Tea time was first discovered in the 19th century. It all started when the seventh duchess of Bedford, Anna wanted a serving of cakes, sandwiches and tea in between lunch and dinner. Viola! Afternoon tea was created. Ever since then, everyone jumped on the bandwagon to have tea time.

This article is about 5 places you should go to for an afternoon tea in Miri. Without further ado, let’s talk about tea time. As the Cantonese would say,

Let’s go yum cha!

1. The Ruffles Cafe

Everyone knows that the classic afternoon tea treats are scrumptious pastries and delicacies. Finger sandwiches, Scones, Crumpets, Macaroons to name a few. The Ruffles Cafe in Miri offers a wide variety of these afternoon tea delights for the perfect classy afternoon tea.

The Ruffles offer an afternoon tea set which consists of a number of treats for you to enjoy during your tea sessions. The afternoon tea sets consist of Sandwiches, Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce, Macaroons, Blueberry Tart, Strawberry Tart, Saint Hexone Aux Fraise and Mousse. All of these sweet treats will only cost you RM59.90. You can share these sweet treats with your friends. It is said to be enough for 3-4 pax. However, it is only available on the weekends and they have a limited quantity. So, better book yours now!

There are other honourable mentions on the menus as well. For example, the Chocolate Crepes Caramelized Walnut Tart, Mango Eclair, Raspberry Roll and many more baked goods! Another thing worth mentioning is the ambience of the cafe. The cafe has a very relaxing and calm surrounding. Perfect for a peaceful tea session. What more could you ask for?

Location

Shop Name: The Ruffles Cafe
Address: Piasau Industrial Estate, Miri, Sarawak, 98000
Operations Hours: Off Day on Mondays , 10 am -6pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
Status: Muslim friendly
Instagram Page: @therufflescafe

2. Sao Pao Bakery

Perhaps you might fancy something more eastern for your tea time. You should try out the Chinese baked goods from Sao Pao Bakery in Miri. This shop has been opened for many years and many locals love to stop by to savour the hot steaming buns and other Chinese pastries.

One of my absolute favorite things from Sao Pao Bakery would be the buns! Warm buns that are soft and fluffy are enough to make my stomach and heart full. My personal favourite would be the Lava Salted Egg Bun. A warm little steamed bun filled with runny salted egg yolk filling. The filling is super tasty. It is not too savoury and not too sweet. This yummy bun is best eaten while it is still hot. You can try out the other buns as well. They have a wide variety for you to choose from. Ranging from Butter Milk Buns to Braised Pork Buns.

Sao Pao Bakery also has a selection of tarts for you to enjoy. A crowd favourite would be the Portugese Egg Tart. It has a thick crust and a delicious filling that is not too sweet. For something more classic, you should try their Original Egg Tart. Try the Lava Cheese Tart for something with a creamy filling. If you are a coconut fan, try their Coconut Tart which is filled with coconut on the inside. A lot of their regular customers love their hot drinks too. So feel free to try their Kopi C or Teh C alongside with your yummy treats.

Location

Shop Name: Sau Pau Cafe 烧包
Address: 1098, Jalan Permaisuri, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
Operation Hours: 7am-6pm Daily
Status: Not Muslim friendly
Instagram Check- In: Sao Pao Bakery

3. Tea Co.

Are you a bubble tea fanatic? Craving some bubble tea to have in the late afternoon? Tea Co. is the place for you. Tea Co. recently opened in 2018 and has been a huge hit ever since then for the Miri folks. This is probably because of the insta-worthy interior design of the place but most importantly the delicious drinks they serve. Fun Fact, their famous punch line is “有空一起喝茶” which means let’s have tea when you’re free.

Tea Co. has many drinks for you to choose from. Everyone knows the Classic Bubble Milk Tea but you should try their Boba Milk Tea which is sort of the same thing but even better! Boba Milk Tea has a sweet nuttiness from the boba as it is cooked with brown syrup beforehand. Prefer something fruity? You should try the Mango Boom which is filled to the rim with mangoes. The Cheezo Dragon Fruit is also quite a delight.

Not into dairy? Try their tea choices. The Fruity Burst is a best seller. Tea infused with various types of fruits for the extra sweetness. Definitely something refreshing to quench your thirst. Wanna try something different? Go ahead and try their enzyme series.

Tea Co. also serves some pastries that are perfect for afternoon tea. The most popular pastry would be their “ma ngu” and “junnvpiang”. They also have some other pastries too such as egg tarts, sausage buns, doughnuts and mini croissants. So what are you waiting for? Head to Tea Co for a modern yet insta-worthy tea session!

Location

Shop Name: Tea Co.
Address: A-G-10, Miri Times Square, Marina Parkcity, Miri, Sarawak, 98000
Operation Hours: 12-11.30pm
Status: Muslim Friendly
Instagram Page: @teacomalaysia

4. Chapter One Cafe

If you prefer your tea time to be enjoyed with a cup of warm coffee, a slice of delicious cake and a good book then, Chapter One Cafe has got your cover. It is the first library cafe in Miri! This cafe is perfect for you to spend the late afternoon having tea for many reasons.

One of the main reasons is the special star on the menu which is the Honey Shibuya Toast! It is butter cake bread with a bunch of fruit topping and two scoops of vanilla ice cream. The best thing about it is that the size of it is massiveeeee! Most importantly it tastes absolutely divine and heavenly.

They also have a variety of drinks which some of them are quite special. Try their Sakura Iced Latte, Matcha Affogato and Nutella Chocolate Chips Frappe. You can order a pot of tea if you prefer something light. No matter what you order, it will definitely give you satisfaction!

Location

Shop Name: Chapter One Cafe
Address: Lot 2288, Jalan MS2/1, Marina Square 2, Marina Parkcity, Miri, Sarawak, 98000
Operation Hours: 10am -11.30pm
Status: Muslim Friendly
Instagram Page: @chapteronecafemiri

5. Sin Wan Delight and Cold Drinks

Cendol, Ice Kacang, Rojak. I’m sure any local is familiar with those 3 words. Those sweet desserts are a crowd favourite to have for an afternoon tea in Miri. As the locals refer to it as “minum petang”. Icy and sweet bowl of goodness will add joy to your day.

Sin Wan Delight and Cold Drinks has been a local’s favourite since it opened for business. The Ice Kacang is one of the best sellers at this place. Shaved iced mixed with brown sugar syrup and red beans and you can choose milk or coconut milk to be mixed in as well. It is very thirst quenching and relieving to have on a hot day. The sweet nuttiness found in the Ice Kacang makes it so much better.

You can also try the Rojak Cucur at this place. Fried Prawn Fritters, Yam Fritters, Tofu, Sweet Potato Fritters and more served with a sweet and savoury sauce mixed with crushed peanuts. It is quite addictive. The crunchiness of the fritters paired with the sauce will give you great satisfaction.

Location

Shop Name: Sin Wan Delights and Cold Drinks
Address: 2, Bintang Jaya, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
Operation Hours: 9 am-6.30pm
Status: Muslim Friendly
Instagram Check-In: Sin Wan Rojak and Cold Drinks Center.