Call it a shift toward wellness or simply an excuse to slow down, but tea is undeniably having a moment. While coffee and matcha still have loyal followings, tea has carved out a space of its own—whether it’s a refreshing cup to take on the go, a leisurely afternoon tea spread, or a quiet ritual shared with friends. From premium tea chains to elegant tea rooms, Metro Manila has no shortage of places to steep, sip, and stay awhile.
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TWG Tea
Few names are as synonymous with luxury tea as TWG Tea. After quietly disappearing from the local scene, the Singaporean brand is making its return at Mall of Asia, once again bringing its signature blends and refined afternoon tea experience to Manila. Whether you’re ordering the beloved 1837 Black Tea or browsing its extensive collection of teas from around the world, TWG remains a destination for those who appreciate the finer side of tea culture.
Flora Tea Bar
What began as Bar Flora’s daytime concept has now found a home of its own in San Juan. By day, Flora Tea Bar offers loose-leaf tastings from China, Japan, and Taiwan alongside comforting tea-forward bites and its crowd-favorite Flora Matcha. Settle into its cozy interiors and linger over a pot of tea long enough, and you might find the space slowly transforming into its evening counterpart—a tea bar where conversations continue well into the night.
The Lobby at Peninsula Manila
For those craving a classic afternoon tea experience, The Lobby at The Peninsula Manila remains one of the city’s most timeless destinations. Sip on fine teas served alongside delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and other afternoon tea staples as live piano performances—and Sunday jazz sessions—fill the grand lobby. It’s the perfect setting for long conversations, special occasions, or simply slowing down for an elegant afternoon.
Blackbird
Afternoon tea at Blackbird is as refined as its surroundings. Expect elegant towers filled with finger sandwiches, pastries, sweet tarts, slices of cake, and colorful macarons, all paired with pots of carefully brewed tea. Dress up for the occasion inside the restaurant or take your tea outdoors on the garden terrace, where lush greenery and fresh air make every sip feel even more indulgent.
CHAGEE
With CHAGEE opening branches across Metro Manila, it’s easy to see why the international tea chain has become one of the year’s biggest beverage obsessions. Instead of the sinker-filled Taiwanese milk teas many have grown up with, CHAGEE spotlights premium original-leaf teas crafted into lighter, lower-calorie drinks that let the tea itself shine. It’s a modern take on traditional tea—one that has introduced a new generation to the pleasures of a well-brewed cup.
Tea now means different things to different people—quick milk tea alternatives, ceremonial tea experiences, and these Metro Manila destinations offer a different way to enjoy the ritual, one cup at a time.
Featured Image and Photos: CHAGEE, BAR FLORA, PENINSULA MANILA, BLACKBIRD (via Instagram), TWG TEA (via Website)
Frequently Asked Questions
Notable tea spots in Metro Manila include CHAGEE, TWG Tea, Flora Tea Bar, The Lobby at Peninsula Manila, and Blackbird, each offering a different take on tea culture.
CHAGEE, an international tea chain with multiple branches across Metro Manila, specializes in premium original-leaf teas crafted into lighter, lower-calorie drinks.
TWG Tea, a Singaporean luxury tea brand, has returned to Manila with a location at Mall of Asia, offering signature blends like the 1837 Black Tea and a full afternoon tea experience.
The Lobby at The Peninsula Manila and Blackbird both offer classic afternoon tea experiences, featuring pastries, finger sandwiches, and live music in the case of The Lobby.
Flora Tea Bar, located in San Juan, is known for loose-leaf tastings from China, Japan, and Taiwan, tea-forward bites, and its crowd-favorite Flora Matcha, transitioning into a tea bar in the evening.
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