Singapore’s food and beverage scene boasts a serious diversity—you’ll find a bar serving up vibe-based cocktails, an eclectic fusion restaurant and a stellar bowl of prawn mee all in one stretch. Then there are the variety of coffee shops, where’ll you find a solid brew any day. As of late however, specialty tea houses have taken over. Cafe dates and sweet treat spots no longer mean just an iced coffee or sparkling refresher in hand—try swapping them out for a loose-leaf tea instead.
Tucked away in quieter streets and designed with ambient interiors worth talking about, specialty teahouses in Singapore are offering more than just a warm cup of tea. Find yourself in a bubble of repose away from the urban jungle, enveloped in the gentle and earthy aroma of the antidote to your stress. Brewing up a little bit of peace in each cup, the dining experience on offer is one governed by the practice of mindfulness and intention—you’re meant to unwind as you slowly, carefully savour each sip.
Beyond fulfilling our desire for tranquility, Singapore’s teahouses hone in on proper craftsmanship, honouring the centuries-old heritage of tea. Whether they’re brewing up a Chinese tea or a Japanese matcha, each drink is a result of patience, care and a premium artisanal blend. What’s also worth noting is the accessibility that’s on offer—think of tea ceremonies not as a distant, foreign concept, but as an approachable community experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for a proper tea ceremony or stopping in for a drink with a friend, we’ve got you covered. Below, a Vogue-approved list of Singapore’s specialty teahouses.
1 / 5
Miura
Brought to you by the people behind Paaru at Pearl’s Hill Terrace, is Miura. Situated within In Good Company’s flagship store at Joo Chiat, Miura immediately strikes one as minimalist. The exposed white brick walls and soft lighting are as inviting as they come, while wooden and terracotta elements add a touch of warmth and dimension. After walking through In Good Company, Miura feels like a well-earned discovery, a secret paradise.
The brews taste just a refreshing as the space feels. Whisked matcha and hojicha, fruity cold brews and a selection of delicious wagashi await. For the serious matcha lovers, Miura’s matcha boasts a rich yet clean umami flavour profile with a light, bitter finish. And for those of us who prefer a tropical drink in hand, the Nakama Cold Brews, featuring its signature Cheese Cloud, are a must-try. The Rock Melon Wakocha dances across the tongue—sprightly, juicy notes of melon are balanced out by a thick, savoury layer of cheese foam, and a harmony between sweet and savoury is achieved. The Oolong Pear Cold Brew undercuts the creamy cheese foam with notes of crisp, sharp pear. To complement your drink, grab a bite of Miura’s Strawberry Daifuku, where melt-in-your-mouth mochi skin, red bean paste and fresh strawberries create a tantalising combination.
Miura, In Good Company, 316 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427567
2 / 5
Jing Studio
The group behind Bar Kap invites you to step into the historic House of Tan Yeok Nee for more than just a night of drinks: a closer look and you’ll be greeted by contemporary tea salon and atelier Jing Studio. There’s a bit of juxtaposition at play here—the space feels deceptively like a modern cocktail bar, yet it’s nestled away in a bit of Singapore’s history. There’s also the philosophy that underlies the Jing Studio atelier: traditional Chinese tea and brewing practices reimagined in a more modern and theatrical lens. The space places the tea master as the central focus, and the brewing process evolves into a performance, a ceremony. Patrons are invited to discover the world of tea through this experience. The ambient lighting, paper lamps and warm timber interior invite visitors to stay and indulge in the calm that the space provides.
The brews are comforting, to say the least. The menu divides its attention between blended tea creations, single-estate harvests and curated desserts. The Coco Pulut Pu-Erh is a dark tea from Yunnan, China, with light, creamy coconut paired to rich berry notes. Meanwhile, its single-estate tea menu offers a refreshing oolong tea, the Phoenix Spring. Finish off with the Midnight Sesame Sand: a dark chocolate ganache and black sesame praline, presented in a crumbly, sable sandwich.
Jing Studio, 101 Penang Road, House of Tan Yeok Nee, Singapore 238466
3 / 5
Antea Social
A side of wordplay accompanies your tea at Antea Social, a brand first founded in 2017 by Jolene Seow as a digital platform before it expanded into a brick-and-mortar store. A play on the term ‘anti-social’, Antea Social explores a dual concept: a peaceful, unhurried space for you and your loved ones, and a taste of serenity for you to enjoy yourself. A zen, nature-inspired sanctuary awaits those who enter, as the ambience washes away any anxieties of the outside world. Polished, gleaming wood and earthy textures adorn the cosy space, where the menu is equally soothing to the eyes as it is to the palette. Antea Social’s most popular tea is the Lychee Oolong, a tea redolent of a plump, ripe lychee. For something a little off the beaten path, try the Golden Pomelo Oolong: citrusy, with a full and silky mouthfeel.
What you’re unlikely to encounter anywhere else is its curation of tisanes, a type of beverage made from infusing herbs and botanicals in hot water. At Antea, the Mini Nyonya is a house blend of butterfly pea flowers, lemon verbena, lemongrass, chamomile and orange peel.
Antea Social, 117 Owen Road, Singapore 218923
4 / 5
Silk Tea Bar
The bustling streets of Chinatown fade into the background when at Silk Tea Bar. Founded by Melody Teo and Xian Tan, the cafe offers a tranquil experience for those on the hunt for a touch of escapism. While the minimalist, Japanese-inspired aesthetic offers a respite of its own, it’s the playlist that sets the tone for your experience here. Relaxing indie beats and soft, ambient music plays in the background as you delve into Silk’s menu.
Single-origin loose-leaf teas are the focus of the menu, and recommendations are likely to come based on your own palette preferences. For those craving the taste of coffee without the caffeine hit, the bold and nutty Shuixian might be the tea of choice. The heavily roasted, full-bodied oolong tea packs notes of almonds, tobacco, citrus and charcoal is a rollercoaster of flavours that go down quite smoothly. Reminiscent of spring, lighter notes surface in the Crysanthemum Tea, which include cut grass and a rich butter.
SILK Tea Bar, 26a Sago Street, Singapore 059021
5 / 5
Inner Teahouse
Inner Teahouse, founded by Jane Cai, has carved out its own space in Chinatown as well. Stepping into the dark wooden space feels like stepping into a traditional home on a rainy night: wooden antiques, natural textures, soft lighting and just a hint of incense. The seating offers a variety of options for both groups and solo wanderers. The range of seating reflects Inner Teahouse’s philosophy perfectly, where patrons are invited to pause and savour each moment, discovering each brew with intention.
Inner Teahouse encourages the idea of evolution in its blends, where notes of the tea house’s loose-leaf teas change across steepings. White teas and oolong teas tend to shift from floral, fruity notes to deeper, richer notes—the selection of black teas, of course, maintains a warmer, nuttier taste throughout. The Da Hong Bao tea is floral yet creamy, with a delicately refreshing aftertaste. For a quick bite to ground your brew, consider its traditional walnut banana bread.
Inner Teahouse, 87B Keong Saik Road, #03-00, Singapore 089170
