Afternoon High Tea in Hong Kong: 7 Places Worth Dressing Up For
Hong Kong’s afternoon tea scene is an elegant affair steeped in colonial heritage and modern luxury. From historic hotel lounges with string quartets to sky-high dining rooms with panoramic views, it’s not just about the scones and sandwiches – it’s about the experience. So slip on your chicest outfit and prepare for tiered trays, fine teas, and a touch of glamour at each of these seven standout high tea venues.
1. The Peninsula Hong Kong (Tsim Sha Tsui) – Afternoon Tea at The Lobby
The Peninsula’s afternoon tea is arguably the most iconic in Hong Kong. Held in The Lobby, beneath gilded ceilings and colonial colonnades, this experience is pure elegance. A live string ensemble plays as white-gloved servers present a traditional silver-tiered tray filled with smoked salmon sandwiches, rose-petal macarons, and warm scones with clotted cream.
Why it’s worth dressing up for: It’s the definition of timeless. The setting is grand, the atmosphere refined, and the people-watching is excellent.
Price: HK$528 per person (HK$918 for two) + 10% service
Dress code: Smart casual
Reservations: Walk-ins only on weekends. View details
2. Rosewood Hong Kong – The Butterfly Room
The Butterfly Room is as beautiful as its name suggests, with natural light, floral details, and one of the most visually stunning tea sets in the city. Awarded "World’s Best Afternoon Tea 2025" by La Liste, its seasonal creations are made in-house by Rosewood’s pastry team.
Why it’s worth dressing up for: This is where art meets tea. Every bite is exquisite – and Instagram gold.
Price: HK$568 per person + 10% service
Dress code: Smart casual with fashionable flair
Reservations: Bookings open 2 months in advance. View details
3. The Ritz-Carlton (West Kowloon) – Café 103
Enjoy afternoon tea at 103 floors above the city in the world’s highest hotel. Café 103 pairs stunning skyline views with rotating themed tea menus inspired by fashion designers or luxury brands.
Why it’s worth dressing up for: Because tea with a harbour view at 1,588 feet just begs for a fabulous outfit.
Price: HK$568 per person (HK$888 for two) + 10% service
Dress code: Smart casual
Reservations: Recommended. View details
4. Mandarin Oriental (Central) – Clipper Lounge
A beloved classic in Central, Clipper Lounge is known for its refined atmosphere and signature rose-petal jam. The tea menu includes British staples alongside treats like the legendary 1963 Mandarin Cheesecake.
Why it’s worth dressing up for: Generations of Hongkongers have made this their go-to for elegant celebrations.
Price: HK$448 per person (HK$848 for two) + 10% service
Dress code: Smart casual
Reservations: Recommended. View details
5. The Langham (Tsim Sha Tsui) – Palm Court
As the birthplace of traditional afternoon tea (dating back to 1865 in London), The Langham’s Hong Kong outpost honours the legacy with Wedgwood chinaware, Battenberg cake, and warm scones served with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
Why it’s worth dressing up for: This is the quintessential British tea experience – in the heart of TST.
Price: HK$738 for two (Mon–Thu); HK$768 for two (Fri–Sun) + 10% service
Dress code: Smart casual
Reservations: Recommended. View details
6. The Verandah at The Repulse Bay
With rattan chairs, ceiling fans, and sea views, The Verandah blends colonial nostalgia with relaxed elegance. The tea set includes savory canapés, floral scones, and miniature patisserie.
Why it’s worth dressing up for: You’ll feel transported to a 1920s seaside resort – linen suits and sundresses encouraged.
Price: HK$508 per person / HK$728 for two + 10% service
Dress code: Smart casual (no beachwear)
Reservations: Recommended. View details
7. The St. Regis Hong Kong (Wan Chai) – The Drawing Room
Afternoon tea at The St. Regis is served dim-sum style, from a roaming trolley. Expect inventive savoury bites and sweet treats with local flair – like tomato macarons and whisky-passionfruit asparagus toast.
Why it’s worth dressing up for: It’s modern, luxurious, and unlike any other tea in town.
Price: HK$478 per person; HK$1,088 for unlimited tea + champagne option
Dress code: Smart casual to chic
Reservations: Recommended. View details
Because Tea Is Always a Good Idea
Hong Kong’s afternoon high tea offerings are as varied as the city itself – from sky-high lounges to seaside verandahs. But what unites these seven venues is the sense of occasion they provide. Whether it’s for the view, the heritage, or the patisserie, each one offers something worth dressing up for. After all, afternoon tea here isn’t just a meal – it’s a moment to pause, indulge, and savor.
And if you’re a tea lover looking to recreate a little of that magic at home, don’t miss Time for Tea. Based in Central with a beautifully curated showroom – and shipping globally via their online store – Time for Tea offers everything from organic blends and Mono Filio teapots to handcrafted tableware and elegant linen. Whether you're shopping for yourself or gifting a fellow tea enthusiast, they make it easy to turn any tea time into a time to remember.
