High tea is a time-honoured British pastime that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a filling meal served between 5 and 7 p.m. that often includes a hot entrée, vegetables, baked goods, and tea. High tea started in the palaces of the United Kingdom and was popularised by Queen Victoria.
High tea has a long history dating back to the 18th century. During the period, the British working class ate two meals every day: breakfast and dinner. The higher class, on the other hand, frequently ate three meals a day, with a light meal termed “tea” offered in the afternoon. This meal usually included tea, bread with butter, and cake.
Queen Victoria began drinking afternoon tea in the early nineteenth century. She would frequently invite her friends and family to tea, and the custom swiftly spread among the upper class. By the mid-nineteenth century, high tea had become a popular social occasion in the United Kingdom.
High tea was frequently served in a palace or big house drawing room. Fine china, silver, and crystal would be used to arrange the table. The food would be presented on three-tiered cake stands, with hot meals on the bottom layer, sandwiches in the middle, and cakes and pastries on top.
The cuisine served at high tea varies based on the season and the host’s tastes. Scones, clotted cream, jam, sandwiches, pastries, and cakes were all popular foods. Tea is traditionally drunk black, however, it can also be served with milk or sugar.
High tea was not just a social affair for the upper class; it was also a chance for them to flaunt their money and rank. The meal was frequently extravagant, and the china and silver were pricey. High tea was a method for the upper class to amuse their visitors while also displaying their social standing.
The British Empire began to grow in the late nineteenth century, and high tea was introduced to the colonies. High tea, for example, was modified to local preferences and ingredients in India. Curries and other Indian foods were frequently served as hot food at Indian high tea. The sandwiches were also tailored to local preferences, with Indian chutneys and pickles frequently included.
High tea spread to other British colonies, including Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. High tea was customised to local preferences and ingredients in these colonies. The core components of high tea, however, remained the same: a full meal served between 5 and 7 p.m., with tea, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries.
Today, high tea is still enjoyed in the UK and in many former British colonies. It is a popular social event, and it is a way for people to enjoy a traditional British meal. High tea is also a popular tourist attraction, and many hotels and restaurants offer high tea as a way to experience British culture.
Here are some of the most popular high tea dishes:
- Scones with clotted cream and jam
- Sandwiches with cucumber, ham, and cheese
- Cakes and pastries, such as scones, muffins, cupcakes, and cookies
- Hot food, such as curries, soups, and stews
- Tea, coffee, and other beverages
Here are some tips for enjoying high tea:
- Dress in smart casual attire.
- Arrive on time.
- Be polite and respectful to the staff.
- Eat and drink slowly and savour the flavours.
- Enjoy the company of your friends and family.
- Book early if you go to a High Tea Buffet at Star Class Hotel
High tea is a delicious and enjoyable way to experience British culture. I noticed that some Hotels are serving “High Tea” buffets as well. And the Time of that kind of buffet-style hosting is between 3:30 to 6:00.
Not only that, I have been to some hotels that only serve Two High Tea buffets only without lunchtime. From 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM Hilton Colombo is one of those hotels.
It is a tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it is still popular today. If you have the opportunity to enjoy high tea, I highly recommend it.
Do you know about the World’s first-ever Buffet Price Index? Check buffetprice.com and book your next High Tea Buffet.
