, as well as their irresistible signature scones served with a homemade jam and devonshire cream. Festive flavours and iconography are incorporated into various dishes in The Lounge’s afternoon tea; for instance the snowman macaron uses mulled berries while the crispy serrano ham chips tartlet features a gingerbread spice pumpkin base. One of pioneers of the concept in Hong Kong, the Four Seasons hotel also offers takeaway for the entire Christmas afternoon tea set for two on their online shop, making them wonderful presents for any foodie.
Price: HK$485 per person, HK$778 for two
When: Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays), 2.30-6pm
Popinjays at The Murray
The luxury 5-star hotel The Murray is home to upscale penthouse terrace restaurant and bar, Popinjays. Blessed with a breezy location and sweeping views of the Central skyline, the high tea experience here hosts an atmosphere as delightful as the food. In light of Yuletide festivities, the restaurant has added some festive flair to its afternoon tea, which comes in the form of a lavish buffet. A few standouts from the extensive menu include a rich Bailey’s chocolate cake, a Christmas classic yule log cake, a flavourful cheddar with caramelised red onion quiche, and a shredded brussel sprout salad topped with chestnuts and pancetta for good measure. Furthermore, Popinjay’s extends their afternoon tea generosity to its beverages, where a wide variety of coffees and teas are available, along with the opportunity to blend your own cuppa with a selection of OrTea? Tea leaves and other condiments.
Price: HK$428 per person, HK$220 for children ages 5 to 11 years old
When: Monday to Friday 3-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 3.30-5.30pm
Salisterra
Channelling the family spirit this Christmas is The Upper House’s Sailsterra, who have called on the mother-and-son duo of Hong Kong based bakery Baking Maniac for their festive afternoon tea. Baking Maniac’s exclusive candy cane flavoured cake pops and thick-cut s’mores feature alongside Salisterra’s lineup of festive offerings, including a chocolate and caramel mousse reindeer, a chestnut mont blanc, as well as a cinnamon and vanilla eggnog to keep you warm and cosy. The festive afternoon tea also satisfies savoury cravings with a sausage roll and various finger sandwiches, the seasonal highlight of which is a turkey, stuffing, cranberry and sweet corn rendition.
Price: HK$350 for one, $650 for two
When: Daily until 31 December, 3-5pm
Bifteck
In celebration of their one year anniversary, Bifteck has launched their very own afternoon tea set. The French-Japanese steakhouse is helmed by industry veteran chef Ken Kwok formerly of VEA and Beefbar to name just a few. Known for their unconventional take on the typically American-style steakhouse, Bifteck spotlights snow-aged A5 wagyu beef and fuses French cooking techniques with Japanese flavours for unique dishes like the grilled seaweed brioche with short ribs and uni. Now they’re bringing this culinary flair to afternoon tea, reinventing the concept entirely. Forget the one-bite sandwiches and parfait cups, the Bifteck Joie de Vivre weekend afternoon tea set offerings include crunchy mini wagyu tacos, cheese and sakura shrimp scones, a tofu panna cotta topped with ikura and crispy mentaiko and burrata shiso tempura.
Price: HK$398 for two
When: Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 3.30-5.30pm
CRUST Italian
Chef Sergio Landi’s CRUST Italian creations are love letters to the flavours of his native cuisine. Marrying the culinary essence of Neapolitan and Amalfitani food, CRUST delivers a coastal afternoon tea reminiscent of Italian summertime. The baby blue coral-shaped display includes a trio of finger sandwiches, mini Neapolitan pizzas and a cone of fried Amalfitani baby sardines dressed with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Not without a selection of sweet treats, the afternoon tea set also offers various desserts like a classic tiramisu, a lemon chantilly profiterol and your choice of a Neapolitan signature dessert from CRUST’s Pasticceria counter. Besides the expected offerings of tea and coffee, the Summer Coral Afternoon Tea set consists of an extensive drinks menu of refillable soft drinks and fresh juices, cocktails, mocktails, and the option of free-flowing wine.
Price: HK$258 per person, HK$488 for two
When: Daily, 3-5pm
The Optimist
At Pirata Group’s chic three-storey Northern Spanish restaurant The Optimist, deep turquoise walls, plush leather seats and wooden lattice screens set the scene for a unique take on afternoon tea. Their menu is divided into three main sections: savoury, crispy and sweet. Choice picks from each include Galician octopus with potatoes and olive oil on toast, crunchy croquetas filled with truffle or Iberico ham bechamel, and traditional churros served with a side of chocolate sauce. Fans of oysters can add a platter of fine de claire paired with lime caviar at an additional cost. Special cocktails and champagne can also be added onto the afternoon tea menu, though patrons are guaranteed as many refills of tea, coffee or fruit juices as they might require.
Price: HK$198 per person
When: Daily, 3-5pm
The Drawing Room
The St. Regis Afternoon tea was created as a tribute to founder Jacob Astor’s mother, Caroline. Available at every St. Regis around the world, the covetable tea set is a signature ritual of the establishment, with The St. Regis Hong Kong adapted to a Hong Kong audience with dim-sum inspired, three-sequence servings. Savoury delights from the trolley are followed by homemade scones with bespoke jams, before the meal is rounded off with a selection of sweet treats. The Drawing Room afternoon tea boasts an ever-changing menu that spotlights seasonal ingredients. For Christmastime, festive delicacies include a mini yule log cake enclosed in chocolate shavings, and a Rudolf-inspired dessert.
Price: HK$478 per person
When: Monday to Friday 2.30-5.30pm, Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays 2-5.30pm
HUE Dining
This stylish modern Australian restaurant located at the Hong Kong Museum of Art enjoys floor-to-ceiling views of the city’s iconic skyline. Using high quality and seasonal ingredients, Hue offers an elevated take on the traditional British afternoon tea. Savoury bite-sized treats include a gruyere custard puff, furikake wagyu beef skewers, and mushroom croquettes with truffle mayonnaise. Scones are served with an orange and thyme marmalade and spiced pumpkin rhubarb jam and classic clotted cream, while a selection of sweets — cherry truffled lamingtons and mini pavlovas with lemon balm and verbena — finishes the afternoon tea off perfectly. Now that Christmas is upon us, Hue has taken it upon themselves to get festive with added details like strawberries transformed into miniature Santa hat embellishments. Wash everything down with an artisanal fruit tea blend or a curated mocktail such as the Fig Me Up, comprising burnt fig, lychee and apple.
Price: HK$680 for two
When: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 3:30-5:30pm
Fortnum and Mason
British-import Fortnum and Mason has a centuries-long history of serving afternoon tea. In Hong Kong it can be found at 181, the restaurant named after the address of the London store at 181 Piccadilly. Interiors lean into its Victorian heritage with floral wallpaper, elaborate lamp shades and an impressive hand-painted mural on the staircase leading up to the restaurant. Large windows overlook the Hong Kong skyline, and a row of burnt orange booths beside them provide the perfect place to spend a long afternoon. Sip on the brand’s famous rare tea blends that span from the smoky to the light and floral, and enjoy a selection of moreish finger sandwiches, scones that come with thick clotted cream and homemade jam and some Christmas-themed delights for the festive season.
Price: $588 per person
When: Daily, 2-6pm
The Butterfly Room
Artful interiors set the stage for a memorable afternoon tea at the Rosewood’s Butterfly Room. Styled after some of Europe’s most exquisite tea rooms in interior designer Tony Chi’s eclectic style, the Butterfly Room has now launched its festive afternoon tea. Indulge in their savoury bites and finger sandwiches, fluffy homemade scones, and irresistible pastries, all transformed into festive iconography for ultimate holiday cheer. Think chocolate reindeer antlers, tiny frosted Christmas trees and a dessert made to look like Santa’s costumed belly.
Price: HK$738 per person with a Perrier-Jouët champagne, HK$848 per person with a Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
When: Daily, 12–6pm
Sevva
Witness one of the best 360-degree views of the bustling Hong Kong Central business district as you munch on Sevva’s afternoon tea delights. Occupying the penthouse of Prince’s Building, Sevva is a luxury fusion restaurant founded by none other than Bonnae Gokson, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent women in the fashion and food and beverage industries. A popular choice amongst the city’s lavish crowd, Sevva’s signature afternoon tea is a mainstay at the restaurant. Some of the delectable bites included in the newly refreshed menu are the restaurant’s beloved caramel crunch cake, a mini cup of caviar and truffle angel hair pasta, and the wagyu beef short rib burger, a survivor of the revamped lineup. Round off the meal with a stroll through Sevva’s wrap-around outdoor terrace, and snap some pictures with the neighbourhood’s most coveted view.
Price: HK$1,288 for two
When: Monday to Friday 2:30-5pm, Saturday 3-5:30pm
Editor
Vogue Hong KongCredit
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