Equinox (High Tea)

My idea of high tea goes like this- decorations around the place of some regal shade, with a chandelier hanging from above, little cakes served on silverware and elaborate plates. At the side of the table, there will be a good pot of tea.

That was my idea of high tea, till I went to Equinox yesterday. To just summarise it in a few words:

"You're paying for the view and ambience but not the quality of food."

The kind of food you'll expect to see includes a pasta station where a chef will cook your desired pasta, some chinese food, including pandan chicken, sugar cane prawn, fried noodles, asparagus, paus curry puff, a kueh pie tee section, bread section, make your own fishball noodles, sushi station, chocolate fondue section (which included things like strawberries, , salad + sandwiches, included mushroom salad, croissants with tuna, chicken salad, dessert (wa ku kueh, mango pudding, scones, mini muffins, mixed fruit, longan mix, kueh lapis, some banana thingy), TWG tea, ice cream section (four different flavours: chocolate, yam, raspberry and lemon sorbet).

Okay so after my long introduction on what food you can expect to see at Equinox, now comes the time to decide whether it's really worth your $$ for this high tea.

Firstly, you've been warned. The high tea is from 330 pm to 5 pm. i.e. if you are looking to feel your stomach for lunch and dinner, you better do it fast and risk indigestion. At 430pm, a waiter came over to remind us that the high tea ends at 5 pm so that we are not taken over by shock or anything like that. Then at 450 pm, they will give you your bill without you asking. (gone are the days where you wave your hands madly to get your bill.)

Secondly, the quality of the food does not match up to the name of Equinox. It's ordinary food, which can be found at probably 2/3 the price somewhere else. The range of dessert is quite limited. You can probably go for a better buffet lunch spread at Asian Market Cafe.

Thirdly, the place screams atas into your face. The place is beautiful, and we got allocated window seats. You get a paranomal view of Singapore.

At the end of the day, remember, you are paying for the fact that this place is on the 69th floor, more than for the food. I've read other reviews which stated that the lunch and dinner is much better. I agree because I had eaten lunch there before. They have more exquisite food during lunch and not run-of-the-mill food. For example, there was foie gras during lunch. Pay for ambience or food, you decide!

Equinox Restaurant

2 Stamford Road, 70F

Swissotel The Stamford

+65 6837 3322