Tea houses and UFO villages: The ultimate 5-day guide to Taipei, Travel News
Taipei hums in layers. Temples waft incense beside neon arcades. Locals start their days with scallion pancakes or hot soy milk, and end them with a cocktail behind an unmarked door. It's a place where centuries-old rituals coexist with pop culture kitsch. Every alley seems to lead to a shrine, a cat, or an unforgettable steaming bowl of deliciousness.
What makes Taipei special isn't just landmarks: its contrasts add meaning and surprise us at every corner.
Dumpling shops share walls with vinyl bars. Japanese-style bathhouses sit down the street from Bauhaus cafes. Old military villages become artist communes. This five-day guide is for the curious traveller, someone who wants their itinerary served with a side of chaos and charm. You'll wander from teahouses to techno clubs, hike a mountain before breakfast, and maybe have your fortune told… by a bird!
And yes, there is an abandoned UFO village. It's real, weird, and oddly beautiful in that retro-futurist, crumbling-coastline way. Welcome to Taipei: modern yet timeless, fast yet thoughtful, with just enough eccentricity to help explore taipei in 5 days in ways that will feed stories you'll retell for years.
Taipei is often overlooked on "cool cities" lists, but it shouldn't be. This 5-day, 4-night itinerary blends iconic sights with local secrets and surreal diversions. You'll start midweek and finish with a weekend buzz, when the city leans into its creative energy and caffeinated charm. Before you go: Where to stay
The city's MRT makes everything accessible, so base yourself on your vibe. For cafes, leafy streets, and a mellow pace, stay in Da'an or Dongmen. If you're into night markets and karaoke bars, try Ximending, where youth culture glows past midnight. In case you rather a mix of the above, Zhongshan has design hotels, riverside paths, and low-key speakeasies. And if hot springs or forest trails are more appealling to you, Beitou offers a retreat feel, just 30 minutes from the city centre. Day 1: Peaks, parks & hidden pours
Start your Taipei adventure above it all. A short walk from Xiangshan MRT leads to Elephant Mountain, a brisk 20-minute climb rewarding you with a jaw-dropping panorama of the city, with Taipei 101 rising like a steel bamboo shoot. Go early for a soft morning light. It's an energising first glimpse into Taipei's love affair with contrasts.
From peak to past, descend into Sisi South Village, a low-slung warren of repurposed military homes just minutes away. Now a creative space, it blends indie shops, vintage memorabilia, and quiet courtyards with an unbeatable photo op: crumbling walls in the foreground, Taipei 101 towering just behind. Grab breakfast here — we suggest soy milk and a flaky shaobing — at a village cafe. After a rewarding uphill walk, it's time to explore Taipei's flavours
Come midday, head over to Yongkang Street, a micro-neighbourhood punching above its weight in flavour. Start with a steaming bowl of beef noodle soup, Lan Jia Gua Bao or Yong Kang Beef Noodles spark local debates, then follow with icy mango shaved ice or a flaky scallion pancake from a curbside stall. Taipei eats best when you graze.
Refuelled, dive into the creative chaos of Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a former sake distillery turned cultural powerhouse. Stroll among ivy-covered warehouses now home to design studios, pop-up installations, experimental bookstores, and even an upside down house! It's industrial bones with a creative heartbeat.
As evening sets in, wander towards Ningxia Night Market, a more compact and local alternative to Shilin. Follow your nose toward sizzling taro balls, flame-grilled squid, and chewy oyster omelets. The pace is frenzied, and the flavors unapologetically bold.
Cap your night with a cocktail behind a curtain. HANKO 60, hidden in plain sight as a vintage cinema façade in Ximending, leads into a moody speakeasy with jazz notes and retro glamour. This is Taipei's night in a nutshell, just enough mystery, just enough magic. Day 2: Urban oddities & neon dreams
Start your second day with a step into the miniature. Tucked away in Zhongshan, the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan is a gem filled with painstakingly crafted dollhouses, pocket-sized palaces, and entire storybook towns rendered in meticulous detail. There's a surprising stillness to the experience.
From tiny to ridiculous, head to Modern Toilet Restaurant in Ximending for lunch. This parody of fine dining invites you to sit on actual toilet seats while being served curry in miniature commodes and soft-serve swirled into tiny urinals. It's toilet humour at its most photogenic, the selfies are non-negotiable.
Back outside, dive into Ximending itself. This pedestrian-only playground is Taipei's hub of youth culture: equal parts open-air catwalk and street art gallery. Hunt down niche fashion boutiques, pause for bubble tea, and catch live performances. Every alley pulses with colour and chaos.
Or for something gentler, wind down at Capybara Knight, a cosy cafe where the world's largest rodents roam freely. It's a surprisingly serene moment: cappuccino in hand, capybara by your feet.
When lights go down, they go big at Shilin Night Market, Taipei's largest. Towering fried chicken cutlets, sizzling oyster omelets, sugar-dusted mochi. You'll smell it all before you see it. If you still have energy, end with a nightcap at a tucked-away speakeasy like Ounce or Bar PUN, where cocktail theatre plays out behind hidden doors. Day 3: Coastal curiosities & imperial treasures
Shake off the city for a morning of strange architecture and sea air. Head north to the area around Wanli UFO Village, a half-forgotten relic of 1970s sci-fi optimism. Originally a beachfront resort with pod-shaped Futuro and Venturo houses, the project was later abandoned. While many structures are gone or inaccessible, some remaining alien domes offer a glimpse into this surreal past.
Note: Some structures are demolished or privately owned and may still be lived in. Being respectful is advised, as well as staying outside fences, and only taking photos. Access is limited and should be treated with care.
Just south along the coast, Yehliu Geopark offers an entirely different natural strangeness. Wind and wave erosion have sculpted the shoreline into a geological sculpture park: mushroom rocks, honeycomb craters, and the famous Queen's Head. It's both alien and earthly, walking the trails feels like pacing through nature's art exhibit.
By late afternoon, swap wind for dynasty at the National Palace Museum. Back in Taipei, this giant holds over 600,000 artifacts from China's imperial past: jade carvings, scrolls, bronze, delicate porcelain. It's a vault of millennia. Don't miss the jadeite cabbage and the curiously famous meat-shaped stone.
For dinner, nearby Shilin offers refined Taiwanese staples, such as three-cup chicken or braised pork belly in polished, quiet restaurants. And if you're not ready to rush home, consider winding down at The Malt (near Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT). This cosy, low-lit whisky bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere with an extensive selection of spirits, perfect for a relaxed evening and a quiet conversation. It's the perfect counterbalance to a day of coastlines, time capsules, and dynastic wonder. Day 4: Grand statements & riverside revelry
Start the day with grandeur. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, crowned with its blue-and-white pagoda roof and flanked by sweeping staircases, is one of Taipei's most iconic landmarks. From 9am to 5pm, you can catch the changing of the guard on the hour: a solemn, balletic ritual that draws crowds. Beyond the central hall, roam among the beautiful surrounding gardens and lotus ponds.
Late morning calls for a detour into Taipei's flea market underworld. Beneath the Fúhe Bridge, the air buzzes with barter and the scent of vintage vinyl. This gritty, sprawling market is a trove of randomness: jade bracelets, second-hand cameras, army jackets. It's dusty, chaotic, and deliciously local. Perfect for treasure hunters or people-watchers.
Grab a late lunch from a humble vendor nearby or head back toward the east side for an afternoon among neon and nostalgia at the Taipei Pop Music Centre. This angular structure in Nangang celebrates Mandopop with immersive exhibits and striking architecture. Whether you're a Jay Chou fan or not, the vibe is electric and modern. Bike hauling: a great way to explore the city
As the sky softens, hop on a YouBike and follow the riverside trail. The path from Songshan to Rainbow Riverside Park offers a lesser-seen angle on Taipei 101, framed by bridges, basketball courts, and sweeping water views. By twilight, Rainbow Bridge glows to life: a curve of LED colour floating over the Keelung River. Sunset here hits different.
Wrap the day with dinner in the Songshan District, whether it's beef noodle soup or dry-aged yakitori. But before you call it a night, try your luck with one of Taipei's most eccentric divinations: fortune telling by a bird. Found near temples like Songshan Ciyou or tucked in night market corners, this delightful ritual involves a songbird picking a card revealing your fate. Strange? Definitely. But also a poetic end to a day that balanced power, play, and perspective. Day 5: Brunch & Bon Voyage
Ease into your final morning with one of Taipei's quiet rituals: a traditional breakfast. Skip the hotel buffet and find a local favourite like Fuhang Soy Milk. There, a spread of warm soy milk (doujiang), flaky scallion pancakes, and freshly fried youtiao (dough sticks) offers more than sustenance, it's Taipei's heartbeat in edible form.
For a last-minute stroll and souvenir fix, Dihua Street in Dadaocheng is a strong contender. Morning light filters over baroque shophouses filled with tea canisters, handmade soaps, dried fruits, and craft shops. You'll find it relaxed, walkable, and just the right blend of heritage and hip for a final wander.
Whether flying from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Songshan Airport (TSA), the MRT and airport buses make getting there painless. Just leave enough time to grab a last-minute pineapple cake or two. Until next time, Taipei
This 5-day itinerary has swept from mountaintop sunrises to riverside neon, from imperial art to fried chicken alleys, and from cats in cafes to birds that tell your fortune. It's less about checking off landmarks and more about collecting moments, collecting memories that smell like soy broth or sound like laughter bouncing off a karaoke bar's brick walls.
A short trip as such gives just enough time to find a rhythm. But don't be surprised if you leave with plans already brewing, whether it's to soak in Beitou's hot springs, hike Yangmingshan's volcanic trails, or track down more of those secret bars.
Taipei lingers. In the details, in the snacks, in the strangeness. And if you've made it this far, chances are… you'll be back in no time.
[[nid:716498]]
This article was first published in City Nomads.
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AsiaOne
2 days ago
- AsiaOne
Tea houses and UFO villages: The ultimate 5-day guide to Taipei, Travel News
Taipei hums in layers. Temples waft incense beside neon arcades. Locals start their days with scallion pancakes or hot soy milk, and end them with a cocktail behind an unmarked door. It's a place where centuries-old rituals coexist with pop culture kitsch. Every alley seems to lead to a shrine, a cat, or an unforgettable steaming bowl of deliciousness. What makes Taipei special isn't just landmarks: its contrasts add meaning and surprise us at every corner. Dumpling shops share walls with vinyl bars. Japanese-style bathhouses sit down the street from Bauhaus cafes. Old military villages become artist communes. This five-day guide is for the curious traveller, someone who wants their itinerary served with a side of chaos and charm. You'll wander from teahouses to techno clubs, hike a mountain before breakfast, and maybe have your fortune told… by a bird! And yes, there is an abandoned UFO village. It's real, weird, and oddly beautiful in that retro-futurist, crumbling-coastline way. Welcome to Taipei: modern yet timeless, fast yet thoughtful, with just enough eccentricity to help explore taipei in 5 days in ways that will feed stories you'll retell for years. Taipei is often overlooked on "cool cities" lists, but it shouldn't be. This 5-day, 4-night itinerary blends iconic sights with local secrets and surreal diversions. You'll start midweek and finish with a weekend buzz, when the city leans into its creative energy and caffeinated charm. Before you go: Where to stay The city's MRT makes everything accessible, so base yourself on your vibe. For cafes, leafy streets, and a mellow pace, stay in Da'an or Dongmen. If you're into night markets and karaoke bars, try Ximending, where youth culture glows past midnight. In case you rather a mix of the above, Zhongshan has design hotels, riverside paths, and low-key speakeasies. And if hot springs or forest trails are more appealling to you, Beitou offers a retreat feel, just 30 minutes from the city centre. Day 1: Peaks, parks & hidden pours Start your Taipei adventure above it all. A short walk from Xiangshan MRT leads to Elephant Mountain, a brisk 20-minute climb rewarding you with a jaw-dropping panorama of the city, with Taipei 101 rising like a steel bamboo shoot. Go early for a soft morning light. It's an energising first glimpse into Taipei's love affair with contrasts. From peak to past, descend into Sisi South Village, a low-slung warren of repurposed military homes just minutes away. Now a creative space, it blends indie shops, vintage memorabilia, and quiet courtyards with an unbeatable photo op: crumbling walls in the foreground, Taipei 101 towering just behind. Grab breakfast here — we suggest soy milk and a flaky shaobing — at a village cafe. After a rewarding uphill walk, it's time to explore Taipei's flavours Come midday, head over to Yongkang Street, a micro-neighbourhood punching above its weight in flavour. Start with a steaming bowl of beef noodle soup, Lan Jia Gua Bao or Yong Kang Beef Noodles spark local debates, then follow with icy mango shaved ice or a flaky scallion pancake from a curbside stall. Taipei eats best when you graze. Refuelled, dive into the creative chaos of Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a former sake distillery turned cultural powerhouse. Stroll among ivy-covered warehouses now home to design studios, pop-up installations, experimental bookstores, and even an upside down house! It's industrial bones with a creative heartbeat. As evening sets in, wander towards Ningxia Night Market, a more compact and local alternative to Shilin. Follow your nose toward sizzling taro balls, flame-grilled squid, and chewy oyster omelets. The pace is frenzied, and the flavors unapologetically bold. Cap your night with a cocktail behind a curtain. HANKO 60, hidden in plain sight as a vintage cinema façade in Ximending, leads into a moody speakeasy with jazz notes and retro glamour. This is Taipei's night in a nutshell, just enough mystery, just enough magic. Day 2: Urban oddities & neon dreams Start your second day with a step into the miniature. Tucked away in Zhongshan, the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan is a gem filled with painstakingly crafted dollhouses, pocket-sized palaces, and entire storybook towns rendered in meticulous detail. There's a surprising stillness to the experience. From tiny to ridiculous, head to Modern Toilet Restaurant in Ximending for lunch. This parody of fine dining invites you to sit on actual toilet seats while being served curry in miniature commodes and soft-serve swirled into tiny urinals. It's toilet humour at its most photogenic, the selfies are non-negotiable. Back outside, dive into Ximending itself. This pedestrian-only playground is Taipei's hub of youth culture: equal parts open-air catwalk and street art gallery. Hunt down niche fashion boutiques, pause for bubble tea, and catch live performances. Every alley pulses with colour and chaos. Or for something gentler, wind down at Capybara Knight, a cosy cafe where the world's largest rodents roam freely. It's a surprisingly serene moment: cappuccino in hand, capybara by your feet. When lights go down, they go big at Shilin Night Market, Taipei's largest. Towering fried chicken cutlets, sizzling oyster omelets, sugar-dusted mochi. You'll smell it all before you see it. If you still have energy, end with a nightcap at a tucked-away speakeasy like Ounce or Bar PUN, where cocktail theatre plays out behind hidden doors. Day 3: Coastal curiosities & imperial treasures Shake off the city for a morning of strange architecture and sea air. Head north to the area around Wanli UFO Village, a half-forgotten relic of 1970s sci-fi optimism. Originally a beachfront resort with pod-shaped Futuro and Venturo houses, the project was later abandoned. While many structures are gone or inaccessible, some remaining alien domes offer a glimpse into this surreal past. Note: Some structures are demolished or privately owned and may still be lived in. Being respectful is advised, as well as staying outside fences, and only taking photos. Access is limited and should be treated with care. Just south along the coast, Yehliu Geopark offers an entirely different natural strangeness. Wind and wave erosion have sculpted the shoreline into a geological sculpture park: mushroom rocks, honeycomb craters, and the famous Queen's Head. It's both alien and earthly, walking the trails feels like pacing through nature's art exhibit. By late afternoon, swap wind for dynasty at the National Palace Museum. Back in Taipei, this giant holds over 600,000 artifacts from China's imperial past: jade carvings, scrolls, bronze, delicate porcelain. It's a vault of millennia. Don't miss the jadeite cabbage and the curiously famous meat-shaped stone. For dinner, nearby Shilin offers refined Taiwanese staples, such as three-cup chicken or braised pork belly in polished, quiet restaurants. And if you're not ready to rush home, consider winding down at The Malt (near Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT). This cosy, low-lit whisky bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere with an extensive selection of spirits, perfect for a relaxed evening and a quiet conversation. It's the perfect counterbalance to a day of coastlines, time capsules, and dynastic wonder. Day 4: Grand statements & riverside revelry Start the day with grandeur. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, crowned with its blue-and-white pagoda roof and flanked by sweeping staircases, is one of Taipei's most iconic landmarks. From 9am to 5pm, you can catch the changing of the guard on the hour: a solemn, balletic ritual that draws crowds. Beyond the central hall, roam among the beautiful surrounding gardens and lotus ponds. Late morning calls for a detour into Taipei's flea market underworld. Beneath the Fúhe Bridge, the air buzzes with barter and the scent of vintage vinyl. This gritty, sprawling market is a trove of randomness: jade bracelets, second-hand cameras, army jackets. It's dusty, chaotic, and deliciously local. Perfect for treasure hunters or people-watchers. Grab a late lunch from a humble vendor nearby or head back toward the east side for an afternoon among neon and nostalgia at the Taipei Pop Music Centre. This angular structure in Nangang celebrates Mandopop with immersive exhibits and striking architecture. Whether you're a Jay Chou fan or not, the vibe is electric and modern. Bike hauling: a great way to explore the city As the sky softens, hop on a YouBike and follow the riverside trail. The path from Songshan to Rainbow Riverside Park offers a lesser-seen angle on Taipei 101, framed by bridges, basketball courts, and sweeping water views. By twilight, Rainbow Bridge glows to life: a curve of LED colour floating over the Keelung River. Sunset here hits different. Wrap the day with dinner in the Songshan District, whether it's beef noodle soup or dry-aged yakitori. But before you call it a night, try your luck with one of Taipei's most eccentric divinations: fortune telling by a bird. Found near temples like Songshan Ciyou or tucked in night market corners, this delightful ritual involves a songbird picking a card revealing your fate. Strange? Definitely. But also a poetic end to a day that balanced power, play, and perspective. Day 5: Brunch & Bon Voyage Ease into your final morning with one of Taipei's quiet rituals: a traditional breakfast. Skip the hotel buffet and find a local favourite like Fuhang Soy Milk. There, a spread of warm soy milk (doujiang), flaky scallion pancakes, and freshly fried youtiao (dough sticks) offers more than sustenance, it's Taipei's heartbeat in edible form. For a last-minute stroll and souvenir fix, Dihua Street in Dadaocheng is a strong contender. Morning light filters over baroque shophouses filled with tea canisters, handmade soaps, dried fruits, and craft shops. You'll find it relaxed, walkable, and just the right blend of heritage and hip for a final wander. Whether flying from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Songshan Airport (TSA), the MRT and airport buses make getting there painless. Just leave enough time to grab a last-minute pineapple cake or two. Until next time, Taipei This 5-day itinerary has swept from mountaintop sunrises to riverside neon, from imperial art to fried chicken alleys, and from cats in cafes to birds that tell your fortune. It's less about checking off landmarks and more about collecting moments, collecting memories that smell like soy broth or sound like laughter bouncing off a karaoke bar's brick walls. A short trip as such gives just enough time to find a rhythm. But don't be surprised if you leave with plans already brewing, whether it's to soak in Beitou's hot springs, hike Yangmingshan's volcanic trails, or track down more of those secret bars. Taipei lingers. In the details, in the snacks, in the strangeness. And if you've made it this far, chances are… you'll be back in no time. [[nid:716498]] This article was first published in City Nomads.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Savour seven high tea sets from $25.90
SINGAPORE – School is out and the sun is up, which means most of the country is flocking east – to the airport. If you have opted out of the mid-year vacation crush, there are still ways to take a well-deserved break in Singapore. Why not put on your Sunday best and treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon tea? The British tradition originating in the 19th century has yet to fall out of fashion, even with patrons gravitating towards casual dining. 'Its relevance has remained strong, primarily because afternoon tea is viewed not as an everyday meal, but as an indulgent and experiential occasion. Guests seek it out to mark special moments – be it a birthday, bridal shower or leisurely weekend catch-up,' says InterContinental Singapore executive pastry chef Jason Goh, 40. However, diners these days expect more than just scones and cucumber sandwiches. Pullman Singapore Hill Street's general manager Mazen Abilmona, 49, notes: 'They are more intentional with their spending, and are looking for offerings that feel purposeful, personal and layered with meaning. Rather than just a mid-afternoon indulgence, afternoon tea has evolved into a platform for storytelling.' In response, some hotels have teamed up with snack chains to offer trendy bites. In March and April , Sofitel Singapore City Centre collaborated with Japanese confectioner Warabimochi Kamakura on its springtime afternoon tea, while Pullman Singapore Hill Street worked with local finger foods stalwart Old Chang Kee to offer a taste of heritage. 'For many of our local guests, Old Chang Kee is a brand they grew up with. By reimagining these iconic local flavours in a refined format, from mini Curry'O and Sardine'O puffs to laksa vol-au-vents topped with caviar, we created an experience that felt both deeply personal and delightfully unexpected,' adds Mr Abilmona. High tea remains operationally strategic for restaurants too, allowing them to maximise business and manage costs with forecasted covers. Ami Patisserie chef-director Makoto Arami, 36, says: 'It fills the post-lunch, pre-dinner lull, turning what would usually be quiet hours into an opportunity.' Here are seven afternoon tea sets to check out in June. Taiwan-inspired high tea Choose from two high tea sets at Typhoon Cafe. PHOTO: TYPHOON CAFE Where: Typhoon Cafe, 04- 63 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road When: 2 to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays Info: Get a taste of Taiwan's bustling night markets without having to jostle through a sweaty crowd. At Taiwanese eatery Typhoon Cafe, these treats are served on a tray and interspersed with cups of Gifel Tea, a home-grown brand that prides itself on handpicked exotic brews. Opt for the Exploration Menu, which pairs golden chicken fritters with fruity black tea, mala pancake with lemongrass detox tea, lu rou Momofuku bun with melon oolong tea, and coffee tiramisu cake with earl grey tea. Or try the Discovery Menu: deep-fried shimeiji mushrooms with white ginger pear tea, chilli oil dumplings with Moroccan mint tea, mei cai Momofuku bun with breakfast tea, and ondeh-ondeh cake with a blend of goji berries, tea leaves and floral scents. Each set, available only at Typhoon Cafe's Plaza Singapura branch, can be shared among two people and costs $25.90++. Guests have the option to add free-flow tea for $5.90++. Bubble tea high tea High tea at Kebuke in Sembawang Shopping Centre. PHOTO: KEBUKE Where: Kebuke @ SSC, 01-01 Sembawang Shopping Centre, 604 Sembawang Road When: 11am to 9.30pm, Sundays to Thursdays; 11am to 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays Info: @kebukesg on Instagram If you are the kind of person whose idea of sustenance starts and ends with bubble tea, this one is for you. Kebuke launched its high tea set ($28.80 a person) earlier in 2025 . Blending the Western tradition with artisanal Taiwanese tea, the tiered dessert platter consists of two medium classic teas or milk tea lattes, two sliced cakes, four cream puffs and six cookies. New bakes include a choux pastry filled with rice oolong tea-infused cream, a cream puff flavoured with peach black tea, butter and coffee cookies, as well as a fudge chocolate cake. 'To us, tea is more than just a beverage, it's a lifestyle. The high tea set was born from our desire to showcase the versatility of our artisanal tea leaves, not only in drinks, but also in food,' says Kebuke Singapore director Remus Kan, 29. 'By incorporating our signature brews into freshly made pastries, we offer a refined yet approachable way to enjoy tea culture in every bite.' The high tea set is available only at Kebuke's outlet in Sembawang Shopping Centre. Peter Rabbit-inspired high tea Peter Rabbit-inspired high tea at Skai Restaurant. PHOTO: SKAI RESTAURANT Where: Skai Restaurant, Level 70 Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road When: Till June 30, 3 to 5pm daily Info: Hop over to Skai Restaurant for its Peter Rabbit-inspired high tea. Themed after English writer Beatrix Potter's beloved character, it injects pastoral flair into classic high tea bites. The foie gras and apple filled tartlet, for instance, is fashioned into one of Mr McGregor's – the antagonist in the children's book – shiny red apples. The croissant with tomato, melon and honey ricotta pays tribute to the garden's vibrant bounty, while the wild mushroom mousse with parmesan, cep and sherry vinegar recalls the secret hideaways of another character, Squirrel Nutkin. There are sweet treats too, like a waffle basket brimming with blueberries and edible flowers, as well as a toadstool-shaped vanilla raspberry cheesecake. 'Themed afternoon teas are part of how we stay relevant and creative. It's not just about food, it's also about storytelling. Peter Rabbit offers a nostalgic yet whimsical lens that resonates across generations,' says Mr Marshall Orton , 59, general manager of food and beverage at Swissotel The Stamford, where Skai is located. He adds that by tying in cultural icons or artistic inspiration, the restaurant is able to surprise and engage guests, who are starting to skew younger. Alongside families and mother-daughter duos are now Gen-Z clients, who are drawn to the Instagram- worthy experience. The high tea is available till June 30 and runs daily from 3 to 5pm. The menu is priced at $68++ an adult and $34++ a child aged six to 12 , inclusive of a choice of mocktail, TWG tea or gourmet coffee. Drinks can be upgraded to cocktails like Mischief In The Garden – a sweet and earthy concoction with vodka and carrot juice – for an extra $25. Savoury skewers and sliders Opus Bar & Grill's skewers and sliders stack. PHOTO: OPUS BAR & GRILL Where: Opus Bar & Grill, voco Orchard Singapore, 581 Orchard Road When: Noon to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays; 3 to 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays Info: Opus Bar & Grill has noticed a shift in its afternoon tea crowd. Gone is the monopoly of silver-haired sybarites. Today's diners are younger, more diverse and drawn to bolder flavours. In response, the steakhouse has revamped its midday experience, moving away from traditional finger sandwiches and petit fours to feature savoury light bites that appeal to a wider range of tastebuds. There are skewers spiced up with Asian influences – think teriyaki salmon, bulgogi wagyu beef, chicken masala and miso eggplant – alongside sliders in the form of mini cheeseburgers, smoked beef brisket and crispy fish fillet combos. A trio of desserts consisting of a cheesecake and dark chocolate brownie with hazelnut creme completes the set. 'We wanted to move away from a traditional afternoon tea – where sweets often take centre stage – and have curated a menu with a more savoury-forward approach,' says executive chef Dean Bush, 53, of voco Orchard Singapore , where Opus Bar & Grill is located. Since diners prefer personalised experiences , the restaurant invites them to pick a teacup that resonates with their mood and style from its eclectic collection. It can accommodate dietary preferences where possible – for instance, by swopping proteins for plant-based alternatives or adjusting marinades. The Skewers & Sliders Stack is available at $54++ for two diners, including free-flow speciality coffee, artisanal teas and soft drinks. Spring journey The Chef's Table Discovery Experience at Ami Patisserie includes a Hokkaido crab tartlet. PHOTO: AMI PATISSERIE Where: Ami Patisserie, 27 Scotts Road When: Noon and 6.30pm, Wednesdays; noon, 3 and 6.30pm , Thursdays to Sundays Info: Spring at Ami Patisserie brings with it a fresh six-course journey ($118++ a person) through chef Makoto Arami's pastry finesse. Light and airy yet filling, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients like citrus, young ginger and tender asparagus. It starts with a miso madeleine topped with a smoky puree of charred eggplant, before diving into a Hokkaido crab tartlet encased in buttery layers of honey-brushed filo pastry. Bits of ginger and green apple add a burst of springtime brightness. Next comes the chef's version of a wagyu sando – smoked Omi beef on pan-seared brioche, crowned with uni and wasabi cream – followed by an asparagus tart with Parma ham and sauteed shiitake mushrooms. To round off the meal, there are three desserts featuring the season's bounty of mandarin oranges, dark chocolate and strawberries. 'Each course draws from my food memories and favourite flavour combinations,' says chef Arami , 36. For example, the strawberry sakura dessert that includes rice pudding and coconut is a tribute to his grandfather's traditional sakura mochi . 'I aspire to change diners' perspectives on the role of pastries with the Japanese concept of ' tsudo' – a pastry should be savoured at any time of the day, even as a meal in itself.' As such, the menu is available for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Guests are served in a nine-seater room, where pastries are assembled and plated on a counter before their eyes. Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge. PHOTO: INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE Where: The Lobby Lounge, Level 1 InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road When: Till July 15, 1 to 3pm, 3.30 to 5.30pm daily Info: It is golden hour at InterContinental Singapore, which has built its latest afternoon tea menu around one sweet ingredient – honey. Flowing in courtesy of New Zealand honey retailer Comvita, this nectar is infused into The Lobby Lounge's many delicate bites, presented on a rustic tiered stand for a homely feel. Among the menu's gilded creations are a delicate vanilla panna cotta sweetened with multifloral honey and crowned with meringue and a little bee made of chocolate, as well as a sweet and tart honey redcurrant mousse made of financier sponge , lemon yuzu compote and rewarewa honey. It also includes a ginger manuka honey tartlet, clover honey-miso glazed salmon and pistachio manuka honey choux puff. 'We wanted to create something that felt both indulgent and intentional. Comvita's manuka honey not only adds a naturally sweet, floral complexity to our creations, but also aligns beautifully with the growing desire among guests for ingredients that offer health benefits alongside taste,' says executive chef Jason Goh, 40. Wash it all down with Queen Bee ($20++), a cocktail that packs a citrusy punch, stirred with kumquat liqueur , lemon, yuzu, lemon bitters and manuka honey. For a non-alcoholic option, try the Honey Buzz mocktail ($16++), which blends Comvita Manuka Leaf Blend Tea, manuka honey, cloudy apple juice and lemon. Each foray into this candied colony costs $65++ a person on weekdays and $70++ a person on weekends, inclusive of a serving of coffee or loose-leaf tea, and free-flow ice cream. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available too, as well as a vegan afternoon tea set – one of few in Singapore. Tropical Fruits Afternoon Tea Tropical Fruits Afternoon Tea at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. PHOTO: SINGAPORE MARRIOTT TANG PLAZA HOTEL Where: Lobby Lounge, Level 1 Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road When: 3 to 5.30pm, Mondays to Thursdays; 2 to 3.30pm and 4 to 5.30pm, Fridays to Sundays Info: Nothing spells summer like a basket – or delicately plated tray – of tropical fruit. And in the sun-speckled Lobby Lounge of Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, they sit ripe and ready for picking. Passionfruit, coconuts, mangoes, kiwis and bananas are turned into pastries like a sponge cake topped with tangy kiwi compote and silky yogurt chantilly, as well as a chocolate banana choux finished with hazelnut praline. There is also a tart draped with mango-passionfruit jelly, and a coconut and mango panna cotta dotted with nata de coco. Balancing out these sweet nibbles are savoury bites, such as a smoked salmon seaweed roulade with wasabi mayonnaise and a Thai-style chicken with pineapple tartlet. 'Our high tea experience distinguishes itself by embracing local culture and flavours. We curate themed menus that celebrate our rich heritage, incorporating local produce and ingredients to create unique and memorable offerings,' says Ms Marisa Ng, 40, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. The set, served until the end of June, costs $68++ for two people from Mondays to Thursdays, and $58++ a person on Fridays to Sundays. Check out ST's Food Guide for the latest foodie recommendations in Singapore.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Chinese tourists returning to Japan with new travel style
More travellers are seeking immersive experiences related to Japanese cuisine, culture and scenery. PHOTO: AFP TOKYO - Chinese tourists are driving a recent surge in inbound travel to Japan, with arrivals now exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels, though their travel habits are shifting noticeably. Previously, Chinese tourism in Japan was defined by large group tours and shopping sprees known as 'bakugai'. Nowadays, however, more travellers are seeking immersive experiences related to Japanese cuisine, culture and scenery, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation. A total of 3.13 million Chinese travellers visited Japan in the first four months of 2025, topping the 2.89 million recorded during the same period in 2019. While the number of visitors from China was slow to rebound after the pandemic, arrivals have steadily increased since the Chinese government lifted its ban on group tours to Japan in 2023, reaching 2.42 million that year and 6.98 million in 2024. Growth has continued into 2025, with year-on-year increases of 135.7 per cent in January, 57.3 per cent in February, 46.2 per cent in March and 43.4 per cent in April. The shift in travel preferences is partly driven by Chinese travellers in their 30s and 40s, many of whom have visited Japan before, now choosing family trips with their children over group tours. The JNTO is working to better target that market, including opening an account on a popular Chinese social media platform last fall. Meanwhile, visitor numbers from Hong Kong, which are tallied separately from mainland China, increased 30.8 per cent in January from the previous year but declined 5 per cent in February and 9.9 per cent in March. A Japanese manga predicting a major disaster in Japan this July is believed to have discouraged travel. Posts about the manga The Future I Saw went viral after some claimed that its artist, Ryo Tatsuki, also predicted the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, among other events. KYODO NEWS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
