In a city like Manila, where coffee is the drink of choice for mid-afternoon snack times, afternoon tea is slowly becoming popular among the upscale crowd. Hotel lobby lounges have started offering afternoon tea to their guests, providing a relaxing alternative to crowded coffee shops around the metro.
The concept of “afternoon tea” in the Philippines is less formal than the British counterpart, as it involves spending time with a cup (or two) of mellow tea and a plate full of dainty sandwiches and pastries. Whether you’re doing it alone or with a group of friends, there’s always a sense of taking things slowly and lingering throughout the afternoon.
While afternoon tea may not replace the traditional merienda of the Philippines, the Filipino approach to this British tradition incorporates a few touches that make the concept more appealing to the Filipino palate, especially when it comes to updating the traditional offerings. We look at the growing trend of afternoon tea in Manila and find out where you can try it.
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5 of The Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Manila
The best afternoon tea offerings of restaurants and hotel lobby lounges in Manila offer a combination of updated food choices, fine teas, and an ambiance that’s conducive to cozy moments. They don’t have to stick to tradition, but they capture the lively spirit of afternoon tea that Filipinos have come to embrace.
The Lobby, Manila Peninsula, Makati
One of the first hotels in Manila to offer afternoon tea, The Lobby’s posh interiors and relaxing atmosphere makes for a luxurious approach to afternoon tea. Guests who come for tea can enjoy their snacks as-is or add champagne for an extra festive touch.
Currently there are three set menus for afternoon tea at The Lobby, including one with a selection of fully plant-based pastries and spreads. The Classic menu still stands out as one of the best, however, thanks to its roster of hearty mini-sandwiches and quiches. And if you have room for dessert, there’s always the hotel’s famous halo-halo to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Writers Bar, Raffles Makati
The Singapore-inspired Writers Bar stands out for its oversized furniture and introspective ambiance, but you don’t need to be a writer to enjoy your tea there. The afternoon tea service at Writers Bar is best suited for intimate moments when you want to be alone, even with a friend.
True to its name, the Honeyluxe Afternoon Tea at Writers Bar uses honey as an ingredient in different ways, from savory sandwiches and crepes to fusion-style macarons and scones. The set menu comes with a choice of coffee or tea, but guests can also order an upgrade to cocktails or even a healthy mocktail.
C Lounge, Conrad Hotel, Pasay
Enjoy your tea with a view of the Manila Bay sunset. After a day-long round of shopping at the nearby Mall of Asia (one of the biggest shopping malls in the Metro), a merienda break at the C Lounge might be the pick-me-up that you need, with comfortable chairs and impeccable service.
Boasting a wide array of macarons, pastries, and some inspired bites flavored with beef caldereta and tuna sisig, the Splendor Afternoon Tea Set at C Lounge is a radical break from tradition. Share your snacks with a friend and linger over a few quiet moments, away from the hustle.
The Lobby Lounge, Manila Hotel, Manila
Not to be outdone, the Manila Hotel has not one but two separate Afternoon Tea services, one for the lounge and one for the Champagne Room. While the Champagne Room service comes with champagne, the afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge is uniquely Filipino in its atmosphere and selections.
The afternoon tea set at The Lobby Lounge includes unique takes on merienda favorites such as pan de sal sandwiches, rice cakes, and even spring rolls in addition to scones and quiches. Guests can also order additional cakes and pastries from the a la carte menu for added variety.
Bizu Patisserie and Bistro, Greenhills Promenade, San Juan
The Bizu chain is well-known for their all-day tea service, but the branch in Greenhills stands out for its spaciousness. The romantic décor is reminiscent of period dramas (think Bridgerton) and the pretty French pastries in the deli case are enticing, yet it’s the classic tea service menu that keeps customers coming back for more.
Order the set for two and linger over a selection of scones, chocolate truffles, sandwiches and sweet pastries, washed down with a pot of premium tea. Tea sets are also available to order online for home delivery, but it’s still best to enjoy the tea service at the restaurant, with a side of people-watching.
Final Thoughts
When the elegance of afternoon tea combines with Filipino hospitality, a new snack time ritual is born. Teatime in Manila takes the experience of merienda to a different level, introducing new tastes and enhancing moments to savor over time.
Whether you’re sipping your tea alone at the mall or a hotel lobby with friends, taking an afternoon tea break is an enjoyable alternative to the usual coffee dates. Take your friends and family out to tea for a special occasion, or splurge on a tea set to break from the usual afternoon snack habit. You’ll be sure to experience a world of sophistication beyond your expectations.
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Featured Image by Fairmont Hotels (parent company of Raffles Makati)
