Best Afternoon Tea in Hong Kong (What’s Actually Worth It + My Favourite Picks)

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Afternoon tea is a bit of an institution in Hong Kong. It goes back to the colonial days, and somehow it never left.

One of my first jobs as a teenager was waitressing in Stanley, at a place called The Old English Tea House. We served proper high tea there on tiered stands — little crustless sandwiches, scones with jam, the whole thing. I remember carrying them out and thinking they looked wildly elegant.

I’ve always had a sweet tooth. And I’m someone who eats with my eyes first. So high tea is right up my alley.

But afternoon tea in Hong Kong isn’t cheap. And if you’re planning your first Hong Kong trip, you’re already doing the maths. You’ve got skyline views, temples, markets, ferries, hikes. You don’t have unlimited afternoons.

So should you include one?

If you love beautiful food, a bit of theatre, and sitting somewhere grand for a couple of hours, then yes, I think it’s worth doing once.

If you’re not a dessert person, I’d skip it. Spend the money on dim sum instead.

If you are interested in including one in your trip, keep reading and I’ll show you which ones are actually worth booking.

👉 Tip: If one of these catches your eye, check Klook for discounted pricing before booking because it can be significantly cheaper.

Hong Kong High Tea Culture

High tea in Hong Kong is one of those slightly odd leftovers from the colonial days.

Nearly thirty years after the handover, it’s still very much a thing here — which I’m personally pretty pleased about, because I love a good high tea.

As a first-time Hong Kong visitor, you might be surprised how many places offer it. Yes, lots are in high-end hotels. But you’ll also find afternoon tea sets in local restaurants too.

The most famous is at The Peninsula. I’ve never actually done that one, so I can’t comment on the quality. The big downside is you can’t book. It’s first come, first served and people queue.

If you’ve only got a few days in Hong Kong, standing in line for tea might not be how you want to spend them.

The good news is there are plenty of other places where you can book, like The Ritz-Carlton, The Mandarin Oriental, and others, which is much more practical and that’s what I tend to do when I’m in town.

Some places stick to the traditional format: finger sandwiches, pastries, scones with cream and jam.

Others mix British-style high tea with Chinese flavours, which I actually think is pretty cool. Then there are the themed ones: seasonal tie-ins, festival specials, even the slightly random beauty-brand collaborations where you’ll get a few samples of skin care thrown in (designed more for Instagram than flavour, I think).

In terms of what you get, it’s usually:

• A pot of tea or coffee
• A tiered stand with savoury bites and sweets
• Scones with cream and jam on the side

Most run from around 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

If you’re travelling solo, don’t hesitate to go on your own. I do it all the time.

I’ve never had one I didn’t enjoy.

And after days of walking, hiking, ferry-hopping and market exploring, that mid-afternoon pause can feel pretty luxurious.

If you’re trying to decide which food experiences are most worth your time in Hong Kong, I’d prioritise local dishes, Cha Chaan Teng (HK diners), and food tours before afternoon tea.

What Does High Tea Cost in Hong Kong?

I think High Tea in Hong Kong tends to be pretty expensive, so I would definitely put them in the splurge category. There’s also a 10% service charge. Weekends and public holidays are higher.

If you’re still figuring out your overall food budget, I’d compare this with what food usually costs in Hong Kong before deciding where to splurge.

Typical pricing:

• Weekday tea set (for two): HK$500–700
• Weekend tea set: HK$600–900
• Champagne add-on: extra

Prices vary significantly depending on:

• Harbour view vs interior lounge
• Iconic hotel vs modern hotel
• Traditional tea set vs themed collaboration

If you’re watching your budget, weekday afternoon tea is usually the best value.

How I Choose (And Where I Actually Go Back To)

I’ve never had a bad High Tea in Hong Kong.

Truly. So you’re pretty safe wherever you book.

For first-time visitors, I usually suggest choosing based on setting and somewhere easy to get to rather than obsessing over the menu description.

For example:

If you want classic, slightly old-school Hong Kong glamour, go for one of the heritage hotel lounges like The Peninsula or The Mandarin Oriental. You feel it the second you walk in. It’s like stepping into the city’s past.

If you want skyline drama, pick somewhere with harbour views like The Ritz Carlton. Tea tastes better when you’re looking at that view.

I skip the strange skincare partnerships. I’m there for cake — not to moisturise my face.

One place I go back to again and again is Pondside in Hong Kong Park (from 2.30pm). The setting is lovely — greenery, water, a calm pocket in the middle of the city. It’s a great stop if you’re heading back into Central from The Peak Tram.

There’s always plenty of food and it tastes good.

Full honesty — the last time I went, the scones were a little dry. Will that stop me going back? Not at all. I love Pondside.

On my most recent trip, in addition to my usual stop at Pondside, I tried Madame Fù at Tai Kwun. FYI: Tai Kwun is a beautifully restored former police station and prison in Central, now turned into a cultural hub with galleries, restaurants, and heritage buildings all in one place.

👉 If you’re considering Madame Fù, I’ve written a full review of my experience — including what the food is actually like, whether it’s worth the price, and if I’d go back again.

Madame Fù is a completely different vibe. Very pretty. Slightly swoon-worthy setting. The food was excellent and the attention to detail was spot on.

If you want something that feels a bit special, Madame Fù is a good one.

Other Hong Kong High Teas I’d Recommend for a First-Time Visitor

If you’re going to carve out time (and budget) for high tea, you want it to feel worth it.

These are the ones I’d point you toward first.

👑The Peninsula — The Famous One

The Peninsula is the classic image people have in their heads. Big lobby. Old-school glamour. Very traditional. It’s iconic for a reason.

But you can’t book. You queue. And it’s expensive.

If you like the idea but don’t want to stand around waiting, The Peninsula Boutique & Café is a good workaround. It’s not the grand lobby experience, but you can order scones and tea without committing to the full high tea.

🌆The Ritz-Carlton — For the View

If you want that “wow, I’m in Hong Kong” feeling, The Ritz-Carlton is a good pick. It’s high up, modern, and the skyline does most of the talking.

Less colonial, more sleek-city energy.

⛲The Mandarin Oriental — A Luxe Classic

Traditional high tea in an opulent, old-glamour setting. Afternoon tea at The Mandarin Oriental elegant, lovely and knows exactly what it’s doing.

No queues. No themes. Just a proper high tea done well.

It is very, very expensive though.

And wear your good shoes. 😊

Practical Tips Before You Book

So… should you book an afternoon tea in Hong Kong?

If it’s your first trip and you like the idea of a slower, more “experience-led” afternoon — yes. Pick one and book it.

If not, skip it. You won’t feel like you missed the core of Hong Kong food culture — afternoon tea is lovely, but it’s only one small slice of how the city eats.

If you are going to do one, I’d recommend booking in advance, especially for places like Madame Fù or the hotel lounges, which fill up quickly.

👉 You can check current availability and discounted afternoon tea deals here →

👉 And if you want to see exactly what one of these experiences is like before you commit, you can read my full review of Madame Fù here →