In Singapore, traditions such as British high tea and the Chinese tea ceremony live side by side with a growing coffee culture. These popular hangouts are all over the city. Here are a few places to try.
British High Tea -- Two fabulous places to take high tea in style are at Raffles Bar & Billiard Room at Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd. (tel. 65/6331-1746), and Equinox at Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd. (tel. 65/6431-6156). Both places are lovely, if pricey. The buffet will cost anywhere from S$35 to S$45 (US$22-US$29/£12-£15). High tea is served in the afternoons from 3 until 5 or 5:30pm.
Chinese Tea -- There are a few places in Chinatown where tea is still as important today as it has always been in Chinese culture. The Tea Chapter, 11A Neil Rd. (tel. 65/6226-1175), and Yixing Xuan, 30-32 Tanjong Pagar Rd. (tel. 65/6224-6961), offer tranquil respites from the day and cultural insight into Chinese tea appreciation.
Cafes -- Western-style coffee joints have been popping up left and right all over the island, so coffee-addicted travelers can rest assured that in the morning their favorite blends are brewing close by -- as long as you don't mind spending up to S$4 (US$2.60/£1.30) for a cup of brew. Starbucks, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, the Coffee Club, Spinelli, and many more international chain cafes have outlets in just about every shopping mall in the city.
