Mellow out by taking a break from the hustle and bustle is always a great idea. One of many ways to relieve the stress within you is by having a high tea session with your friends, family or significant other. High tea is the British habit of drinking tea while sitting in high-backed chairs at a table full of plated things such as cold meats, salads, teacakes, pies, fruitcakes, tarts, crackers and baked bread.
In Penang, there are many outstanding places to have an enjoyable and comfortable high tea with your loved ones. Many high-tea spots ensure you with classy high tea meals in an elegant environment. The following is the list of the top 12 high-tea in Penang.
What Are The Differences Between High Tea And Afternoon Tea?
Do not be propelled by high tea and afternoon tea definitions because both are small meals after lunch or brunch. The differences between high tea and afternoon tea are the types of dishes and the dining environment.
- High Tea
Many people mistakenly believe that high tea is a luxury tea. Day tea served in the middle of the afternoon is known for its delectable scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes. On the other hand, high tea is done in the early evening and comprises significantly more substantial fare such as meat, fish, and egg dishes, as well as bread and desserts. You can also consider it as a light meal with a cup of tea.
- Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea, often known as “low tea,” is usually consumed at a low table, such as a coffee table in a sitting room, in front of a warm fire. Of course, it can be served at a table as well. Whether you serve a more opulent tea or offer a heartier dinner, both high tea and afternoon tea are delightful ways to enjoy tea and amuse your guests.
What Are The Common Desserts Found During A High Tea?
So, if you wonder what types of desserts you can find after booking a high tea session, the answer is variety. There are basically no rules when it comes to enjoying foods, but the most common goods you will be devouring are scones, cakes, sandwiches, pastries and many more.
12 Best High Tea in Penang 2023
1. The Glasshouse at The Prestige Hotel Penang
Desire to have high tea in the comfort of an elegant tropical-style restaurant? The Glasshouse is the spot to visit as it offers a great range of savoury and sweet treats. Indulge in Spicy Chili Shrimps and Roasted Chicken with Pesto dubbed the “Afternoon Affair.” Other sophisticated desserts, such as Sponge Gateau, and plain old-fashioned English scones, round out the options served on a three-tiered dish.
Operating Hours: 6:30 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 13, Church St Ghaut, Georgetown, 10200 George Town
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Google Review: Here
2. Guest Lounge at Macalister Mansion
Dining at the Guest Lounge becomes even more memorable by its attractive atmosphere. The fact that Macalister Estate is a rebuilt century-old colonial mansion makes your high tea session special. They offer their afternoon tea set on a partitioned hardwood tray rather than the traditional 3-tier dish. The set comes with a pot of tea of your preference and as well as seasonal bite-sized savoury and sweet treats, including Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Tiramisu Dates Creme Brulee, and Hojicha Eclair.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 228, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
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Google Review: Here
3. Palm Court at E&O Hotel
Palm Court’s English Afternoon Tea set is available every day from 12 pm to 11 pm and includes familiar favourites that are well-known by its customers. They offer freshly made delicacies, consistig of finger sandwiches, tarts and small cakes. For scone fans, you may look forward to these delectable baked pastries served with cream and strawberry jam. Not to mention a broad selection of teas to go with your assortment of sweets.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 10, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
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Google Review: Here
4. David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces
You may have a great cup of tea at Strawberry Hill hilltop restaurant while nibbling on some delectable afternoon tea pastries. The high tea set comprises English scones, fruits, canapés, sandwiches and tiny pastries on a three-tier tray with a small pot of tea to be shared with two people. You can additionally order “Le Petit Four” or “Devonshire Cream Tea” in addition to the standard afternoon tea package. There are two types of seating, so you can sit indoors or out, depending on your preference.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Air Itam, Penang
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Google Review: Here
5. Suffolk House Restaurant
A fun fact about Suffolk House is that it is a two-hundred-year-old Georgian home that has been restored. The mansion opened as a restaurant in 2009 and offered an afternoon tea special from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. The 2-person set includes a selection of teas and a 3-tier serving platter with sweet and savoury treats. Among the bite-sized treats available at Suffolk House are finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with whipped cream, butter, and various jams on the side, fruit tarts, and little cakes.
Operating Hours: 2:30 pm – 5.30 pm (Daily)
Address: 250, Jalan Air Hitam, Georgetown, 10460 George Town, Penang
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Google Review: Here
6. Orinea by Farquhar Mansion
It is time to treat you and your beloved ones to a lavish high tea at Orinea: Sky Dining & Bar, Farquhar Mansion’s magnificent fine dining restaurant and bar. You will be welcomed by a spectacular ocean view while enjoying your delectable tea-time delights here since it is situated in a high-rise tower in the centre of Gurney Drive bay. All of their sweet and savoury delicacies are arranged and presented elegantly on a unique golden hot air balloon tray, and the Grand High Tea set only costs RM68 per person.
Operating Hours:
- 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Tuesday – Thursday)
- 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Friday – Sunday)
- Closed on Mondays
Address: 68-18-1, Sunrise Gurney, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang
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Google Review: Here
7. TopView Restaurant & Lounge
Enhance your high-tea game at TopView Restaurant & Lounge, formerly the 59 Sixty Dining Room & Bar. The lounge is on the 59th floor of Penang’s tallest skyscraper, The TOP Komtar, so you can anticipate picturesque panoramic views of the island. At the same time, you relax and savour your afternoon high tea. Each of their Afternoon Tea Sets serves two people and includes tea as well as a three-tiered platter laden with delectable delights like sandwiches, tarts, little cakes, and scones with clotted cream and jam.
Operating Hours:
- 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Daily)
- Closed on Tuesdays
Address: Komtar Level 68, No 1, Komtar, Jln Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
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8. Crumbles & Cream at Iconic Hotel Penang
Crumbles & Cream at Iconic Hotel Penang is the ultimate place to unwind yourself on a Saturday afternoon. It is decorated with marble tabletops, luxurious velvet chairs, and rose gold ceiling lighting, providing a perfect high tea spot to snap many aesthetically pleasing photos. Enjoy their delectable collection of fresh pastries, coffee, ice cream, and other tasty sweets, including the town’s cutest hi-tea sets, which are offered at a reasonable price.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Jln Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
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Google Review: Here
9. Platform 9 3/4 Fine Dining & Cellar
Platform 9 3/4 Fine Dining & Cellar is a must-visit, especially if you’re looking for a different high tea. The fine-dining restaurant is totally dressed in furnishings and decor inspired by the famous Wizarding World, making you feel like you’re having afternoon high tea at Hogwarts. Try the distinctive wooden plate, filled with a colourful array of bite-sized delicacies ranging from scones and lemon meringues to macarons and chocolate mousse.
Operating Hours:
- 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Daily)
- Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 61, Jalan Magazine, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
10. Sri Tanjung Café and Tea Room, Royale Chulan Hotel
Spending time with your best friend at Sri Tanjung Café and Tea Room, Royale Chulan Hotel, is one of the most fantastic ideas to revive yourself from a hectic schedule. You get to devour its appetising buttered scones with expertly brewed tea to compliment the taste. Its soft and comfy sofas are aligned perfectly with a small tea table to give a graceful decor.
Operating Hours:
- Tea Room: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Daily)
- Sri Tanjung Cafe: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm (Sunday)
Address: 1-2, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
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Google Review: Here
11. Communal Table by gēn 根
After you arrive at Communal Table by gēn 根, you will be welcomed with its enormous, long dining tables accompanied by comfy seats. In this well-decorated fine dining restaurant, you can enjoy a great selection of Penang’s most scrumptious sweets, such as Mille Feuille, Lemongrass Cheesecake and Coconut Cream Chouquette. For the savouries, you will be served with Duck Croquette, Curry Mini Burger and many more. Plan your high tea session properly because Communal Table offers tea pastries only from Wednesdays to Sundays. The afternoon set only requires a minimum of 1 person, so you can enjoy your alone time with the local taste of delectable pastries.
Operating Hours:
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Wednesday – Sunday)
- Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays
Address: 68, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
12. Winter Warmers Coffee & Tea House
Winter Warmers Coffee & Tea House is located in Gurney Plaza and offers 2 variations of classy afternoon tea sets in its cosy environment. Swing by Winter Warmers Coffee & Tea House as they offer afternoon tea sets, Cream Tea and Afternoon Tea, from 12 pm until 6 pm. Each set has its own menus, so you can pick whichever suits you the most to experience unforgettable tea time with your loved ones. Sample their flavourful, original English teas with perfectly made scones that leave you with a tasty mouthfeel.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Gurney Plaza, 170, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected] For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
