Beyond Coffee: Cafe Singapore Cafes Worth Visiting for Their Tea

February 9, 2026 | N.P. Lim

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Author’s Note: I made just a few tweaks here and there to smooth out the flow and make your reading experience as enjoyable as possible. Hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed fine-tuning it for you!

A stream of clear tea pours from a teal ceramic teapot into a rustic, earth-toned cup. The close-up shot uses a shallow depth of field to create a warm, cozy atmosphere with soft bokeh in the background.

If you close your eyes and imagine a typical cafe Singapore scene, you’d likely hear the hiss of milk frothing, the rhythmic grind of beans, and the familiar clatter of ceramic on wooden furniture.

For coffee lovers, the last decade has seen the city become synonymous with a high-energy coffee experience: artisan brews, skilled baristas, and industrial-chic spaces.

But beneath the buzz of specialty coffee, a quieter shift is happening. A new wave of some of the most beautiful cafes in Singapore is emerging, offering a slower, more intentional pace. Whether you are looking for an iced matcha latte to beat the heat or a pot of traditional chinese tea to unwind, the scene is evolving.

Singapore Cafes That Do Both Great Coffee and Tea

If you are exploring the cafe Singapore scene, these spots offer a balance of great coffee and thoughtfully curated tea. From modern coffee bars to traditional tea houses, each one offers a different way to slow down and enjoy the experience.

Here is a quick glance at where to find the best brews:

CafeMust-Try TeaLocation HighlightsVibe
The GlasshouseSignature Matcha LatteCHIJMES / Neil RoadBright, greenhouse-inspired
Apartment CoffeeSingle-Origin Rwandan Black TeaSelegie RoadCalm, minimalist sanctuary
Chye Seng Huat HardwareEarl Grey or loose-leaf daily selectionsTyrwhitt RoadIndustrial, social
Plain VanillaBanana Pudding Matcha or Signature Matcha LatteRaffles CityBright, cozy
Five Oars Coffee RoastersIced Matcha Latte (or Strawberry)Raffles City + othersIndustrial, all-day

Each of these spaces offers something slightly different, so it helps to look a little closer at what makes each one worth visiting.
1. The Glasshouse

This image displays the bright and airy interior of a modern cafe called "Glasshouse," characterized by its minimalist white walls, light wood furniture, and abundant green plants. The space features various seating options including high-top tables with wooden stools and a cozy lounge area with dark sofas, all set under a clean white ceiling with industrial-style track lighting.

Must-Try Tea: Signature Matcha Latte

Location: 30 Victoria Street, CHIJMES #01-03, Singapore 187996 (plus Neil Road outlet)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily (varies by outlet)

Located in a greenhouse-inspired space, The Glasshouse is a favorite among coffee lovers and tea enthusiasts alike. Their menu features speciality coffee and a refined selection of loose-leaf teas, served alongside fresh bakery items like bread, cakes, and brunch options with tomatoes and baby potatoes. The bright room with ample natural light and a central bar creates a welcoming coffee experience perfect for weekend visits or casual lunches.

2. Apartment Coffee

Patrons sit on wooden wishbone chairs at a long, white counter in a minimalist, bright coffee shop. The industrial-style space features high ceilings, white walls, and large windows that fill the room with natural light.

Must-Try Tea: Single-Origin Rwandan Black Tea (crisp, clean profile)

Location: 139 Selegie Rd, Singapore 188309

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily

Now world-renowned and having retained its title as one of Asia’s best cafes in 2026, Apartment Coffee on Selegie Road is a sanctuary of natural light and white walls.

The coffee bar here is designed for interaction, but the atmosphere remains incredibly tranquil. While they are masters of the coffee experience, their tea selection is curated with the same “microlot” philosophy. It is absolutely worth a visit for those who appreciate the delicate notes of single-origin tea leaves served in a beautiful space that feels like a private living room.

3. Chye Seng Huat Hardware

A busy, modern coffee shop features a curved wooden bar where customers sit and baristas prepare drinks behind professional espresso equipment. The interior is brightly lit with industrial-style pendant lamps and features a clean aesthetic with light wood paneling and white walls.

Must-Try Tea: Earl Grey or their loose-leaf daily selections

Location: 150 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore 207563

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily

A well-known name in the cafe Singapore scene, Chye Seng Huat Hardware in Tanjong Pagar delivers both a strong coffee experience and a growing tea selection.

While it’s famous for serving good coffee, their expanding tea offerings (ranging from classic brews to modern blends) make it appealing beyond just espresso. The lively bar setup and industrial interiors attract both locals and visitors exploring nearby areas like Club Street and Tanjong Pagar.

A pot of carefully brewed Earl Grey or their loose-leaf daily selections alongside their signature pastries is a great way to balance out a bold coffee experience.

4. Plain Vanilla at Raffles City

The exterior of this "Plain Vanilla" bakery features a white storefront adorned with rows of hanging dried flowers and greenery. Several mint-green bicycles with wicker baskets are parked out front, creating a charming and rustic atmosphere for customers inside.

Must-Try Tea: Banana Pudding Matcha or Signature Matcha Latte

Location: Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily (mall hours)

A beloved neighborhood café, Plain Vanilla offers a steady balance between great coffee and a tea selection that feels simple but well considered, with matcha, black, and green teas featured alongside their drinks menu.

Their brunch options include sandwiches, grain bowls, and familiar brunch classics, all served in a cozy space filled with natural light. It’s the kind of place that works well for a quiet pause in the middle of the day, whether you lean toward coffee or tea.

5. Five Oars Coffee Roasters

This industrial-chic cafe features an impressive overhead light installation made of black piping and warm Edison bulbs. Patrons are seated at dark communal tables and a marble-topped bar, all set against a backdrop of exposed concrete ceilings and red accent pipes.

Must-Try Tea: Iced Matcha Latte (or Iced Strawberry Matcha)

Location: 252 North Bridge Rd, #B1-06 Raffles City, Singapore 179103

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Daily

With additional outlets in Tanjong Pagar and the East Coast, Five Oars Coffee Roasters brings a high-ceilinged industrial aesthetic and a versatile all-day vibe. It shifts effortlessly from a bright brunch spot in the morning to a relaxed space for early dinner.

While the food menu is extensive, from caramelised onion burgers to refined brunch plates, their iced matcha lattes remain some of the most consistent and highly recommended in the city.

For the Best Traditional Tea Experience: Don’t Miss Yixing Xuan Teahouse

  • Must-Try Tea: Beauty of the East Oolong or Premium Jasmine Pearl
  • Location: 78 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058708
  • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon-Sat); 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sun)

For a deep dive into chinese tea culture, Yixing Xuan Teahouse is an essential stop.

This isn’t your typical high-energy cafe; it is a quiet retail space and tasting room where the focus is on premium tea leaves and traditional brewing methods. It is a beautiful space to learn about the history of tea while escaping the city’s peak hours, with air conditioning that keeps the environment calm and comfortable seating for long tea sessions.

Join one of their traditional Chinese tea workshops or tastings with resident tea masters.

Redefining the Cafe Singapore Experience Across Raffles City and Tanjong Pagar

This image features the striking interior of Equate Coffee, centered around a large, jagged opening in a gray concrete-textured wall that frames the service area. Behind a long gold-colored counter, staff members in black hats and masks assist customers within a minimalist space characterized by white walls and simple gray stools.

The modern café in Singapore is no longer just about serving coffee. It’s about creating a space that supports diverse tastes and moods, whether you want a strong espresso to power through your full time job or a soothing cup of tea to unwind.

Cafes are upgrading their tea selections beyond generic offerings, experimenting with tea mocktails, nitrogen-infused brews, and tea-based desserts. Meanwhile, tea cafés are adopting coffee culture’s craftsmanship and innovation, blending tradition with creativity.

This hybridization enriches Singapore’s F&B landscape, offering coffee lovers and tea aficionados alike a richer, more varied experience. Whether you visit a café in Raffles City, a cozy spot near Botanic Gardens, or a bustling venue in Tanjong Pagar, you can expect a thoughtful menu, good coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Supporting Local Cafes and Businesses in Cafe Singapore

This close-up shot features two slices of dark, seeded toast topped with smashed avocado, smoked salmon, and a perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk. The dish is served on a white floral-patterned plate, with a silver fork and knife resting on the side.

As the café scene evolves, supporting local businesses remains vital. Many tea cafés now offer online ordering and store merchandise, making it easier to enjoy their unique tea blends and artisanal treats at home or on the go. Whether it’s purchasing premium loose-leaf tea, handcrafted tea accessories, or soft pastries, your support helps sustain the vibrant tea culture within Singapore’s café scene.

When planning your next café visit, consider exploring both traditional and modern tea options. Take time to savor the food menu, from delicate brunch plates and sandwiches to main dishes and cakes, all thoughtfully paired with carefully curated drinks: matcha latte, floral infusions, classic black and green teas, or even innovative tea mocktails. This holistic tea experience elevates the café Singapore scene, inviting customers to enjoy a soft moment of calm and connection while indulging in the rich flavors and aromas that tea brings to the table.

Final Thoughts on Cafe Singapore:

A latte with leaf-shaped latte art is served in a small glass on a dark saucer alongside a golden-brown almond croissant. Both items are presented on a rustic wooden table, with a metal fork visible on the edge of the white plate holding the pastry.

With so many cafes across Singapore, from Raffles City to Orchard Road and Holland Village, it has become easier to explore both coffee and tea in a single visit. Whether you stop by during off-peak hours or plan ahead using Google Maps, each space offers something suited to a different mood.

From lively coffee bars serving great coffee to quiet tea houses that focus on slower, more intentional rituals, the evolving café scene in Singapore is absolutely worth experiencing.

Tags

Art of Brewing Black Tea Chai & Spiced Tea Climate & Terroir Green Tea Herbal & Tisanes Matcha & Japanese Tea Oolong Pu-erh Sustainability & Ethics Tea & Hospitality Tea & Mindfulness Tea & Wellness Tea History & Trade Tea Innovation Tea Pairings & Food Tea Rituals & Ceremony Teaware & Aesthetics White Tea
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