Afternoon tea is a British tradition, but if you’re planning to go to Dubai anytime soon, it’s well worth treating yourself to this classic cake-and-tea combination while you’re there. Why? Well, there’s always a sense of indulgence around afternoon tea, which means it fits well with Dubai’s luxurious hotels and general affluence. Also, it’s delicious – and doe anyone need a better reason than that!
We’ve put together a shortlist of the establishments with the best reputations for afternoon tea below.
The Westin
You’ll find this hotel on Al Sofouh Road, with afternoon tea served in The Atrium lounge. One of the best things about coming here is that the cakes are really beautifully decorated, so you can enjoy the decadent feel that often comes with tucking into afternoon tea.
As well as the usual staples like Breakfast Tea, there are some pretty unusual-sounding teas to try too, like Organic Dragon Well and Flowering Osmathus. So, this is a great place to be adventurous and give something new a go!
The dress code is smart-casual, and the staff are polite and helpful.
Sofitel Jumeirah Beach
You can’t go to Dubai and not visit the famous Jumeirah Beach area, and while you’re there you may as well treat yourself to a little afternoon tea break. You are on holiday, after all!
Afternoon tea here is served in the hotel’s 24-hour bar, Plantation. Designed to resemble a colonial conservatory, this venue has a very sophisticated feel – something that’s reflected in the menu too. Alongside afternoon tea, the bar also serves up French delicacies, and you’ll notice some French flourishes in the former too, such as lobster sandwiches.
Another thing that makes the Sofitel stand out is that its presentation is quite unusual – the afternoon tea is usually served on robust black crockery, reminiscent of Japanese-style teas.
Bateaux Dubai
If you fancy doing something a little bit different, reserving a table for afternoon tea on Bateaux Dubai is a brilliant choice. Instead of just sitting down to a tasty selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries, you’ll also enjoy a 45-minute cruise on a boat that offers 360-degree views. It doesn’t get much better than that!
The food here is fabulous, too, so you needn’t worry that you’re sacrificing the quality of your tea for the fun of cruising. Plus, the staff are very attentive, which is always a bonus.
Park Hyatt Dubai
Another great place for afternoon tea is the Park Hyatt Dubai. The Lounge is a pretty, Arabic-themed venue that has some great and unusual features, like a central indoor garden. So, it’s got a great elegant-but-casual atmosphere.
Afternoon tea is served daily between 14:00 and 18:00 local time, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion, why not treat yourself to a champagne tea? You can get these from 14:00 to 16:00.
One&Only Royal Mirage
The last afternoon tea venue on my shortlist is the One & Only Royal Mirage. If you want to enjoy your tea in lavish surroundings, this establishment’s Samavor Lounge is definitely the place to go – it’s Arabic theme includes incredibly soft sofas and velvet drapes.
Perhaps the best thing about coming here, though, is that the portions are nice and generous, while the food looks virtually too good to eat.
Have you had afternoon tea in Dubai recently? Drop us a line and let us know where you went and, more importantly, how it was!
