Iltapäivätee

Iltapäivätee, often translated as afternoon tea, is a light meal taken in the late afternoon, typically between 3 and 5 o'clock. It originated in Britain and has become a popular tradition, both in the UK and internationally. The custom is generally considered to have been popularized by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s, as a way to bridge the long gap between lunch and a late evening dinner.

Traditionally, iltapäivätee consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries. These are usually accompanied by a pot of tea, most commonly Earl Grey or English Breakfast. The experience is often associated with social gatherings and can be enjoyed in homes, hotels, or tea rooms. While the formal version is a sit-down affair, a simpler version, sometimes referred to as "high tea" in modern usage, might involve more substantial food like pies or cold meats. The precise components can vary regionally and by establishment, but the emphasis remains on a leisurely and elegant break in the afternoon.