Following the completion of Grand Hyatt Singapore’s redevelopment, 10|SCOTTS has relaunched its signature Grand Afternoon Tea experience. This thoughtfully curated semi-buffet format celebrates provenance and sustainability, concluding with an elegant tableside dessert tier service. The experience represents a modern interpretation of the classic British afternoon tea tradition, elevated with premium ingredients and a focus on responsible sourcing.
Ambience & Setting
10|SCOTTS transcends the typical restaurant atmosphere, reimagining itself as a grand living room that offers respite from the bustling Orchard Road district. The interior design evokes a sophisticated library aesthetic, featuring:
- Wooden bookshelves that line the walls, creating an intellectual and cultured atmosphere
- Plush couches and inviting seating arrangements that encourage leisurely dining
- Comfortable, intimate spaces that feel more residential than commercial
- Warm lighting and thoughtful layout that promotes relaxation
The overall effect is one of refined comfort—a space where guests can settle in for an extended afternoon of conversation and indulgence without feeling rushed. The design successfully balances grandeur with approachability, making it equally suitable for special occasions and casual gatherings.
Menu Structure
The Grand Afternoon Tea follows a semi-buffet format that combines:
- Self-service buffet stations featuring savoury items, salads, and artisanal selections
- Tableside service for warm scones and the dessert tier
- Optional beverage packages for enhanced experiences
Pricing Structure
- Adults: $65++ per person
- Children (6-12 years): $30++ per person
Beverage Packages
- Moët & Chandon Package: $50++ (free-flow Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne)
- Premium Package: $70++ (free-flow champagne, selected red wine, white wine, cocktails, and mocktails)
Service Hours
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Weekends: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Detailed Menu Analysis
1. Artisanal Cheeses & Charcuterie
Description: A curated selection of premium cheeses and cured meats with traditional accompaniments.
Key Features:
- Cheeses sourced from Les Frères Marchand, one of France’s oldest cheese-maturing houses with 7 generations of expertise
- Freshly shaved charcuterie prepared to order
- Traditional accompaniments: nuts, dried fruits, chutney, and olives
Flavor Profile: Rich, complex, with varying textures from creamy soft cheeses to firmer aged varieties. The charcuterie provides saltiness and umami depth, while accompaniments offer sweet and tangy counterpoints.
Recipe Inspiration – Cheese & Charcuterie Board:
Ingredients:
- 200g aged Comté or Gruyère
- 150g soft-ripened Camembert or Brie
- 150g blue cheese (Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
- 100g prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 100g salami, thinly sliced
- 50g Marcona almonds
- 50g dried apricots
- 50g fig chutney
- Mixed olives
- Crackers or artisan bread
Assembly:
- Bring cheeses to room temperature 30 minutes before serving
- Arrange cheeses on board from mild to strong
- Fold or roll charcuterie for visual appeal
- Place accompaniments in small clusters around the board
- Serve with appropriate knives for each cheese type
2. ASC-Certified Smoked Salmon
Description: Responsibly sourced smoked salmon meeting Aquaculture Stewardship Council standards.
Key Features:
- Sustainability focus: ASC certification ensures environmental and social responsibility
- Simple presentation with horseradish cream and capers
- Allows the quality of the salmon to shine
Flavor Profile: Silky, delicate smokiness with the salmon’s natural oiliness. Horseradish provides sharp heat, while capers add briny pops of flavor.
Recipe – Classic Smoked Salmon Preparation:
Ingredients:
- 200g cold-smoked salmon
- 2 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tbsp capers, drained
- Fresh dill
- Lemon wedges
- Black pepper
Preparation:
- Mix crème fraîche with horseradish to taste
- Arrange salmon slices on chilled plates
- Add small dollops of horseradish cream
- Scatter capers over salmon
- Garnish with dill fronds
- Serve with lemon wedges and freshly cracked black pepper
3. ASC Seafood Vol-au-vent (Chef’s Signature)
Description: Buttery puff pastry shells filled with a luxurious seafood mixture.
Key Features:
- Generous filling of prawns, crab, and seafood bisque
- Rich, crustacean-driven flavors
- Textural contrast between crispy pastry and creamy filling
Flavor Profile: Deeply savory with concentrated shellfish essence, butter richness from the pastry, and a velvety mouthfeel from the bisque-based sauce.
Recipe – Seafood Vol-au-vent:
For the Vol-au-vent cases:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
For the filling:
- 150g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 100g crab meat
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup seafood stock
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp white wine
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh tarragon
- Salt, white pepper, cayenne
Instructions:
For the pastry:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Cut pastry into circles using a 3-inch cutter
- Use a smaller cutter to score inner circles (don’t cut through)
- Brush with egg wash
- Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed
- Remove centers to create cases
For the filling:
- Sauté shallot in butter until soft
- Add garlic, cook 30 seconds
- Stir in flour to create roux
- Gradually add stock, whisking constantly
- Add wine and cream, simmer until thickened
- Fold in prawns and crab, cook until prawns turn pink
- Season with salt, white pepper, and cayenne
- Stir in fresh tarragon
- Spoon filling into warm vol-au-vent cases
- Serve immediately
4. Tomato Toast with White Anchovies
Description: A Spanish-inspired dish showcasing the harmony of sweet tomatoes and savory anchovies.
Key Features:
- Natural tomato sweetness as the foundation
- High-quality white anchovies (boquerones) providing umami and brininess
- Simple preparation that highlights ingredient quality
Flavor Profile: Sweet, savory, and slightly acidic with a pleasant saltiness. The anchovies add depth without overwhelming the fresh tomato flavor.
Recipe – Tomato Toast with White Anchovies:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices rustic bread
- 2 ripe tomatoes, halved
- 8 white anchovy fillets
- 2 cloves garlic, halved
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Flaky sea salt
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions:
- Toast bread until golden and crispy
- While still warm, rub with cut garlic
- Rub cut tomato halves over toast, pressing to release juices and pulp
- Drizzle generously with quality olive oil
- Top with white anchovy fillets (2 per toast)
- Finish with flaky salt and torn basil if desired
- Serve immediately
5. Spanish Gazpacho
Description: A chilled tomato-based soup highlighting fresh, bright flavors.
Key Features:
- Refreshing and vibrant
- Showcases quality of fresh tomatoes
- Traditional Spanish cold soup preparation
Flavor Profile: Bright, fresh, slightly acidic with natural tomato sweetness. Cool and refreshing with a smooth, blended texture.
Recipe – Spanish Gazpacho:
Ingredients:
- 1kg ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 100ml extra virgin olive oil
- 200g day-old bread, crusts removed
- Salt and pepper
- Ice water
Instructions:
- Soak bread in water for 5 minutes, squeeze dry
- Combine all vegetables, garlic, and bread in blender
- Blend until very smooth
- With blender running, slowly drizzle in olive oil
- Add vinegar and season with salt
- Strain through fine-mesh sieve for silky texture
- Thin with ice water to desired consistency
- Chill for at least 2 hours
- Adjust seasoning before serving
- Garnish with diced vegetables, croutons, and olive oil
6. Salad Counter & Roasted Pumpkin with Yoghurt
Description: Fresh, organic vegetables with antipasti, condiments, and seasonal offerings.
Key Features:
- Crisp organic vegetables
- House-made dressings
- Seasonal ingredients like fresh figs
- Featured dish: Roasted Pumpkin with Yoghurt
Flavor Profile: Fresh, bright, and varied. The roasted pumpkin provides warmth and natural sweetness, balanced by tangy yoghurt.
Recipe – Roasted Pumpkin with Yoghurt:
Ingredients:
- 500g pumpkin, cut into wedges
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 200g Greek yoghurt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh mint and cilantro
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Toast cumin and coriander seeds, crush lightly
- Toss pumpkin with olive oil and spices
- Season with salt and pepper
- Roast 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized
- Mix yoghurt with garlic and salt
- Spread yoghurt on serving plate
- Arrange roasted pumpkin on top
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Garnish with herbs, pomegranate, and pumpkin seeds
7. Scones with Clotted Cream, Jam, and Kaya
Description: Warm scones served tableside with traditional and local accompaniments.
Key Features:
- Served warm for optimal texture
- Traditional clotted cream and jam
- Singaporean twist with kaya (coconut egg jam)
- Kaya has mousse-like texture, lighter than traditional versions
- Jam leans slightly tart for balance
Flavor Profile: Buttery, tender scones with rich clotted cream. The kaya provides coconut sweetness with lighter texture, while the tart jam adds fruity acidity.
Recipe – Classic Scones:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup cold heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For kaya (simplified version):
- 4 eggs
- 200g sugar
- 200ml coconut milk
- 100ml pandan juice (or pandan extract)
Instructions:
For scones:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
- Whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla
- Add to flour mixture, stir until just combined
- Turn onto floured surface, pat to 1-inch thickness
- Cut into rounds or wedges
- Place on baking sheet, brush tops with cream
- Bake 15-18 minutes until golden
- Serve warm
For kaya:
- Whisk eggs and sugar in heatproof bowl
- Add coconut milk and pandan juice
- Set bowl over simmering water (double boiler)
- Stir constantly for 30-45 minutes until thickened
- Strain if desired for smoother texture
- Cool completely before serving
8. Dessert Tier
The dessert tier is served tableside, featuring an assortment of classic French and contemporary pastries.
Vanilla Mille-Feuille with Red Wine Poached Pear
Description: Intended as a mille-feuille but executed more like a French butter cookie.
Key Features:
- Crunchy, buttery texture
- Served with red wine poached pear
- Note: Leans towards being overly sweet
Flavor Profile: Rich butter flavor with vanilla notes, crispy texture, accompanied by spiced, wine-infused pear. The sweetness can be cloying.
Recipe – Red Wine Poached Pears:
Ingredients:
- 4 firm pears, peeled
- 750ml red wine (medium-bodied)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 star anise
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 vanilla bean, split
Instructions:
- Combine wine, sugar, and spices in large pot
- Bring to simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar
- Add peeled pears (leave stems intact)
- Simmer gently 30-45 minutes, turning occasionally
- Pears should be tender but hold shape
- Remove pears, reduce liquid to syrup consistency
- Serve with syrup drizzled over
Opera Cake
Description: Classic French layered cake known for coffee intensity.
Key Features:
- Deep coffee flavor noted as standout
- Multiple layers of coffee-soaked sponge, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache
- Elegant presentation
Flavor Profile: Intense coffee flavor balanced with chocolate richness. Sophisticated, adult dessert with complex layers.
Citrus Pavlova
Description: Light meringue-based dessert with citrus elements.
Key Features:
- Dainty and airy texture
- Citrus brightens the sweetness
- Classic Australian/New Zealand dessert
Flavor Profile: Light, crispy exterior with marshmallow-soft interior. Citrus provides refreshing tartness against meringue sweetness.
Recipe – Citrus Pavlova:
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup superfine sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp vanilla
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
For topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- Citrus segments (orange, grapefruit, blood orange)
- Citrus curd
- Fresh mint
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C)
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff and glossy
- Fold in vinegar, cornstarch, vanilla, and citrus zest
- Spoon onto parchment-lined baking sheet, forming nest shape
- Bake 1.5 hours, then turn off oven and leave inside to cool
- Top with whipped cream, citrus segments, and curd before serving
Raspberry Fruit Tart
Description: Seasonal fruit tart featuring tart raspberries on sweet custard base.
Key Features:
- Balance of tart fruit with sweet custard
- Buttery pastry shell
- Fresh seasonal fruit
Flavor Profile: Buttery crust with creamy, vanilla-scented custard filling. Fresh raspberries provide tartness that cuts through richness.
Chocolate Mousse
Description: Classic chocolate dessert included in the dessert tier.
Key Features:
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Light, airy texture
- Part of overall sweet offerings
Flavor Profile: Deep chocolate with smooth, mousse-like texture.
Critical Analysis
Strengths
Savory Offerings (★★★★★): The savory components are the clear highlight of this afternoon tea experience. The quality of ingredients is exceptional, particularly:
- Premium French cheeses from Les Frères Marchand
- ASC-certified sustainable seafood
- Chef’s signature Vol-au-vent with generous seafood filling
- Perfectly executed Tomato Toast with White Anchovies
- Refreshing Spanish Gazpacho
The commitment to sustainability and provenance elevates the experience beyond typical afternoon tea offerings. The semi-buffet format allows guests to sample multiple items and return for favorites.
Sustainability Focus (★★★★★): The emphasis on ASC-certified seafood and responsibly sourced ingredients demonstrates a thoughtful approach to modern dining expectations. This commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality or flavor is commendable.
Ambience (★★★★½): The library-inspired design successfully creates a comfortable, residential atmosphere that encourages lingering. The space feels luxurious yet approachable, making it suitable for various occasions from business meetings to celebrations.
Scones (★★★★): Served warm with an interesting selection including traditional clotted cream and jam alongside Singaporean kaya. The lighter, mousse-like kaya is a thoughtful local adaptation.
Weaknesses
Dessert Tier (★★★): The sweet offerings present the main weakness of the experience:
- Excessive sweetness: Multiple desserts lean too sweet, overwhelming subtle flavors
- Mille-Feuille execution: The intended mille-feuille more closely resembles a butter cookie and is described as “cloyingly sweet”
- Lost details: The high sugar content masks the finer technical details and flavors of the pastries
While individual items like the Opera Cake (with its coffee intensity) and the Citrus Pavlova (light and airy) show promise, the overall sweetness level needs calibration to achieve better balance.
Recommendation: The pastry team should consider:
- Reducing sugar content by 15-20% across desserts
- Increasing complementary bitter or tart elements (dark chocolate, citrus, coffee)
- Adding more texture contrasts to break up sweetness
- Incorporating more adult flavor profiles
Value Assessment
At $65++ per person, the Grand Afternoon Tea represents solid value considering:
- High-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients
- Semi-buffet format allowing for generous portions
- Premium ambience and service
- Prime Orchard Road location
The optional beverage packages ($50++ for champagne, $70++ for premium) significantly enhance the experience for those seeking a more indulgent afternoon.
Best For:
- Those who appreciate quality savory items over sweets
- Diners interested in sustainable, responsibly sourced ingredients
- Groups seeking a comfortable, leisurely dining environment
- Weekend brunches (given the earlier time slots)
Perhaps Not Ideal For:
- Those with a strong sweet tooth expecting perfectly balanced pastries
- Quick dining experiences (the semi-buffet encourages lingering)
- Budget-conscious diners
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)
The Grand Afternoon Tea at 10|SCOTTS succeeds brilliantly in its savory offerings, sustainability commitment, and ambience creation. The quality of ingredients, particularly the French cheeses and ASC-certified seafood, sets it apart from typical afternoon tea experiences. The semi-buffet format is both generous and engaging.
However, the dessert tier requires refinement to match the excellence of the savory components. The excessive sweetness across multiple desserts detracts from what could be a five-star experience.
Recommendation: Visit for the exceptional savory offerings and beautiful setting. Consider the champagne package to enhance the experience. If you have a low tolerance for sweetness, perhaps focus more on the savory stations and enjoy just a taste or two of the desserts.
The space itself—with its library aesthetic and comfortable seating—provides excellent value as a respite from Orchard Road’s bustle, making it worth visiting even beyond the food itself.
Practical Information
10|SCOTTS
Grand Hyatt Singapore, Lobby Level
10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6738 1234
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)
Walking Time: ~6 minutes from Exit 1
Operating Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Grand Afternoon Tea Hours:
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Weekends: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM & 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for weekends
Review based on media invite visit. All opinions are honest and independent.
.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
Maxthon
In an age where the digital world is in constant flux and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritizing individuals as they navigate the expansive internet cannot be overstated. The myriad of elements that shape our online experiences calls for a thoughtful approach to selecting web browsers—one that places a premium on security and user privacy. Amidst the multitude of browsers vying for users’ loyalty, Maxthon emerges as a standout choice, providing a trustworthy solution to these pressing concerns, all without any cost to the user.
Maxthon, with its advanced features, boasts a comprehensive suite of built-in tools designed to enhance your online privacy. Among these tools are a highly effective ad blocker and a range of anti-tracking mechanisms, each meticulously crafted to fortify your digital sanctuary. This browser has carved out a niche for itself, particularly with its seamless compatibility with Windows 11, further solidifying its reputation in an increasingly competitive market.
In a crowded landscape of web browsers, Maxthon has forged a distinct identity through its unwavering dedication to offering a secure and private browsing experience. Fully aware of the myriad threats lurking in the vast expanse of cyberspace, Maxthon works tirelessly to safeguard your personal information. Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption technology, it ensures that your sensitive data remains protected and confidential throughout your online adventures.
What truly sets Maxthon apart is its commitment to enhancing user privacy during every moment spent online. Each feature of this browser has been meticulously designed with the user’s privacy in mind. Its powerful ad-blocking capabilities work diligently to eliminate unwanted advertisements, while its comprehensive anti-tracking measures effectively reduce the presence of invasive scripts that could disrupt your browsing enjoyment. As a result, users can traverse the web with newfound confidence and safety.
Moreover, Maxthon’s incognito mode provides an extra layer of security, granting users enhanced anonymity while engaging in their online pursuits. This specialized mode not only conceals your browsing habits but also ensures that your digital footprint remains minimal, allowing for an unobtrusive and liberating internet experience. With Maxthon as your ally in the digital realm, you can explore the vastness of the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is being prioritized every step of the way.