It began, as many beautiful things do, in the shadow of empire. Afternoon tea, that most British of rituals, first arrived in Asia aboard steamships and colonial ambition—an imported habit meant to fill the long, humid hours between luncheon and dinner. But in true Asian fashion, the region made it its own. From Tokyo to Phnom Penh, Hong Kong to Hue, today’s afternoon teas are no longer quaint echoes of Victorian England. They’re opulent, inventive, and wildly regional, infused with everything from jasmine mousse to pandan scones, matcha ganache to fish sauce caramel.

What was once about silverware and crustless sandwiches has become a platform for cultural fusion—sometimes cheeky, sometimes reverent, always delicious. Whether served in vintage tea cabinets hand-carved in Chiang Mai or in treetop pods overlooking the Andaman Sea, the modern Asian afternoon tea is a multisensory celebration. Below, we sip and nibble our way across the continent, from legendary hotel lounges to whimsical high-altitude hideaways.

Siem Reap & Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Colonial Elegance at Raffles

Few hotels embody Indochine grace quite like the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, where afternoon tea is served daily in the languid Conservatory overlooking pool and gardens. A live pianist sets the mood as trays arrive stacked with beetroot cucumber sandwiches, Khmer curried egg brioche, and berry religieuse. Priced at $32++ per person, guests may also opt for a local twist with the Khmer Afternoon Tea set.

At Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, the fabled Writers Bar offers two tiers of indulgence: the Western-style Le Royal Afternoon Tea, and the Angkor Afternoon Tea (USD $18++), which features Khmer sweets and local scones alongside mini Nom Pang Khmer.

Hong Kong: ‘It’s Afternoon O’Clock’ at The Hari

Hong Kong’s stylish The Hari has declared it’s always “Afternoon O’Clock,” launching a daily tea service (3–5pm) served alfresco on The Terrace or surrounded by art and books in The Lounge. Think snow crab tartelettes, salted egg sandwiches, matcha ice cream lollipops, and miso salmon fingers—served in a bespoke tea box with detox water.

Weekday tea for two is HKD 588, or HKD 628 on weekends. Add free-flow champagne for HKD 198 per person.

Cam Ranh, Vietnam: Two Teas at The Anam

At The Colonial Restaurant in The Anam Cam Ranh, guests choose between Eastern or Western afternoon teas. Whether you fancy banh mi with chestnut pork or Norwegian salmon confit mini-burgers, the spread (available 3–5pm daily) also includes opera cake and raspberry cheesecake. At VND 799,000 nett for two (~USD 30.60), it’s a culinary globe-trot with views.

Tokyo, Japan: The Art of Nature at Palace Hotel

A study in Japanese refinement, Palace Hotel Tokyo’s “Stones” Afternoon Tea is plated on lacquerware crafted by artisans under Akito Akagi. The spring menu echoes seasonal harmony—cherry blossom mousse, spinach-bun plant-based burgers, and truffled white asparagus potage.

Served at The Palace Lounge, tea from the century-old TEA NAKAMURA completes the ritual. Priced at JPY 9,000 per person or JPY 12,000 with champagne. Reservations essential.

Cam Ranh, Vietnam: Piano Notes and Ocean Views at Alma

At Alma Cam Ranh, “Emily’s Afternoon Tea” plays out with a live pianist and ocean breezes. Served daily 2–5pm at Alma Lounge, the set includes smoked salmon sandwiches, opera cake, raisin scones, pralines, and a wide array of teas and coffees. All this for just VND 660,000 (~USD 27.90) per couple.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Tea with a View at Meliá

Atop the 21st floor of Meliá Chiang Mai, the Mai Restaurant and Bar offers a tea tribute to Chiang Mai’s famed Baan Tawai Wood Carving Village. The tea cabinet itself is handcrafted; inside are katsu sandos, ume plum ice pops, sakura mochi, and yuzu scones. Served daily 2–5pm for THB 999 net for two, this tea is both art and altitude.

Krabi, Thailand: Treehouse Tea at Banyan Tree

Teatime soars—literally—at Banyan Tree Krabi’s Bird’s Nest pods, suspended above the Andaman Sea. Choose from porcelain sets like Citrus Charm or Sapphire Sips, and sample delights like Pani Puri Caviar, Mango Sticky Rice Mousse, and Truffle-Braised Wagyu. Supplied by Dilmah, the tea selection includes everything from Peppermint to Jasmine Green. Getting there involves a scenic funicular ride to Saffron, the hotel’s signature Thai restaurant.

Osaka, Japan: Strawberry Dreams at Zentis

Zentis Osaka’s ‘Stay & Savor’ package blends boutique design and culinary indulgence. Afternoon tea, served at UPSTAIRZ, reflects the seasonal bounty—in spring, that means white and red strawberries, lychee mousse, and wagyu-strawberry croissants. The striking limestone staircase at the heart of the hotel inspires the tea’s tiered presentation. Rates start at JPY 56,500 (single occupancy, two-night stay with breakfast and afternoon tea).

Da Nang, Vietnam: Vegan and Vibrant at TIA Wellness

At TIA Wellness Resort, tea becomes a path to nourishment. Choose between two nutrient-dense menus: a fully plant-based set (VND 900,000++) or the signature wellness version with omega-rich salmon (VND 1,100,000++). Vegan scones with whipped coconut cream meet charcoal ciabatta sandwiches and blueberry cashew cheesecake. Served in-villa or in the garden, it’s tea with a wellness philosophy.

Hue, Vietnam: River Cruise Tea at Azerai

For something unforgettable, book the Azerai La Residence, Hue’s Afternoon Tea Cruise down the Perfume River. Savory croissants, chocolate brownies, and signature teas are served as the historic banks glide past. Prefer your tea on land? Visit Le Gouverneur Bar, where the same set is offered in Art Deco surroundings for VND 320,000++ for two. At sister resort Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a daily Vietnamese Tasting Session (15:30–16:30) offers homemade cakes and tea, complimentary.

Hanoi, Vietnam: Legendary Moments at Metropole

At the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, afternoon tea is timeless. Served in the Le Club Bar overlooking a French garden courtyard, the experience merges British tradition with Parisian sophistication. Delicate sandwiches, scones with Chantilly cream, tropical fruit salad, and exquisite patisseries are accompanied by fragrant tea. The setting is every bit as elegant as the treats.

By Linh Tran

Food and culture writer based in Hanoi. A lifelong lover of tea, silk, and street snacks, Linh chronicles the evolving taste of Asia—one pot, one plate, one passion at a time.