Life
Fancy an afternoon tea with your loved ones? You’re in the right place as we’ve rounded up a selection of premium offerings around Dubai to not miss this season.
Regarded as a traditional British meal typically served in the mid-afternoon. It originated in the early 19th century and was popularized by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. She introduced the idea of having a light meal between lunch and dinner, usually consisting of tea, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of pastries and cakes.
Today, afternoon tea in Dubai enjoys celebratory status. Flutes of Champagne and pretty pastries are a given, while exotic nibbles and potent cocktails mean that what now constitutes this most genteel of refreshments
Here’s a breakdown of what you might find at a traditional afternoon tea:
Tea
A variety of teas are usually offered, including black, green, and herbal teas. Popular choices include Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Assam.
Sandwiches
These are typically small, crustless sandwiches with fillings such as cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, and ham with mustard.
Scones
Freshly baked scones are a staple, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Pastries and Cakes
A selection of sweets, including mini cakes, tarts, and sometimes more elaborate pastries, are served to finish the meal.
Extras
Some afternoon teas may also include other items like small quiches, savory pastries, or fruit preserves.
From glistening views of Dubai’s skyline to unmissable decadent delights that each venue has to offer, there are a host of venues to visit. We’ve sat down to countless cups of tea, finger sandwiches, scones and macarons to bring you our editors’ reviews of the best afternoon teas in the emirate – from the traditional spreads to the modern interpretations that roll on into evening drinks.
