Why Weekday High Tea Is Singapore's Best-Kept Secret
Forget fighting weekend crowds for a table. Weekday high tea in Singapore is where the real magic happens — smaller queues, better service, and sometimes even lower prices. We've spent countless afternoons testing scones, sipping on free-flow champagne, and judging finger sandwiches across the island. From grand hotel lobbies to hidden neighbourhood cafes, these are the spots that earned a permanent place in our calendars. Whether you're plotting a luxurious catch-up with friends or simply need an excuse to dress up on a Tuesday, this list has you covered.
Hotel Buffet High Teas Worth Dressing Up For
If you want the full silver-tiered, white-glove experience, Singapore's luxury hotels deliver without question. The Landing Point at The Fullerton Bay Hotel offers one of the most photogenic spreads in town, with views of Marina Bay that make every pastry taste even better. Their rotating seasonal menus keep regulars coming back, and weekday pricing starts from around $58 per person. Another heavyweight is The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Singapore, where the classic three-tier afternoon tea set features delicate smoked salmon sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and a rotation of French-inspired petit fours that changes monthly.
The Landing Point at The Fullerton Bay Hotel
📍 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326
⏰ High tea daily 12pm-5pm
The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Singapore
📍 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
⏰ High tea daily 12pm-5pm
Over at Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore, the vibe skews cooler and more contemporary. Their high tea set leans into Asian-inspired flavours — think pandan chiffon, gula melaka tarts, and matcha opera cake — making it a refreshing alternative to the usual European-style spread. Weekday sets here start from around $55 per person, and the cocktail pairings are genuinely worth the upgrade.
Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore
📍 80 Bras Basah Road, Level 1, Singapore 189560
Cafe High Teas That Won't Break the Bank
Not every great high tea requires a hotel lobby. Tarte by Cheryl Koh on Shaw Centre's ground floor serves some of the most refined pastries on the island, crafted by the former Les Amis pastry chef. A pot of TWG tea paired with two or three of her signature tarts — the high tea experience distilled to its purest form — runs you around $30 to $40. Meanwhile, Common Man Coffee Roasters on Martin Road offers a more laid-back afternoon affair with excellent flat whites, house-baked scones, and a savoury menu that punches well above the typical cafe standard. Expect to spend around $20 to $35 per person here.
Tarte by Cheryl Koh
📍 1 Scotts Road, #01-11 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Common Man Coffee Roasters
📍 22 Martin Road, #01-00, Singapore 239058
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best splurge: The Landing Point at The Fullerton Bay Hotel — unbeatable views, impeccable service
- Best value: Common Man Coffee Roasters — quality pastries without the hotel markup
- Most unique flavours: Anti:dote at Fairmont — Southeast Asian twists on classic bites
- Best for pastry lovers: Tarte by Cheryl Koh — minimalist perfection from a master pâtissier
The Verdict
Singapore's weekday high tea scene is stacked with options for every budget and mood. Our advice? Book the hotel experiences for special occasions and keep the cafe spots in rotation for regular midweek treats. Either way, skip the weekends — Tuesday afternoon tea with an empty lounge and attentive service beats a packed Saturday sitting every single time. Start with Anti:dote if you want something different, or Tarte by Cheryl Koh if pastry perfection is your priority. Your afternoons will never be the same.
