A quintessential British tradition, afternoon tea is underscored by three-tiered trays, petite bites, and a spread of flavourful teas. This midday pastime is steeped in history and makes for a fun way to catch up with friends. We round up a list of restaurants in India that serve up luxurious afternoon tea, mirroring the likes of popular spots in London. By Eshita Srinivas
Featuring on top of most lists of must-have experiences in the UK, afternoon tea is often confused with high tea. The former is a light meal that is had at midday over tea and three courses. The first features tea sandwiches, followed by scones with clotted cream and sweet pastries. High tea, meanwhile, has hearty dishes with beans, potatoes, and meat, meant to nourish working-class families.
Afternoon tea was reserved for royalty and the creme-de-la-creme of British society. It came about in 1840 when one Duchess of Bedford began feeling peckish a few hours prior to dinner. Her staff brought her a few snacks with tea, and she’d indulge in them in her private quarters until she decided to rope in her friends who’d confessed to low blood sugar in the afternoons.
As word got around, aristocratic women began partaking in this midday pastime, each inventing their own set of conventions. Some insisted on stirring the tea in a back and forth motion. Others ensured the saucer stayed on the table. Soon, the ritual came to be known as afternoon tea and became a mainstay in British culture. Some restaurants in London continue to uphold the near rigid customs that surround this practice, but others have innovated to feature more unique nibbles and libations. The practise itself continues to hold a certain charm for the Brits as well as literature aficionados. To get a taste of it, head on over to these restaurants in India.
These restaurants serve up the best afternoon tea in India