A table adorned with fine porcelain cups of steaming tea and dainty plates of petit fours is hard to resist, especially in the afternoon when slanting rays of setting sun cast moody shadows. While some see afternoon tea as a colonial relic, India embraced and reinvented it long ago. Think chai parties with samosas, pakoras, and endless cups of ginger tea.
Afternoon tea is pure delight when done in style—imagine a charming lobby, Mozart playing softly, and a butler serving fragrant chamomile tea. The best part? Tea rooms across the country are offering such exquisite experiences and here are some of our favourites.
Nestled in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, The Atrium stands out among tea rooms. Bathed in natural light and anchored by a majestic fountain, it exudes luxury. Its floral porcelain, laced doilies and white rattan chairs evoke a bygone era. Highlights include puff pastries crafted with timeless French techniques, English scones with clotted cream. Perfectly paired with premium blends like Autumnal Darjeeling, Crystal Flush, and Bai Mudan, The Atrium is a haven for tea connoisseurs.
Price for two: INR 4500
Located off the elegant lobby with sweeping views of the sea, the place offers an unmatched taste of Mumbai. Sipping on tea — or champagne — with pillowy sandwiches, delicate pastries, and crème caramel while seeing the sun set is a treat for all senses. The Bombay high tea meanwhile offers local favourites like mini vada pav, kothimbir vadi, dabeli, kheema samosas, and jalebi-rabri, all with strong steaming masala chai.
Price for two: INR 4500
Emperor’s Lounge has been a cherished spot where many matches were made over high tea. Back in the day, pakoras, samosas and kachoris would often replace traditional scones and clotted cream for matchmaking meetings, adding warmth to these encounters. Today, this tradition is honoured through the Indian Afternoon Tea, featuring regional delights alongside the classic cake-scone-pastry combination. The lounge meanwhile remains the city’s favourite drawing room overlooking the quiet greens.
Price for two: INR 3500
In Kashmir, tea reaches its finest expression in kehwa. At Nadis it is further elevated. Fragrant, sweet and infused with rose petals and almond slivers it is served in a garden blooming with tulips, pansies and peonies and paired with local breads and biscuits. Add to that the snow-clad Zabarwan range in the background, chirping birds on apple trees and the warmth of gracious hosts, and you have an unforgettable experience.
Price for two: INR 2000
Overlooking the majestic Gateway of India, Sea Lounge is among the most coveted spaces for an indulgent afternoon tea. The spread is lavish but the star is its exceptional tea selection—from Fujian Jasmine Pearls and Strawberry Rooibos to Egyptian Chamomile — that are complemented by bites like Norwegian salmon, ham and brie and treacle tart. Request for a table by the window for a view of the Arabian Sea as you sip the signature White Lotus tea — or Moët Chandon.
Price for two: INR 5000
The charm of this place lies in its menu—designed like a book with illustrations and verses celebrating the tradition of tea. The gentle clink of teacups, the rustle of linen, and the aromas from tiered stands enhance the experience. Seated at a corner table, overlooking the serene pool, fragrant frangipani trees and the grand piano, indulging in a classic English or French tea experience becomes the epitome of quietness in the capital.
Price for two: INR 4500
Ketli & Kahani immerses you in the rich tapestry of local culture. Combining storytelling and gastronomy, this is a signature experience of the Amoha Retreat. It features local favourites like shakkar para, matthi, khajoor, and bhajia, paired with the house blend Amoha tea. What makes it unique are the stories shared by a local expert—a custodian of the region’s tradition and folklore—offering insights that deepen your connection to the region.
Price for two: INR 2000
The Promenade Lounge honours the Bengal’s chaa culture. Set in the atrium, the lounge is bathed in light casting a magical chiaroscuro. A cosy bookshelf ensure you can enjoy a piece of Bengali literature with your Makaibari tea or lebu-chaa. The English tea features smoked salmon and dill sandwiches, fruit tarts and tiny cheesecakes, while the Bengali spread includes jhaalmuri, chops, ghugni, and mishti.
Price for two: INR 3500
Dating back to 1854, Taj Connemara embodies timeless elegance, and its English Afternoon Tea at The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge is as iconic as the hotel itself. Indulge in a regal, unhurried tea service featuring macaroons, opera, salmon gravlax, and cheese boards. For a South Indian twist, relish pickle-stuffed cocktail podi idlis, ragi kuzhi paniyaram, mushroom milagu fry, and palm jaggery mysore pak.
Price for two: INR 4000