There are few things that divide us — whether you’re a cat or dog person or if you prefer the east of Singapore or the west. Another polarising topic perhaps, is whether you’re a tea or coffee person. If you belong to former like I am, then this article is perfect for you. Below, we’ve rounded 5 teahouses and cafes in Singapore that serve up quality leaves and brew.
Image: Instagram (@teabonezenmind)
For those familiar with the local teahouse scene, Tea Bone Zen Mind is probably a go-to haunt for you. But for the uninitiated, this is a teahouse that prides itself on serving quality Chinese, Japanese and English tea in artisanal teaware. Housed within two nondescript shophouses in Emerald Hill, Tea Bone Zen Mind has a calming Zen-inspired decor and even boasts its own koi pond. Situated behind Centrepoint, Tea Bone Zen Mind is also a place to escape the busy shopping street. However, you can’t just stroll in — you have to make a reservation via their website or phone in for the tea sampling session.
Tea Bone Zen Mind is located at 98 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229374.
Image: Instagram (@tea.chapter)
If you’re looking to pick up tea appreciation and the art of Chinese tea, then you have to pay Tea Chapter a visit. Helmed by Grand Tea Master Patrick Kang, who has over 20 years of experience in Chinese Tea Art, you can learn the artform from him through his eight-hour workshop(four lessons of two hours each) at $380 per person. You’ll learn the characteristics of various teas, styles of appreciation and the process of brewing tea. There are also shorter tea appreciation packages that start from $48 per pax for those with less time to spare. Finally, you can also buy a variety of Chinese tea ranging from Dragon Well, Scarlet Robe to top grade Pu’er.
Tea Chapter is located at 9 Neil Road, Singapore 088808.
Image: Instagram (@twgteaofficial)
We can’t mention tea rooms in Singapore without mentioning TWG, which stands for The Wellbeing Group. Founded in 2007 (and not 1837 as you might mistakenly believe from its logo), TWG prides itself as being an upscale teahouse with over 800 different blends available, ranging from red, white, green, yellow, blue and black tea. Our favourite is the 1837 White Tea, which has a light taste but packs a fragrant punch.They also have blends that are exclusive to Singapore, such as the Stamford Raffles tea as pictured. As you enjoy a pot of tea, why not complete the experience with their signature tea-infused desserts such as macarons and Earl Grey cake?
TWG has over 10 outlets in Singapore located in places such as Marina Bay Sands, Swissotel The Stamford and ION Orchard.
Image: Instagram (@1872clippertea)
Located at ION Orchard, The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. is a cafe where you can rest your feet after hours of shopping. Plus, its sleek and modern decor serves as a beautiful #ootd backdrop that will jazz up your Instagram feed while you enjoy a cup of tea and tea-infused desserts with your partner. If you’re looking for a cold beverage, try their tea mocktails, or if you fancy green tea, their matcha will not disappoint.
The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. is located at #B4-07 ION Orchard.
Image: Instagram (@camelliateabar)
For all you Easties out there, Camellia茗岩 Tea Bar is the place to go. Located at Katong Square, Camellia focuses on loose leaf tea grown and harvested from Wuyi Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, which is said to have over 700 sub varieties. To help you enjoy the intricacies of their tea selection, Camellia has various tea workshops to get you acquainted with this artform and way of life. These workshops are available only on selected dates, which you can book via their website.
Camellia茗岩 Tea Bar is located at #01-08 Katong Square, Singapore 428788.