A warm cup of tea may not be the first choice of most Singaporeans when they wake up in the morning. While more may be inclined to reach for that coffee, don't knock it till you try it — tea is a beverage steeped in history, and is older than even wine! On top of providing that caffeine kick that'll help you get through the day, it also offers many health benefits. Teahouses may not be as prominent as coffee roasters in Singapore, but if you want to give tea a go, here are some teahouses in Singapore that will be sure to spark a love for tea in you.
Tea Chapter
One of the oldest teahouses in Singapore, Tea Chapter was started in 1989 by a group of tea enthusiasts looking to share the joy of tea with Singaporeans. The focus is on Chinese tea, and the teahouse is done up to complete the package. The decor reflects a traditional Chinese teahouse of old, with Eastern furnishings adorning its three-storey premise. Whether you are a tea aficionado, looking to reconnect with your Chinese roots or seeking a relaxation retreat in their lush sanctum, Tea Chapter is the place to go.
Address: 9 Neil Rd, Singapore 088808
Opening Hours: Sun–Thu, 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat, 11am–10.30pm
Phone: 6226 1175
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Antea Social
Their name may be a play on the word antisocial, however, their goal is anything but. Instead, the folks here encourage you to socialise, and hope to facilitate conversation over a range of thoughtfully-sourced teas. The choice is yours when it comes to selecting the tea ware the tea is served in, which is a nice touch. Each tea set comes with a slip telling you off the origins of the tea and its taste profile, priming you for what to expect. Go for the Lychee Oolong, a fragrant, floral, and fruity tea that tastes just as beautiful as it smells.
Address: 9 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore 207528
Hours: Sun–Thu, 11.30am–7pm, Fri–Sat, 11.30am–10pm
Phone: 6493 0120
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Yixing Xuan Teahouse
Located in Tanjong Pagar, Yixing Xuan Teahouse is a venture by ex-baker Vincent Low. Aiming to educate people on what a good cup of Chinese tea should be, Yixing Xuan Teahouse runs tea appreciation workshops teaching others how to brew tea properly. Their high-quality tea wares also make great gifts for family and friends. Drop by for an in-depth insight into the history of tea, and of course — a really good cup of tea! Pair that with their special green tea pancake, made with a crisp outer green tea layer and choke full of smooth red bean paste, and you’re good to go.
Address: 78 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088499
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu, 10am–8pm, Fri–Sat, 10am–9.30pm, Sun, 10am–7pm
Phone: 6224 6961
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Tea Bone Zen Mind
A local purveyor of fine tea, Tea Bone Zen Mind is conceived for both the casual tea drinker and connoisseur alike. Their teahouse is centrally located along Jalan Lada Puteh in Orchard. Drop by if you’d like to sip tea in blissful silence — tea sampling sessions are by appointment-only. Tea sampling sessions are on the pricey side, but include small plates to pair with the tea. Founder Carrie Chen personally sources the teas; made up of Chinese, Japanese and English teas, as well as curates her own blends. As suppliers to prestigious names like The Ritz-Carlton, you can be sure that the teas here are of the highest quality.
Address: 18 Jln Lada Puteh, Singapore 228930
Hours: Mon–Sat, 11am–7pm, Closed on Sun
Phone: 6334 4212
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CAMELLIA 茗岩 Tea Bar
CAMELLIA 茗岩 Tea Bar is a local tea retailer and wholesaler that brings the accessibility of premium tea to the masses. They specialise in Wuyi rock oolong, a Chinese tea grown only along the slopes of the Wuyi Mountains. They started with one outlet in Katong — it’s been so well-received that they’ve gone on to open another tea bar in Plaza Singapura. Try the Lapsang Souchong, a smokey variant. The Premium Cassia is another popular option.
Address: 2 outlets, including one at 86 E Coast Rd, #01-08, Singapore 428788
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun, 11am–7pm
Phone: 8783 1993
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Steeped Tea Bar
This modern tea bar located in Bugis brings brewed tea with a twist. The tea is brewed in espresso machines, the same way coffee is brewed. Purists may gasp, but the folks here guarantee the same taste, if not better, in their approach to tea. Choose from classic teas, tea lattes or their tea mocktails such as Pear High Mountain Oolong or Soursop Sencha. Evocative of a modern tea bar, just like the ones in Hong Kong, Steeped Tea Bar makes a perfect place to take a breather from the hectic city life. (P.S. They uses tea from CAMELLIA 茗岩 Tea Bar, so you can be sure that you’re only getting the good stuff!)
Address: 2 Tan Quee Lan St, #01-01, Singapore 188091
Hours: Sun–Thu, 11.30am–7pm, Fri–Sat, 11.30am–9pm
Phone: 9120 1169