Sevva Afternoon Tea
Photo Courtesy of Sevva
Thanks to a British presence of more than 150 years, afternoon tea has been a longtime Hong Kong tradition. For you and other visitors looking to partake in this venerable afternoon ritual, where can you find the highest of high teas? The following four places guarantee sumptuous spreads accompanied by fantastic bird’s-eye views.
This longtime favorite has been a mainstay among the city’s socialites and pinstripers, thanks to its sprawling terrace and 360-degree panoramas of Victoria Harbour and downtown Central.
Never content with the status quo, Sevva regularly reworks its afternoon tea selection and adds innovative flavors. Located on the 25th floor of the stylish Prince’s Building, Sevva collaborates with fashion and beauty brands throughout the year for its teas. Recently, it offered the alluring Lanvin Loves Sevva afternoon tea, which was full of sartorial touches thanks to a partnership with designer Alber Elbaz.
Vegetarians will appreciate the We Love Vegetables tea menu, which champions all things lean, mean and green, such as Poori Indian nachos and scrambled egg on toasted Poilâne.
Of course, there are always the signature tea items, an appropriate blend of East-meets-West flavors (see crabmeat and prawn salad burger or the foie gras mousse and onion marmalade on savory waffle).
Leave room for dessert, as it’s just as delicious as the views; Sevva’s sublime staples are the caramel crunch cake and the decadent New York blueberry cheesecake.
Café 103’s Afternoon Tea, Photo Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Perched on the 103th floor of Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, Café 103 offers commanding views from above Victoria Harbour. On a clear day, enjoy the spectacle of boats buzzing about the harbor and unparalleled vistas of the dazzling skyscrapers and the verdant green islands scattered off in the distance. On a not-so-clear day, you’re looking straight into a cloud, but even that’s an experience when you consider how far above the world you’re sitting and sipping.
The iconic hotel serves a decadent afternoon tea, centered on Valrhona chocolate. (Speaking of which, the signature hot chocolate — made with Valrhona — is divine.) Executive pastry chef Richard Long manages to create a mix of sweet and savory dishes for a well-rounded experience, playing with aromas and textures to summon surprising flavors from each morsel.
The restaurant is constantly cooking up new themes as well, like the Green Tea Afternoon Tea, running through April.
The choices of premium teas (TWG 1837 black tea, green tea latte, Emperor Sencha tea, and green apple iced tea) are a treat and, of course, champagne is always a lovely addition.
Above & Beyond Tea, Photo Courtesy of Hotel Icon
One of the most luxurious Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, Above & Beyond is also home to one of the city’s finest high teas. And high it is — from the 28th floor of Four-Star Hotel Icon in Tsim Sha Tsui East, you can gaze out at Victoria Harbour. The eastern location offers a unique view of Hong Kong Island as well.
But magical vistas aren’t the only thing being served here. The Eastern menu adds a Cantonese touch to afternoon tea. It’s far from your typical British menu, featuring a mix of salty and sweet dishes.
On the savory side, look for crispy pumpkin balls, taro cake, mutton puff pastry and smoked egg with oolong tea leaves.
The tea finishes off on a sweet note, with highlights such as lychee créme with green tea crumble and hazelnut tart with citrus and yuzu.
Café Gray Deluxe Tea Set, Swire Properties Hotel Management
Sitting on the 49th floor of Four-Star The Upper House, Café Gray Deluxe offers up fabulous views, food and atmosphere.
In these cushy surroundings, dig into contemporary twists on old favorites, such as black currant scones with amber clove honey, housemade preserves and Devonshire clotted cream.
There are also plenty of small bites — lemon and chili-cured salmon, tea sandwiches, chocolate-espresso crème aux and matcha green tea macarons — that are accompanied by classic Chinese and English teas, and a signature Café Gray iced tea.
Stay tuned for special tea sets, which change with the season. Coming up in April is the Diane von Furstenberg set, an elegant affair that weaves in a touch of fashion to this trendsetting high tea.
