Few things make us feel as fancy as high tea does—especially in Manila. Instead of quick chats over a cup of coffee, spill the tea with your girlfriends instead
In a place where coffee shops thrive better than any drink, finding a fancy atmospheric nook in Manila to sip on some Earl Grey while savoring scones and pastries requires some research. But the city does have some fine destinations where the English tradition of high tea is alive and well—from posh and cozy booths in a tucked-away tea salone to a lavish table in a fancy hotel. High tea is a time for conversation, and its serene atmosphere, gorgeous teapots, and dainty and delicious sweets will get you and your friends to talk and spill the tea.
RELATED: Here’s How to Get Quality Coffee That Won’t Break the Bank
The Lobby, The Peninsula Manila
One to take tea seriously is The Lobby in the Peninsula Manila. The luxury of their tea o’clock service has been around since the hotel first opened its doors. An enduring guest favorite, select from a variety of delectable pastries, quiches, scones, and tea sandwiches to go with your premium tea. Despite the sophistication of The Lobby, it emanates coziness and familiarity, making it a popular destination for get-togethers and catch-up sessions between friends.
Singapore Airlines Café at The Writers Bar
The newly launched Singapore Airlines Café is sure to hit all the cozy notes; their high tea service is curated to be a unique and travel-inspired experience. Take a sip, pinkies up, of the Sky Blossom Tea, a brew meticulously blended from frangipani and ginger, sweetened by honeyed notes of red berries.
But to complement your cup, the tea service includes delectable treats that turn your afternoon into a trip around the world. No matter where you’re from or going, everyone loves to eat, too—this is Singapore Airlines’ agenda for its collaboration with luxury hotel Raffles Manila and Mastercard. Visit various destinations through global flavors such as Singapore’s spicy roasted duck salad with homemade sambal sauce, Brussels’ Belgian hazelnut praline crunch, Australia’s cheesy vegemite sausage roll, Manhattan-style blueberry cream cheese scones, and Paris’ citron macarons. It’s a world-class travel experience, and perfect for the adventurous and adventurous at heart.
Bernd Schneider, general manager of Raffles and Fairmont Makati, said, “Each bite of this meticulously curated teatime set unfolds a narrative inspired by the rich tapestry of global flavors. Raffles Makati is thrilled to collaborate with a world-class brand like Singapore Airlines, creating a unique experience that celebrates culinary artistry and captures the spirit of exploration and adventure.”
Enjoy the tea room with a contemporary twist where global flavors and whimsically decorated treats look almost too good to eat.
High Street Lounge, Shangri-La, The Fort
It’s high time for high tea in High Street Lounge. Your tea time becomes an elaborate affair in the fancy hotel, where the English custom of taking a midday pause to refuel with freshly brewed tea vibrant in this spot. Its impressive selection of tea sets are good for sharing with your companions. While you’re at it, pick up a warm mini scone, a coffee cheesecake, or a crustless sandwich to pair with your pot.
Bizu Patisserie & Bistro
Bridging the gap between lunch and dinner with a spectacular spread of sandwiches, cakes and patisserie, and tea served in fine china, Bizu has high tea down to a fine art. A comprehensive tea selection is served at this café; and enjoy it with a special menu filled with sweet and savory canapés and quintessential scones with clotted cream and jam. It’s a posh spot and a pleasantly refined location to enjoy an old fashioned high tea paired with a nice variety of delectables with friends.
Madeleine High Tea, Lanson Place
Bookmark your next date out with the girls at this high tea salon in Mall of Asia. The serene ambience and luxurious plush seating make Madeleine High Tea the ideal setting for intimate gatherings and to unwind. A carefully selected assortment of fine tea from Agusan Del Norte is offered to guests, along with delectable pastries and cakes.
When going for high tea with your friends, making time for conversation over a warm pot, scones, jams, and other sweets during the afternoon is a practice that cannot be limited to a single cup of coffee. Elegance is the new watch word for you and circle, and you do it so with pinkies up while the tea is scalding hot—literally and figuratively!
