Macalister Mansion High Tea – Penang Afternoon Indulgence

For maximum indulgence the Macalister Mansion High Tea is the perfect cure for a balmy afternoon Tai Tai tête-à-tête.

Macalister Mansion

Macalister Mansion is a stately all-white mansion, a fitting setting for a luxury boutique café within a hotel.

The Macalister Mansion High Tea experience here is a refreshing alternative to the flashy, gold-gilded tea stands seen elsewhere.

Personally, I find these over-the-top displays rather intrusive.

Tea parties are far more enjoyable when you can sit across from your friend and enjoy an intimate tête-à-tête without any obstructions.

Instead of the traditional three-tiered stands, the staff at Macalister Mansion High Tea serve their treats on a simple, elegant rectangular wooden tray, paired with delicious, appetizer-sized bites.

We indulged in Macalister Mansion High Tea, sharing a pot of Tea, scrumptious bites, and meaningful conversation (or gossip—whatever floats your boat, Hunny!).

If you’re looking for a lovely environment, delightful Tea (though I’m a coffee person), scones, and delicate cream cakes, this is the perfect afternoon escape from the George Town heat.

Lay Ean and I stopped by on a rainy Friday afternoon to enjoy Macalister Mansion High Tea—a fitting choice to celebrate our birthdays.

After all, this place is still the “best afternoon tea in Penang.”

The Living Room

The Living Room at Macalister Mansion offers an all-day dining space with a blend of local and international flavors.

During our visit, the room was abuzz with fellow diners enjoying their Macalister Mansion High Tea, which included savories, pastries, and a variety of TWG teas.

Though the Living Room was fully occupied, it wasn’t too noisy, allowing for easy conversation.

We sat near the entrance, basking in natural light as we enjoyed our tea.

What began as a sunny afternoon turned into a refreshing downpour—a welcome change from the previous hot week.

TWG Tea Selection

Macalister Mansion High Tea offers an extensive selection of TWG teas, served in a large pot, perfect for sharing.

The options included:

• Moroccan Mint
• Chamomile
• Jasmine Green Tea
• Earl Grey
• Oolong
• English Breakfast

I chose Earl Grey, while Lay Ean opted for Black Coffee.

Macalister Mansion High Tea Menu

The menu at Macalister Mansion High Tea changes seasonally. During our visit, the Spring-themed menu featured stunning decorations, including sugar gum paste flowers and even an adorable little bee.

Here’s what was on the menu:

Savories

• Crab Croquette with Tobikko and Bonito Mayo
• Beef Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Smoked Duck Asparagus Roll with Olive Sand

Sweets

• Blood Orange Basil Lollipop
• Hojicha Éclair
• Pina Colada Shooter
• Foret Noire
• Tiramisu Dates Crème Brûlée
• Scallion Scones with Cheese Spread

Each treat was presented beautifully, with the savory items being my personal favorite, especially the Smoked Duck Asparagus Roll with Olive Sand.

As for the scones, they were fragrant but floury rather than buttery— a new variation from the classic two-bite raisin scones once served with strawberry jam and butter.

At RM128+ per set for two, the Macalister Mansion High Tea is an indulgent treat worth the splurge.

Don’t forget to make a reservation at least a day in advance, as this venue fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

The Debate: High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea

Interestingly, most people refer to afternoon tea as “high tea,” though this isn’t historically accurate. High tea was traditionally a working-class meal served at the end of the day, while afternoon tea was a more elegant social event. In Malaysia, however, these terms are often used interchangeably.

Regardless of what you call it, the Macalister Mansion High Tea offers a delightful afternoon escape that should not be missed. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in George Town and perfect for a little indulgence.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Macalister Mansion High Tea is an experience that blends elegance, flavor, and exceptional service.

The presentation is stunning, making it ideal for Instagram photos, and the taste of each morsel is a pleasant surprise.

While George Town has many excellent cafés, the high tea here stands out as a luxurious treat.

If you’re looking for an afternoon delight, the Macalister Mansion High Tea is an absolute must-try, and it comes highly recommended.

The Living Room
Macalister Mansion
Operation hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 am (7 days a week)
Contact: 04-228 3888 WhatsApp  +60 12-526 1630.
Address: 228, Jalan Macalister 10400, Penang
GPS: 5.4189103,100.3165523

www.macalistermansion.com