High Tea in Cape Town, South Africa: A Blend of History and Etiquette

Nov 16, 2025 0

In South Africa, an upmarket afternoon tea is often referred to as "High Tea," though the correct term is "Afternoon Tea." This practice is often confused with the English "High Tea," which was a hearty working-class supper served around 6 PM.

An elegant high tea setup.

A Brief History of Tea

Originally a medicine, tea has become the second most frequently consumed beverage in the world. Most tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and was one of the first plants to be cultivated.

Camellia sinensis (China tea): A tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall, commercially cultivated plants are pruned into shrubs about six feet tall.
Assamica (India tea): A variation of Camellia sinensis with larger leaves, growing up to 60 feet.

The Chinese first learned the use of tea from observing aboriginal tribesmen living in the hills southwest of the Chinese border as early as 2700 B.C.E. Many credit the Chinese emperor Shen Nung with the discovery of tea.

After the Dutch began shipping tea to Europe in the early 1600s, it became a popular drink among the wealthy. Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess who married King Charles II of England, is credited with making tea popular in that country. In the early 1800s, the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Stanhope, decided to invite friends to share a pot of tea and small cakes and sandwiches, giving birth to the "English tea."

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High Tea Etiquette

A formal afternoon tea is traditionally performed according to certain rules of etiquette. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Scones: Break your scone into bite-sized chunks. Never dip your own butter knife into the communal butter. Use the provided small spoon for preserves. Add jam and cream in whichever order you prefer (Devon-style: jam first, Cornish-style: cream first). Never make a “scone-sandwich”. Don’t eat your scone with your cake fork! Prepare all your portions of scone in advance!
Tea Drinking: Do not bang your spoon into the rim of your teacup when stirring. Request your milk of preference if enjoying tea at a hotel or a restaurant.
General: Start with the tiniest of bites. Spit the first bite into your napkin if you didn’t like it. Keep your pinky down when drinking tea!

An infographic showing high tea etiquette.

Etiquette in South Africa

It is important to be aware of the diversity of traditions and practices regarding etiquette in South Africa, as it can vary between different ethnicities, linguistic groups, and religions. If unsure, do not hesitate to ask or observe those around you for guidance.

Basic Etiquette

It is polite to receive items with both hands together, held out as a cup.
Some South African ethnic groups may find it impolite to make gestures with the left hand.
South Africans often use the phrases ‘now-now’ (shortly) or ‘just now’ (in the near future, but not immediately).
It is polite to cover your mouth when you yawn.
It is rude to spit in public.
Show heightened respect to anyone older than you in all situations.
It is common to tip about 10% of bills in South Africa, and tips are usually not included in the overall bill. For all other exchanges, it is acceptable to tip in spare change.

Visiting

Visits to people’s houses are usually pre-arranged in South Africa, but unannounced visits from good friends or relatives are also common.
Guests are expected to greet everyone respectfully and immediately upon arrival.
Most South Africans will not expect you to bring a gift with you. However, it can be polite to bring something to drink with you (e.g. juice, wine, etc.) when visiting white South African houses.
You will likely be offered refreshments upon arrival. Many South Africans will offer tea, particularly in the afternoon. Flat refusals of refreshments can be misinterpreted as rudeness in Indian homes.
Respect your hosts’ privacy and do not explore their house unless invited to. Wait to be led into a new room by someone senior.
Try not to admire any of the objects in your South African host’s home too much. Be aware that complimenting an item in a South African’s house repeatedly can make them feel compelled to offer it to you as a gift.
South Africans often accompany their guests to the gate, car or street when it is time for them to leave.
If you are staying overnight at your host’s house, make an effort to keep your personal space tidy and offer to help with chores or cooking.

Eating

African cultures can vary in their expectations of dining etiquette - even between how to sit at a table. Generally, you can expect South Africans to be welcoming as long as you are making an attempt to understand the particular culture you are in.
While seated, do not point your feet towards others or the food.
White South Africans usually eat using a fork and knife (continental style). However, black and Indian South Africans often eat with spoons or fingers.
Some South African homes may follow a hierarchical sequence in the order of people served: guests first, followed by the eldest male, remaining men, children and, lastly, women. In some cases, other guests may be expected to wait until the eldest male has begun eating before starting their meal.
It is impolite to use your cutlery to point or gesture during a meal.
You may be encouraged to accept second helpings to a meal. Eating multiple helpings can be interpreted as a compliment to the host’s hospitality and cooking in Indian South African homes. Leaving uneaten food on your plate can be interpreted as a negative reflection on the food or host.
It is polite to make a small compliment towards the end of the meal on the hosts’ cooking and/or hospitality.
Adults generally do not eat on the streets/standing up unless it is ice cream or from a street-food stand.
If eating at a restaurant, generally the person who has invited the other out to the restaurant will pay the bill.

Braai

‘Braai vleis’ (literally cooked meat, but meaning barbeque) is a cultural institution and common weekend ritual for most South Africans.
Steaks, chops and 'boerewors' (a spiced sausage) are commonly served. Other meats include lamb, beef, venison, goat - as well as game meats, such as springbok, warthog and ostrich.
When attending a ‘braai’, confirm with your host about what you are expected to bring. Some will require you to bring your own meat and drinks. It is polite to bring a bottle of wine or liquor for your host and chocolate or flowers for the hostess as a small gesture of thanks.

Gift Giving

Approaches to gift giving and what is considered appropriate depends on the ethnic group of the person who you are planning to give the gift.
Gift giving is often centered around religious holidays, such as Christmas. In these circumstances, presents are often practical and conservative.
Generally, well-wrapped and nicely presented gifts are likely to make good impressions on a South African.
Receivers generally open gifts as soon as they are presented.

Top Spots for High Tea in Cape Town

Cape Town offers several exquisite venues for a memorable High Tea experience. Here are some recommendations:

The Mount Nelson Hotel: Known as the grande dame of High Tea in Cape Town, offering delicate finger sandwiches, cakes, scones, and a variety of signature teas.
The Table Bay: Enjoy a relaxed pace with a selection of fresh house teas, specialized coffees, homemade ice tea, and an array of sweet and savory treats.
The Silo Hotel: A royal affair with a decadent spread of scones, sandwiches, and petit fours in a stylish setting.
MannaBay: A perfect little High Tea served daily on request, featuring Twinings tea flavors.
Cape Grace (The Library): Afternoon tea with delectable sandwiches, petit fours, macaroons, and scones, along with hot Malay savories.
The Cellars-Hohenort (The Conservatory): A beautiful garden setting with savory treats and sweet delights.
Twelve Apostles Hotel (The Leopard Room): Enjoy “Tea by the Sea” with Dilmah Tea, coffees, and rich hot chocolate.
Lady Anne Barnard Boutique Hotel: Special treat on a three tier stand offering a selection of savoury and sweet delights.
Tea Under The Trees (Paarl): Another beautiful place that has been recommended to me to try.

Enjoy your High Tea experience in Cape Town, embracing both the delightful treats and the rich cultural etiquette!

AFTERNOON TEA ETIQUETTE | The Correct Etiquette to Observe during Afternoon Tea

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