The Place Located on level five in Hilton Singapore Orchard, I was excited to check out Ginger.Lily for its Afternoon Tea recently as the space has transformed tremendously from my memories of Mandarin Orchard. Ginger.Lily is a botanical-inspired lobby lounge and bar in the heart of the hotel lobby right opposite the all-day dining restaurant Estate, and it offers a selection of artisanal cakes, savoury delights, and cocktails. For one, the cathedral-inspired glass doors are beautiful which allow ample natural light in the day. 

The Food Available at S$58++ per person from 2pm to 5pm daily, the Afternoon Tea is a four-part journey through savoury, sweet, thirst, and take me home. The menu explores the story of The Orchard Trail Experience, celebrating the use of spice and flora from the colonial era of Orchard Road. You can also opt for S$78++ with a glass of champagne. 

For a start, I am so glad it is not the overdone 3-tier presentation design. Instead, the savoury and sweet offerings are encapsulated in a huge pink book case where you can pull it open by the side to reveal the contents within. There is also a welcome drink, a refreshing tea-infused kombucha.

From the bottom to the top of the drawer, I had sandwiches like the Mini Lobster Roll, Gluten Free Bread with Avocado and the Iberico Ham with Crostini and Baby Basil. My favourite is the lobster roll, which packs heaps of lobster meat even though it is a mini version. 

Moving up the drawer lies the spices and flora inspired sweets – Spiced Apple Tatin, Valrhona 46% Amatika Chocolate Cake, Almond Fig Tart and Pink Peppercorn Cherry Macarons. The desserts are exquisite and generally not too sweet for me. 

For scones, expect freshly baked Vanilla Madagascar and Golden Raisin House Scones with clotted cream, cinnamon chocolate ganache, and a signature Ginger.Lily jam. 

Warm savouries are also served separately, which include the Salt-Crusted Pork Bun, Smoked Beef Burger and the Grilled Sandwich with Cheese and Organic Spinach. Most afternoon tea experiences lean towards sweets, so I am glad that these warm savoury options are served here. The portion is relatively substantial too, and the choice of beef burger and pork bun help to balance the palate as well after having the dessert drawer. 

In terms of beverage, you can select up to two flavours from the list of 10 premium teas including The Ginger.Lily, a specially curated green tea featuring goji berries perfumed with mild florals and exotic fruits. Coffee is also available with unlimited servings. 

Rants Try to request for the tables nearer to the entrance of Ginger.Lily, as the dining section inwards is much dimmer.

Will I Return Again? Overall, the Afternoon Tea experience at Ginger.Lily tick many boxes for me. Good variety, good quality of the offerings and the ambience is comfortable to dine in. A good respite from the Orchard crowd right outside the property. 

Make your reservations instantly at Ginger.Lily here.

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

Ginger.Lily 
Level 5, Hilton Singapore Orchard 
333 Orchard Road 
Singapore 238867 
Tel: +65 6831 6273 

Opening Hours  
Afternoon Tea: 2pm to 5pm, daily 

Ranted by The Ranter