Finger sandwiches, scones, cake, but mostly pots and pots of tea. Those are things that usually come to mind when you think of a High Tea. But what is a High Tea and where can you get a good one? We looked into it for you and will take you through the High Tea Experience.
Afternoon Tea or High Tea
In the Netherlands, we know of it as a High Tea, but what we have here is more of an Afternoon Tea than a High Tea. The Afternoon Tea is more of a social gathering between lunch and dinner. You sit and enjoy several finger foods and tea while catching up with friends.
The original High Tea was for workers who came home after a long day of work. They would drink tea, with milk and sugar and eat sandwiches at standing tables. Making it a High Tea.
The menu
What you get when ordering an Afternoon Tea or High Tea can differ per location. Usually, you will receive a two- or three-tier stand with sweet bites. It is common for restaurants to at least includes a scone with marmalade, jam or lemon curd and (clotted) cream. In the past years, it has been popular to add macarons. Other sweet bites might include brownies, muffins, chocolates and sweet tartelettes.
Savoury bites are often sandwiches. Usually topped with salmon, egg salad or carpaccio. Lots of restaurants or tea rooms also serve a savoury pie. From a traditional Quiche Lorraine to one with goats cheese and spinach.
And some restaurants like to start you off with a soup, tomato soup or a bowl of seasonal soup.
Tips
In Amsterdam there are many nice spots for High Tea, At our 2 choices, you can choose between 3 different High Tea’s. So plenty of choice. If you want to combine your high tea with some culture you can go to Tasjes Museum Hendrikje. Our other tip, De drie graefjes, is famous for its Red Velvet Cake. So if you don’t have enough space for an entire High Tea you could also just pop in for a slice of cake.
Off course, Rotterdam also has many great spots for a High Tea. How about enjoying the skyline while having a High Tea at De Euromast. Or if you prefer having a choice of High Tea go to De Bakkerswinkel and choose between their 3 different High Tea’s.
Utrecht has a certain vibe that is just perfect for a High Tea. One of the great spots for a High Tea is Anne & Max. For those who like to pick and choose their own High Tea items we recommend Lewis Book Café. Here you can fill your own three-tier stand with items from the High Tea buffet.
Will you enjoy the high tea experience soon?
You’ll be surprised!