Tea & Singapore
 

1.) Is there any location that offers traditional British High/Afternoon tea (with scones/cookies/or similiar)?

2.) Any recommendations for excellent tea shops (mainly Green tea/Oolong tea)?

The Raffles Hotel is famous for its Asian version of afternoon tea. You can have it seated at little tea tables (and these tend to book up fast) or in the bar with the billiard table where supposedly a tiger was found a hundred years or so ago. I prefer the bar, with its comfy sofas and squishy chairs.

The tea has most of the traditional British tea acommpaniments, and many more - dim sum, tiny curry flavored pies, and on and on. I usually pig out on the fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The food is on a buffet, is constantly replenished, and you are allowed to linger as long as you want.

If you go to Singapore at a busy time of year, you should book your tea ahead. The Raffles tea is justifiably very popular.

I've also had afternoon tea in the Westin (now under new management, I believe) that is across the street from the Raffles. I believe the restaurant is called Compass Rose, and it is in one of the top floors.

Because of Singapore's British past, I suspect you'll find afternoon tea at a good many places.

[This message has been edited by SanDiego1K (edited 05-28-2002).]

Second SanDiego1K's rec of Raffles, I don't believe there is a hotel w/more history in SIN. Enjoy.

Anything we bought in the Chinatown section was great. We were in sooo many shops, I could not name any specifically.

I had afternoon tea with an orangutan at the singapore zoo. It was great--the food was no where near the Raffles quality but the company (the orangutan) was fun. I got to hold him & carry him around. Call the zoo for times if you're interested. I think they also offer breakfast with an orangutan.
I'm sure that this is not what you had in mind but hey----you can have a normal tea anywhere.

Is there any dress code for the Raffles? (Some locations in Britain do have a dress code for High/Afternoon Tea.)

I don't remember a dress code for Raffles. Singapore is so hot, that they certainly can't impose the jacket requirement of Browns in London. Still, I tend to be a fairly classic dresser, so never have pushed the casual barriers.

Oh, Oh, Oh... I want to do this! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif

No shorts at Raffles. No tshirts, flip-flops, etc., as I recall, too. It's the Raj, after all.

If you take tea or breakfast at the zoo, watch the Orang pop open a durian with his hands. Don't try this at home.

There's decent tea at the Fullerton, my wife and her pals say.
Rich

By the way, here's the S'pore zoo's Breakfast/Tea link.
http://www.zoo.com.sg/feature/tea/c-tea.htm

This is easy to organize yourself. Don't both going through the hotel tour operator. Just take a taxi out to the zoo.
Rich

Afternoon Tea with an OrangUtan for only 13SGD! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/eek.gif

This could be the best deal in the country! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif

It was certainly one of the most entertaining. I think we went through 2 rolls of film---lots of kodak-moments when an orangutan is sitting on your lap.

I would just like to re-emphasize how cool I think this is! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif

I have to give a recommendation to the Shangri-La, as well. They have a really nice High Tea spread. Probably not as fancy as Raffles, but if you are near there (the end of Orchard Street), it's worth it.

Uh-oh...I smell a SIN mileage run for Chexfan

"Any recommendations for excellent tea shops (mainly Green tea/Oolong tea)? "

There is a nice and cozy tea shop owned and run by a Taiwanese lady where my friend took me. It is actually right by Raffles Hotel. According to my friend, lots of VIPs are the customers. I can check with her to get the exact address and name if you want.