Tea Cafe

... that's the full name of this café, which is as unique and unconventional as its name. Housed in a loft apartment in one of the restored shophouses along Seah Street, this is one stylish, artsy, yet completely cosy place to while away the afternoon (and you can only spend afternoons here as it closes at 7pm). This is where I bring grouchy panda when the humidity outside is botching her complexion and we need a sanctuary to revive, re-fur, and re-hydrate... but enough about my fetish.

The decor is quirky, with whimsical avant-garde paintings that, we’re guessing, come from the well-to-do owner’s personal collection. That, and the oh-so-laid-back operating hours, tells us that the owner is more interested in creating a physical expression of her very admirable taste, than in making obscene amounts of money. Kudos to the owner/designer who utilizes the airy space superbly by placing a skeleton of a tree in the middle of the loft, creating an indoor courtyard kind of feel with the guests seated in tight groups around this tree. A private dining area is available for larger groups on the upper level of the loft, accessible via a spiral staircase that, like every other piece of artefact in the café, adds to the ambience.

This is no “looker without substance”. Being a tea café, the menu is naturally endowed with many variations of tea drinks – western, eastern, and local. You may think that the price is a bit steep for a cuppa but you’ll change your mind quickly when the tea arrives – always in its own tray, with a special cup and pot to match, and often with a small snack. The whole presentation shows how much thought has been put into the details, and it invariably becomes a conversation piece.

Don’t just stop at the tea though, make sure you order the “cha ye dan” (tea leaf egg) which took the proprietor many iterations of experiment to perfect. It’s deliciously soaked in sauce and the yolk is still juicy. If you’re having western tea, the blueberry muffin will go very well with your drink.

A note – you need to practice a bit of patience before your orders will arrive. As the “zen” in the name implies, this is no place for rushing oneself or others. Let not the tick-tock of time hurry you. Instead, why not meditate on the meaning of the name while reading your tea leaves?

Enjoyed a specially arranged dinner function at the Tea Cafe which usually closes at 7pm. Home cooked food, cozy ambience, strong airconditioning, good company - not much else to ask for.

Food: specially catered food included a cream/mock crab dip with freshly cut carrots, rocket salad, sour plum drink (we had our own wine). mains were popiah all wrapped up, thai fried rice crackers with chicken cream topping, roast beef. Skipped the braised duck and mushroom-black fungus as I couldn't figure out what they were. Had a tasty clam and fish soup. Dessert was sweet potato in ginger soup. Food isn't outstanding but tasty.

Ambience: Set on the second level of a terrace shop house, it is well laid out with comfortable chairs and nooks and corners for smaller groups to get together and have a decent conversation, soft Corrinne May music in the background completes the picture. Aircon works well too.

Value: Reasonable.

Service: 4 staff on standby who are knowledgeable and helpful