My detailed review of the best places for afternoon tea in Hong Kong.
One of the things that is a must do when visiting Hong Kong is afternoon tea. The question would be where as all the high-end hotels offers it as well as restaurants, sweet shops, etc. And then you have your choice of Eastern or Western afternoon teas. When Cindy and Wenting were in town, I suggested that they try out the afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton ICC for their view. It is an excellent alternative to paying the 150HKD($20 USD) for the SKY 100 observation deck on top of the ICC.
The entrance to The Lounge & Bar of The Ritz-Carlton was thoroughly modern and very flashy.
Located on the 102nd floor, it offered a bird’s-eye view of Hong Kong. If you want to sit by the window, reservations need to be made a month in advance. Or you could just walk up to the window and admire the view as we did. I do not like being up so high, makes me queasy.
Cindy & Wenting went for the afternoon tea set for two but I just ordered a carrot juice. I am not a fan of afternoon teas as I do not eat much sweets. I only go when visitors are in town or with hubby.
Food was very pretty, but tasted average at best. I did not try any, but Cindy & Wenting are not as picky eaters as me and there were at least 5 pieces left. And none of us wanted to bring it home. My carrot juice on the other hand was pretty good. =)
The three of us had a great time despite the food. It is a nice place to relax on a rainy day. Atmosphere is slightly hectic and very loud. Many little kids were running around without parental supervision while we had afternoon tea. Perhaps management should do something about it as one little kid tripped and fell down twice during his many circles running around the restaurant.
If you are looking to experience afternoon tea, my top pick is The Lobby Lounge at The Four Seasons for the best atmosphere and the best scones in Hong Kong. I also recommend The Clipper Lounge at The Mandarin Oriental for their sandwiches and cakes, Peninsula for the colonial atmosphere (be prepared for the 1-hour wait unless you are staying at the hotel, and ask to be seated on the orchestra side), Intercontinental & Cafe Grey Deluxe for the view, and Sevva for the decor.
THATS what Hong Kong looks like?? The view from that window is AWESOME!! I’m so used to seeing cities that are flat with flatness around them. But those moutnains!! I’m not a tea kinda guy, but I’d become one to see that view!
You can just order a drink. Not need to order the tea set. =)
Hong Kong is very hilly which makes for great views and great hikes. Also very English friendly on Central Island. The MTR/Subway is fully translated into English.
Great website for first time visitors sponsored by the HK Government.
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/
The view there is amazing. I will have to go there next time I am in Hong Kong. I had the afternoon tea at The Peninsula on Kowloon and it was delightful.
My cousin who had a great job affording her travel opportunities refused to return to Hongkong after her one trip accompanying her mother where she visited … many dried food shops. Apparently, she never had one nice meal while there. But she still HATES Hongkong since the 80s whereas I fell in love with Hongkong immediately in our hotel room when I saw commercials in Chinese. I didn’t realize the invisible hairshirt I had living in America until it was removed in Hong Kong.
If I were in Hong Kong now, I would go to arts events that I would never do here. I’m not interested in Lincoln Center performances but when I was in HK, I did attend some modern dance and European song recitals. You should try that because the audience is totally modern urban Chinese and being a part of that feels really different.
I think that despite some general unfriendliness, it’s still good to be Chinese in Hongkong.
I can’t believe my cousin still hates the place. I even love Watson’s where I picked up an early iteration of the swiffer. And you can get industrial strength Retin A off the shelf.
I fell in love with Hong Kong on my first visit right after 1997. At that time my parents and I were treated quite rudely as we looked Chinese but did not speak Mandarin. It is a different story today though a person still needs to be well dressed and well presented if they want to be treated courteously in Hong Kong unless they do not look Asian.
It is unfortunate that your cousin let one bad experience color her whole outlook of Hong Kong, but I get that a lot from visitors. They either love it or hate it. I love HK but not as much as NYC.
How can you review when you didn’t eat anything?????
My friends asked me write a post to let others know that the afternoon tea at Ritz-Carlton was not worth the money. Both of my friends are not picky eaters and love sweets but none of them wanted to take the 5 leftover pieces despite paying around $40USD each for the food.
But I felt that one could enjoy the atmosphere and view of the Ritz-Carlton by ordering a drink. There is no need to order the afternoon tea.
Besides my blog is journal like and not a blog focused on restaurants. It gives family and friends a glimpse of my life in Hong Kong.