Take a Break
Not ready to head back to the office after lunch? Larissa Hon shows you some swanky high tea venues where you can sneak off for a few cups.
Healthy Treats
MO BAR
Mo Bar is offering the first organic and vegetarian afternoon tea set in the city by collaborating with fashion designer and health junkie Stella McCartney. Inspired by the trendsetter’s veganism, the Mandarin Oriental chefs have crafted a menu that includes nothing but the healthiest of delicious treats, like beetroot, goat cheese and hazelnut gratinated toast, quiche with eggplant and Stilton cheese, whole wheat and Corinthian raisin scones with clotted cream served with homemade organic jams and a golden bramley (apple) and cinnamon crumble. To top off the salubrious menu, there’s also a complimentary cupcake buffet to satisfy your sweet tooth, all for the fantastic price of $200. You will also get a goody bag from Stella McCartney after filling your tummy. (Offer available while stocks lasts—so get there quickly to avoid disappointment!)
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queens Rd., Central, 2132-0007
SKY LOUNGE
Enjoy a well-deserved break at the Sky Lounge, a classy venue prestigiously located on the 18th floor of the Sheraton. With picturesque harbor views and a tranquil ambiance, their health-conscious afternoon tea set is priced at $188 per person. Savor seafood delicacies complimented by citrus-scented dessert choices. The savory and sour aromas blend together perfectly, and the presentation is just as appetizing. Not to mention it’s nice and light, giving you just the right amount for tea time.
Level 18, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2732-6909
True Indulgence
THE PARLOUR
Enjoying high tea in a historical environment like Hullett House is a spectacular experience. The Parlour is beautifully decorated with various themed rooms to suit one’s tastes. You can sit outside and enjoy the nice weather on the colonial-style terrace, or lounge in the east or west rooms, where design elements are, appropriately, styled in an east-meets-west theme. Alternatively, you can chill out at the stylish Dragon Bar while you enjoy your tea set. Executive pastry chef Alexis Watrin prepares a delectable selection of sandwiches, mini-burgers, freshly baked scones topped with clotted cream and homemade jam and an array of delightful cakes and pastries for a sinful yet heavenly experience. Hullet House’s crafted teas will perfectly complement this explosion of tastes. Yummy treats paired with a classic ambiance during tea time costs only $238 per guest or $398 for two.
Hullet House, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0000
CUCINA
What better enjoyment than great scenery accompanied by great food? Cucina has a drop-dead gorgeous view of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, and their high tea menu ($248 for two) offers a traditional three-tier set with a modern twist that includes classic finger sandwiches, chocolate crispy hazelnut bar, macarons, cheesecakes, fruit tarts and fresh scones. Enjoy a cup of your favorite Ronnefeldt tea and revel in the high tea experience as if you’re a British royal.
6/F, Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, 968 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2113-0808
Themed Specials
LOBBY LOUNGE AT HOTEL NIKKO
We all love some good ol’ crispy pork buns, and taking center stage at Lobby Lounge is the “Go Macau!” afternoon tea buffet. It contains famous Macanese delicacies, including queen crab congee, clam vermicelli with preserved vegetable in sour and chili soup and, of course, our favorite crispy pork bun. Other Portuguese-inspired numbers on offer include roast Portuguese chorizo sausage and short ribs, braised Portuguese chicken thigh, roast lamb shank and much more. The serradura (or “Macau sawdust”) pudding is a must-try for dessert lovers! If you’re cravin’ a burst of authentic Macanese flavors, this tea buffet will definitely satisfy your desires. Prices range from $158 (per child) to $198 (per adult). This mouthwatering buffet is available until April 9.
72 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2313-4210
LE 188° RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
With Easter coming up, Le 188º is prepared to briefly abandon their no-kids policy and embrace the holidays with an adorable Easter-themed high tea set priced at $288 for two, now available for the whole family, and not just mom and dad. Props also to the chefs for their three-tier tray of desserts and pastries delicately crafted in the shape of bunnies and Easter eggs. Remember to book ahead, as this dainty and festive tea menu is only available from April 22 through 25.
41/F, Harbour Grand Hong Kong, 23 Oil St., North Point, 2121-2693