Is now a good time for teatime? The answer is and always will be, yes. We look to 4 globe-trotting ladies for their favourite afternoon tea spots across Singapore, Sri Lanka, Seoul, Malaysia and Bali

Indah Jonasson

Tatler Asia
Above Indah Jonasson

This youthful mother of 2 once regaled us of the interesting relationship that Indonesian socialites have with the camera - hinting how common it is for these high society ladies to bring along their own photographer even to a simple meet-up among friends for afternoon tea. 

While Indah herself doesn't subscribe to this practice, she's not averse to a spot of afternoon tea every now and then in between work on her thriving art school in Bali and other business affairs back here in KL.   

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Photo 1 of 4 King Cole Bar. (Photo: St. Regis Bali)
Photo 2 of 4 Afternoon tea at the King Cole Bar. (Photo: St. Regis Bali)
Photo 3 of 4 Out on the terrace at the King Cole Bar. (Photo: St. Regis Bali)
Photo 4 of 4 King Cole Bar.(Photo: St. Regis Bali)

"The hi-tea at the St. Regis Bali is absolutely delicious," muses the Indonesian-born beauty. "The sandwiches and sweets they bring out are really special, and you can request more of them if you like.

"There is also a buffet - a 6-foot long table, specifically - of different savoury and sweet snacks, and a chocolate fountain!" 

Related: The Ultimate Guide To Afternoon Tea In Kuala Lumpur

Additionally, Indah also recommends afternoon tea at the Conrad Hotel in Bali, sharing that the delicious cakes, local delicacies and free flow of cocktails from 4pm to 6pm keep her coming back.  

Jady Teoh

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: @jadyteoh/Instagram

Motherhood, family bonding, work-life balance and catching up with friends - Jady Teoh seems to take life's pleasures and trials in her stride, facing it all with her signature sunny smile. 

From curious tea parlours in Bangkok to delicious Vietnamese coffee at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Jady's food adventures are nothing if not colourful, candid and totally Instagrammable.   

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Jady Teoh
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Jady Teoh

"My recommendation is Zapangi 자판기 – Pretty In Pink Café Hidden Behind A Vending Machine, at Mangwon-dong, Seoul," Jady says. "What amazed me most about the cafe was the intricacy of each of their servings.

"All their desserts were so visually appealing - ice blended drinks served with unicorn-inspired cream toppings and cupcakes with colourful mermaid fins."

Is it any wonder that this cafe tops the list of the most Instagram-worthy places to visit for foodies in Seoul? 

"It's not surprising to see a queue forming outside, waiting patiently to get their perfect shot of the cafe's pink vending machine entrance."  

See also: Hanis Zalikha’s Girls Getaway To Nami Island And Seoul

Datin Shalini Ganendra

Tatler Asia
Above Datin Shalini Ganendra and Dato' Dennis Ganendra

Keeping busy with high society's most trending art events like Gallery Weekend 2019, the art-loving, jet-setting Datin Shalini Ganendra of the Shalini Ganendra Advisory wouldn't pass up a chance to unwind while on vacation in Colombo, Sri Lanka over afternoon tea with hubby Dato' Dennis Ganendra.  

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Datin Shalini Ganendra
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Datin Shalini Ganendra
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Datin Shalini Ganendra

"In Sri Lanka, Residence by Uga Escapes is a must-try for afternoon tea," says Datin Shalini. "I've told them to aim for a Michelin star!"

Boasting the largest collection of whiskeys in Colombo, Residence By Uga Escapes wins Datin Shalini's vote of confidence for its fresh homemade pastries and top quality tea. "From toasted caramel on meringue to whole-wheat cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches, the kitchen here actually makes us what we want. I'd say it's like our second home in Colombo - after our real home!"

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Lyn Siew

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: @slamducky/Instagram

It's only natural that we turn to restauranteur Lyn Siew for food recommendations in Asia. Though Lyn's Instagram is peppered with mouthwatering eats from her adventures around the world, her enviably slim figure and inextinguishable energy bear evidence of her fitness-oriented lifestyle.  

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Lyn Siew
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Meatsmith_SG/Facebook

"Chicken wings and Dom Perignon for tea...it's definitely something different," laughs Lyn, who cites Meatsmith among her favourite dining spots in Singapore. "The restaurant is actually closed during daytime, and opened just for us that day. Their stuffed chicken wings just go so well with the champagne."

Wings aside, Lyn's other recommendation for great tea in the Lion City is Tea Chapter, while the Chan & Yupa Tearoom in Bangkok does the trick for her during her travels to Thailand. Her favourite teatime haunt in KL:

"Definitely Mad Hatter, for the cakes!"     

 

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