Our review takes place in the InterContinental Singapore–more specifically, its Lobby Lounge. Tucked in between the hustle and bustle of Bugis+ and Bugis Junction, this hidden gem has long promised a quiet escape from the weekend of frenzied crowds, and today, I’m finally here to discover a limited-time secret.
Recently, I had the chance to experience the opulent Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea, available from 1 April to 15 July 2025, a honey-themed set of drinks and delicacies, each infused with the natural luxuries of Comvita’s premium Mānuka and Gourmet Honeys–and wow, was it tea-licious. So, for a truly indulgent afternoon affair, here’s what I thought about everything I saw, sipped, and snacked on!
Interior
Stepping into the Lobby Lounge, one word made like a bee and buzzed into my mind: ornate. From the fractal-esque floral carpet below us to the grand crystal chandeliers above, every element worked in busy harmony to draw our eyes to the otherwise plain black armchairs, each paired with a single plush pillow.
Sitting down, I also couldn’t help but notice the loftiness of the lounge. With its tall ceiling and pillars—both neatly decorated with elegant tiles—as well as even taller floor-to-ceiling windows, the abundance of space and natural light set a serene tone for the afternoon, almost enough to forget I was still in the heart of bustling Bugis!
Therefore, in terms of its interior, I’d say that the Lobby Lounge does an excellent job at capturing the classic Peranakan architecture style still seen throughout the surrounding arts and heritage district it’s in, whilst also incorporating just enough Western elements to add an exquisite, refined touch. Now, can I say that about the tea?
Loose-Leaf Tea
Well, soon after I was seated, I was given a choice between a serving of coffee or loose-leaf tea to start. Naturally, I went with the latter since, after all, it’s what I’m here for, but even still, choosing from the regular menu of afternoon blends was anything but easy!
Thankfully, after much deliberation and at the recommendation of our kind and knowledgeable waitress, I ultimately went for the first item on the menu: the InterContinental Heritage Tea. Comprising a charming blend of exotic fruits which allude to the vibrant cultures of Singapore, this exotic green tea carries a rich floral accent and a subtle spice too, ultimately culminating in a beautifully balanced harmony of flavour on the palate.
It’s the perfect brew for me; maybe it’ll be the perfect brew for you.
Rating: 10/10
Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea
Not long after I’d begun sipping our tea, I spotted the platter of delights making its way to our table, and to be honest, I felt a little nervous for the poor waiter carrying it. Fortunately, both he and the artfully rustic tiered stand made it over without a hitch, and after patiently waiting for us to get our phones ready, our waiter treated us to a dramatic flourish of dry ice–a foggy entrance that made the moment all the more magical.
So, it’s a 10/10 on the presentation scale, but does it taste as good as it looks? There was only one way to find out if the Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea was a feast for both senses: by making our way up the decadent staircase of treats.
Savouries
Foie Gras and Duck Riellettes on Brioche
Starting at the bottom tier—as all good journeys should—I dove into the first savoury: the Foie Gras and Duck Rillettes on Brioche, topped with honey-glazed walnuts, baies rose peppercorns, onion marmalade, and Rewarewa honey.
Besides forming a cohesive flavour profile, I also appreciate the interplay of textures between the ingredients–from the velvety, rich foie gras and savoury onion marmalade to the crunchy bitter walnuts and airy, sweet brioche, every element complemented the next beautifully. If only it were a full slice of bread…
Rating: 10/10
Brie Cheese and Wild Mushrooms
With that rich bite still lingering, I moved on to the bowl of Brie Cheese and Wild Mushrooms–specifically, a luxurious combination of brie-multifloral honey espuma, black trumpet and chanterelle ragout garnished with crispy Parma ham, seasonal black truffle, and brioche croutons.
It’s a solid dish–the brie cheese espuma was creamy with a hint of floral sweetness, and the wild mushrooms in the ragout were juicy and packed with umami. That said, while I personally enjoyed the Parma ham and black truffle, I could also see how their addition to this dish would come off as a bit much for some.
It felt like those two ingredients were trying to overcompensate for something that wasn’t really missing, but hey, I’m not complaining about more flavour.
Rating: 8/10
Clover Honey-Miso Glazed Salmon
After all that indulgence, it was fortunate that the next savoury presented something lighter–a piece of Clover Honey-Miso Glazed Salmon served along a creamy butternut-rosemary clover honey mousseline and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a bright touch on an already radiant dish.
I’ll be honest, this was my favourite dish, but also the most confusing one I ate. Which sauce is the glaze, and which one is the mousseline? Surely the yellow one must be the miso…but then again, couldn’t that vibrant hue also belong to the butternut-rosemary? Hold on, the glaze tastes exceedingly umami…or was that just the mousseline’s aftertaste? On and on the questions went as I tasted every element separately, until there was only one bite of everything left.
And then I realised–none of this mattered. On their own, their sauces didn’t quite meet my expectations: the clover honey-miso glaze was overwhelming, while the underwhelming butternut-rosemary clover honey mousseline was the exact opposite. However, together, they were like yin and yang–filling in what the other lacked, ultimately creating a refreshing duo that elevated the flaky (but not dry!) salmon to something truly memorable.
Rating: 10/10
Quiche Lorraine
Now, after all that raving about Clover Honey-Miso Glazed Salmon, you might be wondering: how could this last savoury possibly compete? Well, to that I say–if the Quiche Lorraine can’t win on flavour, it more than makes up for that in sheer size! This slice of classic French pastry was a big one, generously packed with pancetta ham, multifloral honey, and Gruyère cheese, and boy, was it a layered experience to eat.
First, the multifloral honey, baked into the crust, touched my tongue with a subtle sweetness that set the stage. Next came the Gruyère, a creamy cheese that made up not only most of the quiche’s physical body but also its flavour too—delivering a smooth richness that lingered throughout the experience. Finally, as if that weren’t enough, the pockets of pancetta ham interspersed this richness with a savoury surprise, adding the last bursts of depth to an already flavourful journey.
Altogether, the Quiche Lorraine stands out with its bold flavours and generous proportions, making it a satisfying choice to conclude the Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea’s savoury offerings.
Rating: 9/10
Scones and Condiments
Although I still had a plate of warm, freshly baked scones to munch on, I could at last begin our ascent up the sweet tower of chaos by pairing them with the trio of condiments waiting on each separate step.
Individually, the English Buttermilk and Raspberry Scones were delightful, with a firm yet light texture and a satisfyingly crumbly edge. Flavour-wise, each brought something unique to the plate: the English Buttermilk Scone offered a buttery warmth, while the Raspberry Scone had a distinct fruitiness. Still, while both of these tastes melted in my mouth the moment I took a bite, they were also both light enough to leave room for the condiments to shine.
Speaking of which, here’s a quick lightning round: the Devonshire Clotted Cream wasn’t anything mindblowing, but it delivered a classic, creamy richness that was decadent in a good way. The Passion Fruit Compote was sweet, too sweet even for a compote. Moreover, while the fleshy pieces of passionfruit added a slight depth of natural tartness, the overall flavour still skewed a bit artificial. Last but not least, the Wild Blueberry Jam was the standout for me–bursting with whole berries that had just enough tang, it struck the perfect balance between sweet and sour.
Overall, I’d recommend pairing the English Buttermilk Scones with the Devonshire Clotted Cream for a truly milky delight, as well as matching the Raspberry Scones with the Wild Blueberry Jam for the ultimate berry blast, before putting everything together for a classic Brit-style tea treat. As for the Passion Fruit Compote, though it’s not a total skip, all I’ll say is after that first taste, I never went back for seconds.
Rating: 8/10
Sweets
Ginger Mānuka Honey Tartlet
Now, I’m truly on the climb! With (spoiler alert) five decadent sweets still waiting for me, the first to greet was the Ginger Mānuka Honey Tartlet, comprising ginger honey cream, sablé Breton, and candied ginger.
This tartlet was a refreshing surprise, thanks in no small part to the ginger, present both as candied pieces and as a part of the Mānuka honey cream. Coincidentally, the cream itself—generously layered on top—also smothered everything in the most saccharine way possible, tying each element beautifully.
Hence, because of that and the densely filled tartlet, this fancy treat was an indulgent yet invigorating one that packed a pleasant heaviness.
Rating: 10/10
Honey Redcurrant Mousse
Moving onto the following tier, I tried the Honey Redcurrant Mousse: filled with lemon yuzu compote, set atop financier sponge, and crowned with a delicate Rewarewa honeycomb.
Despite how extravagant its presentation was, it pains my heart to admit that the mousse was rather one-note, with the acidity of the lemon yuzu compote overpowering everything else. Granted, this is the second time I’m having a problem with a compote being too overwhelming, so maybe it’s a personal preference.
However, because I can only review what I’ve tasted (and in this case, that’s not much at all), this treat unfortunately gets a rating that, sadly, doesn’t live up to its majestic looks. At least it cleared my palate, albeit a bit too harshly…
Rating: 7/10
Pistachio Mānuka Honey Choux Puff
Following that slightly underwhelming experience, I nevertheless continued to have high hopes that the cutesy Pistachio Mānuka Honey Choux Puff would taste just as delightful as it looked.
Consisting of just a cream puff beneath a green tea honey chantilly, I was left pleasantly surprised by the depths of flavours hidden within this snack–it seemed that I wouldn’t be disappointed again after all! First, the distinct notes of green tea—grassy, natural, though a little sweet too—followed by the light creaminess of the puff itself. And oh, how could I have forgotten about mentioning the chocolate stick and base on the choux puff? Introducing a soft bitterness to the already diverse mix of flavours, these tiny touches punched a contrast above their weight and grounded the entire experience effortlessly.
Rating: 7/10
Still, while the Pistachio Mānuka Honey Choux Puff put a commendable effort in breaking the monotony without being too overpowering (unlike the cough Honey Redcurrant Mousse cough), it was at this point that I started to get jelak (bored). Have I been eating this tea set wrong this whole time? Was I supposed to switch between savoury and sweet every few bites? Maybe. But there was no room in my mind and stomach for doubt now, not at this point.
And so, I took a bold swig of tea and trudged onwards to the next bite, a true soldier of sugar.
Medovik Clover Honey Cake
Down to the final stretch, the second-last treat to cross my plate was the unassuming Medovik Clover Honey Cake–made of spiced honey sponge, honey crémeux, and a thick layer of Biscoff speculoos.
It’s…alright! I mean, it’s not going to win any awards tasting only like Biscoff, but it’s certainly a proper medovik done well. Maybe it’s because my tastebuds were numbed from the sugar of everything so far, but otherwise this dish was so inoffensive that I genuinely have no other notes for it.
…Well, except the fact that I’m giving it an extra point because it looks like a garden of soil and flowers, that’s adorable.
Rating: 7/10
Chrysanthemum Honey Pavlova
At last, I’ve reached the top! And there to greet me was the critter that made all of this possible: the hardworking yet humble honeybee, now catching its breath on the Chrysanthemum Honey Pavlova, a marvel of vanilla panna cotta, multifloral honey, and meringue.
This final goodbye was full of surprises—the first of which was discovering that the bee was edible! It didn’t taste like anything in particular, but hey, the bee was edible! Next, the meringue was so fluffy that it had me fooled into thinking it was actual whipped cream, though in hindsight that would’ve been crazy considering how it floated and held onto its shape all that time.
Finally, the biggest surprise of them all–the vanilla panna cotta wasn’t sweet at all? With only the faintest notes of honey in its flavour, I honestly didn’t mind it at all. After everything I’ve tasted whilst climbing up this saccharine staircase, this was a well-deserved palate cleanser.
Besides, the meringue more than made up for the vanilla panna cotta in sweetness, so if you’re still somehow craving sugar at this point (which I definitely wasn’t), there you have it. Personally, I recommend eating both of the ingredients together: the contrast between the crunchy meringue and bouncy panna cotta made for a delightful blend of textures!
Rating: 8/10
Honestly, I still can’t believe the Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea set came and went that fast. It only seemed like a minute ago when I was chowing down on foie gras, only to end up scraping the last bits of panna cotta out of the bottle. But alas, the journey continues, so let’s move on to the drinks!
Wait, there’s still a free flow of what?
The Ice Cream Trolley
This tea set is really the gift that keeps on giving, huh? Not that I’m complaining, but wow, I was already convinced it was worth the price all the way back at the dry ice theatrics, and now you’re telling me there’s unlimited ice cream too? My, what a steal! Well then, before my drinks get warm—and more importantly—before my ice cream melts, let’s make quick work of the trolley.
For this afternoon, I had four unique flavours of sorbet and gelato to choose from, though this selection may vary depending on when you visit. Here were my options: the classic and creamy vanilla, the zesty and tropical blood orange, the fruity and berrylicious mixed berries, and the rich, nutty chocolate.
All in all, though it’s still as sweet as some of the more sugary delights I’ve had so far, the coolness of the various ice creams makes for a refreshing last bite–one that’s especially deserving to conclude this opulent meal, this time for real! So, for the second and definitely last time, let’s move on to the drinks!
Rating: 9/10
Honey Beverages
Queen Bee
Let’s start strong with the Queen Bee, a smooth cocktail with a refreshing citrusy punch made with Mekhong Spirit of Thailand, fair kumquat liquer, lemon, yuzu, lemon bitters, and Comvita UMF 5+ Mānuka Honey.
It’s been a while since I’ve had my last liquer cocktail–and surprisingly, I’m really enjoying this one! Though its tart, bitter, and occasionally spicy notes might seem out of place, this drink actually complemented the sweet and savoury dishes beautifully.
Moreover, after encountering several palate cleansers that have missed just the mark, I can confidently say that this complex, multi-layered drink nailed it right on the dot–refreshing my palate not through letting one taste overpower the other, but rather through fading waves of flavours that gently wash my tongue.
Rating: 8/10
Honey Buzz
Now, let’s end refreshed with the Honey Buzz, which, despite its potentially punny name, doesn’t contain alcohol at all. Instead, this refreshing mocktail is a blend of Comvita Mānuka Leaf Blend Tea, Comvita UMF 5+ Mānuka Honey, cloudy apple juice, and lemon, offering a delightful mix of natural sweetness with zesty notes.
While not as vibrant as its alcoholic counterpart, I nonetheless appreciate the simplicity of this dish, mostly because it reminds me of a certain brand of honey lemon tea I drank as a kid (iykyk). Besides, it feels fitting—if a little ironic—to wrap up such a wild and exotic ride with the familiar taste of childhood, wouldn’t you agree?
Rating: 8/10
Overall Thoughts
And with the last sips of the Honey Buzz making its way into the hive I call my stomach, that’s everything in the Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea set I tried at the InterContinental Singapore. To sum it all up: the tea was brew-tiful, the savouries were brilliant, and though I’m not the biggest fan of sweets, I’m willing to bet my molars that any sugar addicts would love the lavish spread of fancies presented here.
Make no mistake, though–when I say lavish, I mean lavish. To me, this decadent affair was more of an 11-dish course with tea than anything else, and if you go for the additional drinks, that’s two more pairings to enjoy. It’s deceptively filling, and I wouldn’t attempt to conquer this summit if you’ve already had a hearty lunch, lest you end up doing what a bee does to make honey.
However, if you’ve got the guts (both literally and physically) to reach the top, I’d say go for it–every sip and bite of this golden indulgence is a tribute to the rich and nutritional flavours of honey, and as the saying goes: what doesn’t sting you makes you stronger.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to enjoy a nice sugar crash and food coma combo. See you at the InterContinental Singapore!
Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea
📍Location: InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966
💲Price:
- Weekdays: S$65++ per person, minimum of two to dine
- Weekends: S$70++ per person, minimum of two to dine
- Beverage Add-ons: S$20++ for one Queen Bee, S$16 for one Honey Buzz
⏰Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: 9am to 11:30pm
- Weekends: 9am to 12am
As a special treat, every guest indulging in this exquisite experience will take home a delightful gift from Comvita—featuring UMFTM 5+ Mānuka Honey, soothing Mānuka Honey lozenges, and a $5 Comvita voucher.
For an even sweeter surprise, the first 30 guests to order the Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea will receive a complimentary jar of Multifloral Honey too, so be quick to fly in if you want to take home an extra dose of amber goodness!
Furthermore, in celebration of World Bee Day on 20 May 2025, from 19 to 25 May 2025, guests dressed in hues of yellow will be treated to a complimentary Honey Buzz mocktail with their Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea–though flaunting off your bee’s knees is entirely optional.
Finally, check out the InterContinental Singapore’s website for more information, deals, and luxurious tea sets.
Photos by Zheng Yi of the DANAMIC Team.