Uniquely HK

Feature Story

Afternoon Delights

When you need a break in the thick of a vigorous day's shopping or sightseeing, afternoon tea or quick snack can help recharge your batteries and refresh both body and mind. Here in Hong Kong, the tradition of afternoon tea, a legacy of Victorian England, has evolved over the decades into a uniquely Hong Kong expression of East-meet-West culture.

So, get ready for a culinary extravaganza as we showcase some of the city’s best places to enjoy all the delicious afternoon delights you could wish for.

High Tea

This quintessentially English pastime, established by the elite in the city's early colonial days, is now much enjoyed by Hongkongers from all walks of life. There is nothing more elegant than enjoying a piping- hot cup of tea served with an array of scones, savouries , pastries, sweets and other delicacies. The city has taken the art of high tea to another level of opulence, with the city's best hotels and restaurants vying for the fanciest offerings and presentations. A high tea in Hong Kong is an experience not to be missed.

The Peninsula

The granddaddy of the high-society tête-à-tête high tea gatherings, the Lobby Lounge at the Peninsula is where one wants to see and be seen. There is often a queue. The tea set itself is a sumptuous mini-feast of its famous scones, sandwich bits and other delicious finger bites. And the service is impeccable.

Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

181 at Fortnum & Mason

This famous department store in London’s Piccadilly recently opened a combo gourmet shop plus the 181 Restaurant at the K11 Atelier in Tsim Sha Tsui. You can enjoy one of its extensive tea selections plus traditional British snacks while looking out across the magnificent Harbour.

Shop 022, G/F K11 Atelier Victoria Dockside， 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

The Verandah

Another nostalgic setting for an elegant high tea experience. In Repulse Bay on the south side of Hong Kong Island is the heir of the iconic Repulse Bay Hotel, where the high tea outing on the Verandah is everything you could imagine – old-world charm, attentive service, and totally relaxing. And excellent snacks too!

109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong.

Tea WG

If you are into choosing a fine cup of tea for your afternoon respite, you may want to stop by Tea WG for your afternoon break. A specialty tea shop, WG offers a wide selection of loose-leaf teas and its afternoon tea set comes with European sandwiches, pastries and other delights.

Shop 1022, Level 1, ifc Mall, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong

Afternoon Dim Sum

It may be suggested that a nice pot of Chinese tea with two or three dim sum dishes is the perfect counterpart to a Western high tea set. Just like high tea, one selects dim sum from a wide variety of items, all manageable sizes and perfect to share. Whether it's pu er, jasmine or Iron Buddha, you can choose your favourite Chinese tea for an afternoon of chit chat and blissful downtime.

Maxim’s Palace

For a noisy but invigorating and authentic dim sum experience, you should visit Maxim Palace at City Hall where the dim sum dishes are still served by ladies with pushcarts roaming around. The food is always excellent.

2/F Low Block, Hong Kong City Hall, 5-7 Edinburg Place, Central, Hong Kong

Dim Sum Library

This outlet located at Pacific Place, one of the Hong Kong’s luxury malls, is a splendid choice for an afternoon dim sum rendezvous since that is all they serve. It’s convenient and well-placed when you resume your shopping.

Shop 124, 1/F, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong.

Luk Yu Tea House

To experience afternoon dim sum in the traditional style, Luk Yu Tea House located in Central should be high on your list. The restaurant’s 1930s-style décor evokes the formative days of Hong Kong.

Afternoon Tea set (Local style)

Back in Hong Kong's colonial heyday, a high- tea outing was well beyond the reach of common folk. Over time, local restaurants or cha chaan tengs – literally 'tea cafes – started to offer bargain afternoon tea sets. They typically comprise a slimdown offering from the regular menu at lower prices, with complimentary tea or coffee. Afternoon tea is now a staple of local food culture and offered by all local cha chaan tengs, making it not only a bargain but an unmissable cultural snapshot for any curious visitor. Locals may take afternoon tea as a substitute for lunch, while you get to sample some of the city's favourite snacks.

Egg Tarts

Tai Cheong Bakery in Central is deservedly famed for its egg tarts. Other cha chaan tengs offer excellent freshly baked egg tarts – but this is the tops.

Tai Cheong; 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong

Pineapple Bum with Butter

This highly popular bun is available in all bakeries and local cafes. Check out Kam Wah Café in Mong Kok for its afternoon tea set and its pineapple bun.

45-47 Bute Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon.