What’s better than coffee? Fine teas. Fight me. Smooth, light, and comforting, a cup of hot tea feels like a warm hug to your belly. On a cold day, of course. With arctic-like offices and air-conditioned homes in Singapore, drinkiing hot tea seems to have caught on here. Sometimes, the sweetness of Teh C just doens’t cut it, and a fragrant, unsweetened cup holds a lot more appeal. That’s where tea blenders swoop in. Good for you if you come from a colder region. Here are some Singaporean tea shops pushing the boundaries of tea drinking.
1. TWG
Not to be confused with British heavyweight, Twinings, TWG stands for The Wellbeing Group. Established in Singapore in 2008, TWG has quickly made a name for itself as a luxury tea institution.
If you’re looking for a souvenir for someone who enjoys the finer things in life, try their Singapore Breakfast Tea. A mixture of green tea, black tea, vanilla and spices, this blend is sure to awaken your senses.
TWG Tea
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn, #02-21, Singapore 238801
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily
https://twgtea.com/
2. Teasers & Teacher
Online tea retailer Teasers & Teacher believes in ethical teas, not only during production but also in commerce. Besides dealing only with fairtrade tea farmers, the duo behind the screen are also upfront with their production costs, listing them on every product page so you can hold them accountable.
If you’re looking for something unique, get your hands on their Kenyan Royal Purple, made from a naturally occurring purple variant of the tea plant. The concoction will turn out brown, but squeeze in a few drops of lemon juice and watch the magic unfurl!
Teasers & Teacher
Phone: +65 8808 6059
Email: sales@think-entities.com
https://teasersnteacher.com/
3. Gryphon
You might have heard of Great Taste Awards winner Gryphon Tea Company. Tracing its origins to a tea importer established 100 years ago, Gryphon has built on its legacy by defying traditions and experimenting with unorthodox flavours to great success.
Their Earl Grey Lavender is a perennial favourite, but if you’re looking for an adventure, seek out their Osmanthus Sencha or Nymph of the Nile.
Gryphon Tea Company
Phone: +65 6779 2948
Email: http://www.gryphontea.com/contact-us/ (enquiry form)
http://www.gryphontea.com/
4. 1872 Clipper Tea Co.
Another Great Taste Awards winner in the house! 1872 Clipper Tea Co. was born in…you guessed it—1872, when its Ceylonese founder planted his roots in Singapore. He brought his love for tea with him, and everything else is history. Clipper pays homage to the ships that plied the trading routes of yore, sending tea leaves to people anxious for their next cup of tea the world over.
For a taste of old Singapore, get the Singapore Orchid 3-in-1 bundle, which comprises the Orchid Bloom, Halia Blossom and Dragon Eye Bouquet blends. As exotic as the names sound, this collection is a great sampler of the fragrances, spices, and flavours of the region.
1872 Clipper Tea Co.
ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily
https://clippertea.com.sg/
5. ETTE TEA
Such a cute name, but don’t be fooled. ETTE TEA might have started from its founder’s kitchenette (hence the name), but it has since grown into a distinguished and brand known for its plucky flavours and exquisitely designed caddies.
ETTE TEA is your best bet if you’re interested in unearthing Singapore’s rich flavours without packing in the calories. Or if you’re looking for portable nasi lemak! Select from their Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice, Pandan Chiffon, Pineapple Tart, Bak Kwa blends and more for a gustatory feast.
ETTE TEA
333 Kreta Ayer Rd, #03-25, Singapore 080333
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am to 6pm, Sat 10.30am to 4pm, Closed on Sun
https://www.ettetea.com/
6. Tealy
Set up by a pair of tea-loving brothers, Tealy incorporates flavours from unconventional sources. Heard of sea buckthorn? Neither have we. But Tealy incorporates the Holy fruit of the Himalayas into its Sea Buckthorn Fruit Blend. We’re already liking the sound of it! Although they’re not big on range, you can be sure that each blend is a carefully curated journey for your senses.
Tealy
Blk 624 Choa Chu Kang St 62 #01-228, Singapore 680624
Phone: +65 8126 4236
Email: admin@tealy.com.sg
http://www.tealy.com.sg/
7. Collaboration Tea
Started by two friends, Collaboration Tea supplies premium and customisable tea blends packed with inspirational quotes to get you through the day. It’s a wholesome spark in an often grey world.
Make a cup of Lavish Earl Grey or Lychee Martini and kick back on your ergonomic chair, reminiscing about your trip to Singapore! If only holidays last forever…
Collaboration Tea
Website: http://www.collabtea.com/
Store: https://shopee.sg/collaboration.tea
Are you one of those coffee snobs who can tell your latte from your cappuccino? We challenge you to try Singapore’s no-frills coffee, available at all hawker centres near you! Here’s our handy guide on how to tell kopi O from kopi C.