High Tea Raffles Hotel Singapore

High Tea at Raffles Hotel has to be on a girls foodie bucket list. Raffles Hotel itself is exquisite with only glimpses of certain areas available to the general public. One such area is the Tiffin Room, where I enjoyed the tradition of High Tea in the most elegant of surroundings.

About Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel was opened in 1887, it quickly became a symbol of luxury, elegance, and hospitality in the region. It catered to affluent travelers and expatriates. The hotel reflects Singapore’s colonial heritage and the era of British influence in the region. Upon arrival you will immediately note the architecture is in contrast to the surrounding modern buildings, and fast past lifestyle. When you take a step inside, the sounds quiet and you are transported to a Singapore of the past.

The Tiffin Room

Like everything Raffles, The Tiffin Room is synonymous quality and elegance. High tea service combines the tradition of British afternoon tea while incorporating the local Asian flavors, ingredients and dishes. This culinary activity has earned a reputation as one of the “must-do” Singapore activities for locals and tourists alike. High Tea or Afternoon Tea at Raffles is a delicious way to experience history, elegance, and culinary joy in the most tranquil of environments.

The Tiffin Room itself was named after the British colonial-era tradition of “tiffin,” which referred to a light midday meal or lunch. It gets it’s name from a lunch box called a tiffin. Over the years, the Tiffin Room has evolved to offer various dining experiences, the most famous being the high tea service.

Origins of High Tea

Something I find fascinating is that high tea was not historically a wealthy, elegant affair. Traditionally it was the working class labourers of Britain who had high tea. This meal was served after the work day ended and contained tidbits of leftovers.

Afternoon tea was what the aristocrat enjoyed at a similar time of day. This also included small servings of food served with tea. Over time high tea evolved beyond its humble origins and became more closely associated with leisure and social gatherings, somewhat like afternoon tea. It is an opportunity to relax in an elegant setting, enjoying the company of a friend over delectable treats and fragrant tea.

Arriving at Raffles Hotel

On the day of my booking I arrived for high tea via a taxi. We were driven to the front entrance of the establishment where the concierge, door men and valets were eagerly waiting to be of assistance. I told my daughter Anais to go inside and sit on the lounge whilst I took some pictures of the building. Like a little princess she did exactly what she was told. I took my images and then went to join my daughter, and locate the Tiffin room, ready for High Tea.

The doorman who was so eagerly opening the door just five minutes earlier, quickly asked me what my business was with the hotel. I told him I was booked for High Tea in the Tiffin room. Whilst standing in front of the door he informed me that the hotel lobby is strictly off limits to members of the public, and that I could access the Tiffin room via the side of the building.

Stammering I informed him that my daughter was already in the lobby. I got “the look!”

I was permitted to retrieve my daughter. On the way out I thanked him and humbly went on my way.

I was just a tad meeker than I had been five minutes before. On the way to Tiffin room I noticed various signs directing members of the public to keep out! I should warn readers, there are areas of Raffles Hotel that are strictly off limits to the general public. The “Tiffin Room,” most of which have side doors so the elite never have to mix with the commoners.

Raffles Hotel is a very prestigious hotel.

Raffles High Tea Atmosphere

Once we were seated in the Tiffin Room napkins were placed in laps and tea orders taken. Anais had obviously been taking in her surroundings and her lobby visit.

She said thoughtfully, “Mum I think this is really royal!”

Wide eyed, she added. “I think this might even be for the Queen!”

The opulence and luxury of Raffles Hotel was obvious to even my little five year old traveller.

Looking around I understood what my daughter was assessing. Each dark wood table was covered in a crisp white linen tablecloths and heavy napkins. The bone china was ready for the pending tea. Each table housed oversized chairs laden with comfy cushions and covered in rich upholstery.

In the background a harpist played modern melodies such as Pink “Sometimes it Hurts” in a quietly soothing, relaxed manner. It all added to the ambiance of the room nicely.

Uniformed attendants quietly and efficiently swept around the room welcoming guests and attending to every need.

Our Raffle High Tea Menu

When we arrived the table was pre-laid with jam and clotted cream in readiness for the piping hot scones.

Almost as soon as we were seated the traditional three tier platter was placed on our table. The bottom tier included 5 variety of sandwiches including the tradition cucumber sandwich and an egg and mayonnaise, a more decadent smoked salmon sandwich, tuna and mayonnaise sandwich and a ham and cream cheese sandwich.

On the next tier we had the beginning of the sweets treats. A cute little orange glazed pound cake was the first to come under little Anais watchful eye, it was complete with a strip of candied orange peel. On this platter there was also a four layer slice which included a chocolate sponge cake at the base, a zingy lemon curd layer followed by a light caramel mousse with a Florentine crumb throughout and then finished with a sweet jelly layer.

The final tier was reserved for the most delicate and delectable morsels. Here we found a delicious mini Earl Grey Ganache tart with crunchy chocolate drop decorations and another delicious tart of creme patisserie decorated with a sweet strawberry. These were Anais favourite so I didn’t get to try the fruit tart.

A choice of scones were brought to our table. They were piping hot and ready to be smothered in jam and cream. I chose the sultana scone while Anais had a plain scone. The basket of warm scones made the rounds through out the afternoon.

High Tea Buffet

If these treat were not enough, we also had a buffet of other lovely tidbits available for selection. On the buffet I found more cakes slices and tarts. I also I counted five fruit platters, although I am not sure who would come to high tea and then waste precious tummy space on fruit.

My favourite was the steaming station which included vegetarian dumplings, Char Sui buns, seafood dumplings and Sui Mai (chicken dumplings) with a choice of soy sauce or various chilli sauces.

Upon seeing these delicious dumplings I again lamented that I am poor value when it comes to buffets and banquets. I love everything but I fill up at the mere sight of food!

Then I stumbled across the most delicious tart on the buffet. It was a mini Banoffee tart. It was my favourite sweet treat of the afternoon. The pastry was deliciously buttery and crisp and the caramel filling so creamy. The tart was the perfect size for a slice of banana to be added and then it was finished with a swirl of cream.

I thought Anais would enjoy the tart as much as I did so I placed two on my plate, one each… I ended up eating both, and then a third tart that she brought to the table and decided not to eat. It is tough being a mum!

Tea was topped up periodically, but eventually both little Anais and myself had enjoyed our Raffles High Tea and royal surrounding to our capacity.

High Tea Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed our Mother/ Daughter High Tea and I would recommend it to anyone. The service was impeccable with a suitable level of dignity to befit our surroundings. Whilst I have been to High Teas that have presented more intricate desserts or a larger menu I feel that this was perfect. Raffles has an authentic British High Tea feeling, with just a touch of Singapore for good measure. There is no more suitable venue to partake a High Tea than at the oldest restaurant in Singapore, The Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel.

High Tea at Raffles is currently only being offered periodically. The chefs at Raffles are also offering some new a decadent food experiences, some very similar to High Tea and all suitably opulent alternatives to consider as an alternative.

raffles Upcoming Foodie Events

In the grand Lobby

Chocolate Afternoon Tea

Exclusively from 5 February to 7 March 2024, partake in the exquisite Raffles Afternoon Tea, reimagined to showcase the captivating flavours of chocolate. Embark on a sensory journey as you savour a rich tapestry of chocolate. Indulge in a harmonious medley of innovative creations, each meticulously crafted by the skilful hands of Executive Pastry Chef Tai Chien Lin.

Design

Awarded the best Afternoon Tea.

Indulge in a timeless experience in the restored Grand Lobby of the iconic Raffles Singapore. The grandeur of floor-to-ceiling Victorian pillars, bathed in soft daylight streaming through the skylight… It is a truly refined and unique destination for refreshments.

Amidst this elegant setting, savour finger sandwiches, house-made scones and cakes, and seasonal delicacies – all complemented by a curated collection of exquisite teas and Champagnes.

Cost $88 ++

Bookings Available

In the tiffin room

North Indian Tiffin

The Tiffin Room has been a part of Raffles’ history since 1892. It continues to serve patrons for both lunch and dinner. The menu is North Indian cuisine and offers authentic specialties served in tiffin boxes. Waiters present the meal as an interactive dining experience. Chefs provide a table side service to guest complete with grinding spices freshly at the table, enhancing the occasion all the more.

Bookings Available

High Tea and Afternoon tea FAQ

Booking

To avoid disappointment it is essential to book your table. Below you will find contact details for Raffles Hotel should you be unable to book online.

1 Beach Road189673 , Singapore

Ph: 6337 1886

Email: [email protected]