Discover the World's Finest High Tea Experiences: Iconic Spots from London to Cape Town

Elevate your city getaway with a luxurious high tea in elegant surroundings. This timeless English tradition, dating back to the 1840s, features delicate pastries, buttery scones, finger sandwiches, and often a glass of champagne. Unsurprisingly, the globe's premier venues are found in historic British colonial outposts, typically at prestigious hotels.

High tea in Hong Kong by Connie Ma, Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike licence

Whether seeking classic London sophistication or innovative Asian interpretations, here are our expert picks for the world's best high teas.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Tucked away down a grand corridor from the opulent foyer, the E&O's tea room evokes traditional English charm far from Kent's countryside. Gaze beyond your exquisitely set table to a stunning seafront palm garden. The extensive menu boasts Malaysian Boh teas alongside premium Indian and Chinese varieties, paired with delectable beef-and-horseradish finger sandwiches and an array of irresistible petit fours.

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel by Craig Morey, Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike licence

Erawan Tea Room, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Nestled in one of Bangkok's most luxurious hotels, the Erawan Tea Room reimagines the classic English afternoon tea with Thai flair. Enjoy refreshing Indian, Sri Lankan, and authentic Thai teas alongside savory and sweet local specialties from Southeast Asia's culinary capital. Relax in a blend of formal chairs and modern sofas with views of the vibrant Erawan Shrine.

The Strand, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

Constructed by the same visionary brothers behind the E&O and beloved by literary icons like Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling, The Strand remains one of Yangon's few preserved colonial gems. At just $18—a bargain compared to room rates exceeding $400—the afternoon tea is served in the Strand Grill amid wide wicker chairs and whirring ceiling fans. Indulge in towering tiers of scones, sandwiches, and delicate petit fours.

Claridge's, London, UK

London boasts many excellent high teas, but Claridge's sets the gold standard. Priced at £39 per person plus service with a smart-casual dress code, it's an investment in perfection. Unlimited sandwiches precede raisin-and-apple scones with clotted cream, selected from 40 premium teas. Enjoy this iconic ritual in the hotel's grand foyer—essential for any London visit.

Dining room at Claridge's by Josh Friedman, Creative Commons Attribution No Derivative Works licence

The House, Dempsey Hill, Singapore

In a repurposed British barracks, The House offers a 'Vintage High Tea' Thursdays and Fridays for just 22 SGD. This lavish buffet overflows with massive cakes like lemon-pistachio sponge, savory delights including squid-ink pizza, and unlimited refills—a fresh twist on tradition.

Tea & Sympathy, New York, USA

While New York has upscale options like The Plaza's Palm Court, Tea & Sympathy delivers authentic English countryside fare: hearty scones, housemade strawberry or raspberry jam, and proper sandwiches straight from a stately home lawn.

Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

One of the world's most stunning afternoon teas awaits at Cape Town's Mount Nelson Hotel. Mouthwatering cucumber sandwiches, scones rivaling Claridge's, and standout lemon meringue justify the R135 price. Local touches like creamy melktert milk tart shine, paired with teas including one infused with the hotel's own rose petals.

High tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel by Monica Kaneko, Creative Commons Attribution Sharealike licence