High tea typically consists of a hot dish, followed by cakes and bread, butter and jam. Occasionally there would be cold cuts of meat, such as ham salad.
Traditionally, high tea was eaten by middle-to upper-class children (whose parents would have a more formal dinner later) or by blue collar workers when they came home from work. The term was first used around 1825, and high is used in the sense of well-advanced (like high noon for example) to signify that it was taken later in the day.
The term "high tea" was used as a way to distinguish it from afternoon tea, though it is often stated that the words "low" and "high" refer to the height of the tables from which either meal was eaten. Afternoon tea was served in the garden where possible; otherwise it was usually taken in a day room, library or salon where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs generally (hence the fallacy about it being low tea).
In Singapore, high tea is commonly served at both private and corporate events. There are two main types of high tea catering in Singapore - local and western versions. The local version usually consist of noodles, deep fried and steamed Asian snacks, dessert and coffee or tea.
The western high tea would include assorted sandwiches, tarts, cakes and of course coffee and tea. Many catering companies in Singapore also serve canapes in their high tea menu.
For corporate events, it is common for customers to request for butler service where food and drinks are displayed on platters and served by roving butlers. Guests then help themselves to whatever they fancy from the platter.