Move Over Brunch: Filipinos Are Now Obsessed With Afternoon Tea — Best Spots in Metro Manila Revealed

MANILA, Philippines - A new social dining trend is quietly taking over cafés and luxury hotels across the Philippines. Afternoon tea—once seen as a traditional British ritual—is becoming the latest lifestyle craze among Filipinos, replacing brunch as the preferred way to gather, relax, and indulge in a refined mid-day experience.

From upscale hotel lounges in Metro Manila to boutique cafés in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Quezon City, afternoon tea services are drawing crowds eager for an elegant escape from the fast-paced urban routine.

A New Social Ritual for Modern Filipinos

Lifestyle observers say the rise of afternoon tea reflects a shift in how Filipinos socialize. Instead of loud brunch gatherings or heavy meals, many now prefer a quieter, more aesthetic dining experience centered on tea, pastries, and conversation.

Traditional afternoon tea sets typically feature:

• Freshly baked scones with jam and cream

• Bite-sized finger sandwiches

• Assorted cakes and pastries

• Premium loose-leaf teas

Served on elegant multi-tier trays, the presentation itself has become a highlight—perfect for social media posts and lifestyle content.

“People want experiences they can savor and share,” said a Manila-based café owner. “Afternoon tea offers something beautiful, relaxing, and different from the usual brunch culture.”

Social Media Driving the Trend

The growing popularity of afternoon tea in the Philippines has been amplified by Instagram and TikTok, where influencers frequently post photos and videos of tiered tea sets, floral table settings, and luxurious café interiors.

Lifestyle influencers often showcase:

• “Tea date” outings with friends

• Luxury hotel tea experiences

• Aesthetic pastry displays

These posts regularly attract thousands of likes, inspiring more Filipinos to try the experience themselves.

Hotels and Cafés Expanding Tea Experiences

Recognizing the demand, several hotels and restaurants have begun offering seasonal or themed afternoon tea menus, featuring Filipino flavors alongside classic British treats.

Some establishments now serve:

• Ube-flavored pastries

• Mango mousse cakes

• Local herbal teas

This fusion of traditional tea culture with Filipino ingredients has helped make the trend more accessible and culturally relevant.

Why Afternoon Tea Is Replacing Brunch

Lifestyle experts point to several reasons for the shift:

1. Aesthetic appeal – The elegant presentation makes it highly shareable online.
2. Lighter dining option – Many prefer pastries and tea over heavy brunch meals.
3. Relaxed atmosphere – Afternoon tea encourages slower conversations and relaxation.
4. Luxury experience – It offers a taste of upscale lifestyle without a full fine-dining price.

For many young professionals and social media enthusiasts, afternoon tea has become both a lifestyle statement and a mini-escape from busy city life.

A Trend That May Continue to Grow

As cafés and hotels continue to innovate their menus and experiences, lifestyle analysts expect afternoon tea to remain one of the fastest-growing dining trends in the Philippines.

With its blend of elegance, social connection, and visual appeal, afternoon tea is quickly transforming from a niche tradition into a mainstream lifestyle ritual for modern Filipinos.

Best Places in the Philippines for Afternoon Tea

If you want to experience the trend yourself, here are some of the most popular afternoon tea venues in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila.

The Lobby – The Peninsula Manila

One of the most iconic afternoon tea destinations in the Philippines is The Lobby at The Peninsula Manila. The hotel’s tea service has been a long-standing tradition, offering classic English afternoon tea with freshly baked scones, pastries, and finger sandwiches.

Address: Corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila

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The elegant setting and grand interiors make it a favorite venue for business meetings, celebrations, and weekend indulgence.

High Street Lounge – Shangri-La The Fort

Located in Bonifacio Global City, High Street Lounge offers a modern twist on traditional high tea. The menu often features playful creations inspired by Filipino flavors alongside classic pastries.

Address: 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

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The stylish lounge, large windows, and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most popular tea venues in BGC.

The Writers Bar – Raffles Makati

Inspired by the literary heritage of the historic Raffles brand, The Writers Bar offers a refined afternoon tea experience featuring pastries, crostinis, pralines, and gourmet tea selections.

Address: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

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The venue is known for its cozy ambiance and sophisticated cocktail and tea offerings.

Lobby Lounge – The Manila Hotel

For a tea experience rich in history, the Lobby Lounge of The Manila Hotel offers a classic afternoon tea featuring savory bites, pastries, and premium teas served in an elegant heritage setting.

Address: 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila

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The hotel’s afternoon tea menu sometimes includes Filipino delicacies like bibingka and empanadas, adding a local twist to the experience.

Blackbird at the Nielson Tower

One of the most stylish afternoon tea venues in Manila, Blackbird is located in the restored Nielson Tower, the country’s first commercial airport. The restaurant offers “Tea at the Tower,” a classic British-inspired tea service with finger sandwiches, pastries, macarons, and freshly baked scones.

Address: 6752 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila

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The elegant Art Deco interior and garden views make it a favorite for date afternoons and special celebrations.

Lusso by Margarita Forés

This Italian café-restaurant by renowned chef Margarita Forés is known for its luxury merienda and afternoon tea plates. Lusso offers curated tea selections paired with savory bites, pastries, and desserts perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Address: Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City

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It’s a favorite among Manila’s fashion and business crowd.

Papillon Tea House

Papillon is a specialty tea café known for its extensive tea selection and traditional high tea sets. Guests can enjoy multiple tea varieties served with sandwiches, cakes, and pastries.

Address: Tordesillas St. 1227 Makati, Philippines

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The café is popular for casual tea dates and weekend merienda.

Mary Grace Café (Select Branches)

While not a traditional British high tea venue, Mary Grace Café has become a beloved Filipino café for merienda experiences with pastries, ensaymada, and tea or coffee. It’s often included in lists of Manila’s top cafés.

Popular branches:

• Greenbelt 2, Makati City

• SM Megamall, Mandaluyong

• Bonifacio High Street, Taguig

The cozy interiors and famous cheese rolls and ensaymada make it ideal for relaxed afternoon gatherings.

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Casa Luisa (Heritage Tea Experience)

Casa Luisa is a heritage house restaurant offering a “merienda cena” afternoon tea experience with sweet and savory Filipino treats. The menu may include empanaditas, finger sandwiches, scones, and traditional desserts.

Address: San Pedro, Laguna

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This venue is popular among food travelers looking for a more traditional Filipino tea experience.