A Fancy Date For Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula in Hong Kong

Continuing with the theme of eating the best foods around Hong Kong, yesterday afternoon, Sam and I decided to go have afternoon tea at The Peninsula.

The Peninsula is one of the oldest hotels in all of Hong Kong and when it first opened its doors in 1928, it was referred to as the ‘finest hotel east of the Suez’.

Setting foot in The Peninsula was like walking into a different world; the hotel’s entrance was lined with Ferraris and Rolls Royces, while inside shops like Prada, Hermès, and Cartier showed off their latest collections in their sparkling window displays.

Why Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Is a Hong Kong Classic

First Impressions: Glamour, Music, and Old-World Atmosphere

A live band was playing classical music in the gold and creme coloured lobby, and between the glittering chandeliers and the lush palms it was very much a magical setting.

However, before I tell you all about the magic, let me begin by saying that the wait to get in to The Peninsula for afternoon tea is very, very long .

Beating the Queue: What to Know About the Wait

Tea is served from 2:00 to 6:00pm, and while Sam and I both knew we needed to arrive early, 2:10 proved to be a little too late. By the time we walked into the hotel, the line was already wrapping itself down the hall and around the corridor.

We were told that the wait would be about 1 hour, and we decided that since we were already dressed up and had come all the way out here, we would queue with the other guests…

Well, it took 2 hours to get a table. 

I know, I know! I’ve never stood in line for food that long, and I wouldn’t under normal circumstances (I almost find that a little offensive), however, after standing in line for 1 hour I just didn’t want to give up my place even though Sam was ready to walk out. I felt like I had waited too long, plus I could almost taste the scones!

Timing Tips: When to Arrive (and When to Skip the Line)

It could have been because it was the weekend and because it was late summer, but regardless, if you decide to go have tea at The Peninsula, be sure to arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before tea time starts! Or just arrive really late since by 5:30 the line had already died down.

But moving on to the tea!

What We Ordered: The Peninsula’s Afternoon Tea for Two

Since this kind of outing isn’t something we do very often, Sam and I decided to splurge a little by ordering the Afternoon Tea for Two (pictured above).

It was absolutely decadent!

Sips to Start: Tea, Milkshakes, and Nostalgia

I chose a cup of mango tea while the boy opted for a vanilla milkshake – I had a sip of his and it transported me back to a 1950s diner – it was  that good.

Tier-by-Tier Treats: Sweets, Savories, and Scones

Our 3 tier cake plate soon arrived and it was filled with some delicious bite-sized treats.

The top tier had macaroons, green tea cake with cranberries, lemon merengue pie in a chocolate crust, raspberry sponge cake, and sweet pastry puffs.

The second tier had savoury canapes, cucumber sandwiches, prosciutto sandwiches, and my favourite, smoked salmon sandwiches.

And afternoon tea would not have been complete without a third plate filled with scones!

Warm scones with clotted cream and jam are a little indulgence of mine whenever I travel to England (as in I eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and can hardly control myself!), so it was a nice little treat to have these all the way out in Hong Kong.

Was It Worth the Hype? Our 2-Hour Wait vs. 30-Minute Feast

In the end it only took us 30 minutes to enjoy our afternoon tea; a little ironic after standing in line for two hours, but that’s what happens when you put good food in front of us. We devour it.

So would I recommend it?

Yes and no.

While having afternoon tea at The Peninsula was a fun Saturday date, I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect people to stand in line for two hours.

At least have some seating for those waiting in line and maybe hand out a glass of water and some small hors d’oeuvres every once in a while…

Keep in mind that The Peninsula isn’t the only option. There are many hotels in Hong Kong that serve afternoon tea, and while I can’t guarantee that the wait times will be any shorter, it might just be worth seeking out some of these spots.

Essential Details: Price, Reservations, and Dress Code

Afternoon tea at The Peninsula is HK $328 (USD $42) for 1 person, or HK $578 (USD $75) for 2 persons.

No reservations are accepted.

Dress code is smart casual.

 Have you ever gone out for afternoon tea? Tell me about it.

🫖 The Art of Afternoon Tea in Hong Kong: Making the Most of Your Experience

🍰 What’s Included? A Look Inside the Afternoon Tea Experience

Here’s a little breakdown of what you can expect from the classic afternoon tea at The Peninsula—and how to make the most of every bite!

The Savory Layer (Middle Tier)

• Smoked salmon sandwiches
• Cucumber and prosciutto bites
• Delicate canapés
• Egg salad or roast beef (occasionally swapped in)

The Sweet Layer (Top Tier)

• French macarons (varied flavors)
• Mini cakes: matcha with cranberries, raspberry sponge, chocolate lemon meringue
• Éclairs and sweet pastry puffs

The Essential Scone Layer (Bottom Tier)

• Warm scones (classic and sometimes with raisins)
• Served with clotted cream, house-made strawberry jam, and lemon curd

Drinks

• Over 20 teas to choose from (think mango black, jasmine, Earl Grey, oolong, and more)
• Or, go off-script with a milkshake, hot chocolate, or specialty coffee

How Does The Peninsula Compare? Afternoon Tea Across Hong Kong

If you want the iconic experience but are wary of two-hour queues, Hong Kong has plenty of other elegant hotels with top-notch tea service. Here’s a quick comparison of some of the city’s most beloved spots:

What sets The Peninsula apart?

• It’s the original—the hotel that defined afternoon tea in Hong Kong.
• The grandeur of the setting and the old-world formality is unmatched.
• The “people-watching” here is second to none, with a cross-section of locals, expats, and global travelers mingling under the chandeliers.

💡 Tips for a Smooth(er) Afternoon Tea

To ensure your experience is all pleasure and no stress:

• Arrive Early (or Very Late!):
  The queue starts forming 30–45 minutes before 2:00 p.m. On weekends and holidays, the earlier, the better! For shorter waits, come after 5:00 p.m. when the crowd thins and service is still lovely.
• Dress the Part:
  Peninsula’s “smart casual” means no shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops. Think chic sundress, trousers, or a crisp shirt—no need for a tux, but you’ll feel more at home dressed up.
• Special Requests:
  Celebrating something? Tell the staff! They’ll often bring out a small cake or candle for birthdays or anniversaries.
• Allergies & Dietary Needs:
  Mention any restrictions when you’re seated. The staff can provide vegetarian, gluten-free, or nut-free options if given advance notice.
• Pack Your Patience:
  Remember, the wait is part of the experience. Use the time to enjoy the live music, admire the hotel’s architecture, or people-watch in style.

🕰️ A Little History: Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula

Did you know?

• Afternoon tea was introduced to Hong Kong during British colonial rule, and The Peninsula’s lobby has been serving it since the 1930s.
• The tradition is rooted in the 19th-century English custom of pausing between lunch and dinner for a light snack and tea—often to break up a long day of social visits or business.
• Over time, this tradition was woven into the social fabric of Hong Kong, and today, locals and travelers alike cherish the ritual as a way to celebrate special occasions or just slow down for an hour.

🍽️ What Makes Afternoon Tea in Hong Kong Unique?

Hong Kong’s afternoon teas are more than just carbon copies of British tradition. Here, you’ll often find creative Asian flavors—think yuzu curd tarts, green tea macarons, sesame scones, or dumpling-inspired finger foods—side by side with classics like egg salad and Victoria sponge.

You’ll notice:

• A seamless mix of East and West on every plate
• New seasonal treats at holidays (like mooncake-inspired pastries for Mid-Autumn Festival)
• A playful, modern twist on presentation—some venues even do themed teas around movies, artists, or pop culture!

More Alternatives When the Queue Kills the Mood

Hong Kong’s hotel scene loves a tier‑tray, so if the Peninsula line snakes past your patience threshold, try these backup plans (each accepts reservations):

🏆 Is It Worth It? The Peninsula vs. the Rest

Should you brave the queue?

• For first-time visitors and lovers of tradition: Absolutely—at least once!
• For regular tea-goers or those short on time: Try another hotel with reservations. The food quality at Hong Kong’s top hotels is generally excellent, so you won’t miss out.
• For those craving a special occasion or a touch of old-world glam: There’s simply no substitute.