Modern, cool tea houses in Singapore: Antea Social, Hvala, Looksee Looksee, Arteastiq, and more

For most people there is no middle ground, you are either a tea or a coffee person. And with so many cool cafes emerging on our tiny island, the upper hand seems to favour the coffee cognescenti. So to rep the other side of the coin; for those whose ideal mornings begin with a cup of tea, this one's for you. There has been a rise in modern, minimalist tea houses on our shores of bright open spaces involving cosy corners, a vast selection of tea varietals, and delectable sweets. Yup, baristas aren't the only cool cats in town — this shortlist is proof of that.

Antea Social

A fun play on its name; enter the salon that eases its patrons into social situations with a cup of tea in hand. This snug 20 seater café serves up hot tea, iced tea and appetising sliced cakes on the side. Its carefully curated offerings also present sweeteners about the tea's country of origin, type of tea leaves, and its taste profile. Add to that, the wall exterior of circular glass windows, hanging lights, and blush pink walls make for a tranquil gateway — and some super cute snaps.

9 Tyrwhitt Rd, Tel: 6493 0120
Opening hours: (Mon-Thurs) 11.30am-7pm, (Fri & Sat) 11.30am-10pm, (Sun) 11.30am-7pm

Hvala

Even if you're not the biggest fan of matcha, this café may change your mind. One look inside its outlet in Chijmes will have you feeling like you have just magically teleported into a Japanese teahouse — probably with an inviting space embellished with intricate wooden details. Their speciality lies in Japanese tea with all things matcha flavoured — matcha ice blended tea, matcha latte, matcha ice cream, matcha cakes... the sky is the limit.

30 Victoria St
Opening hours: (Mon-Sun) 11am-9.30pm

Nesuto Patisserie

What do you get when you marry premium Japanese and French ingredients? Nesuto Patisserie. Their high tea set stands to be a crowd favourite encompassing sweets, savouries, and refillable tea. Adorned with pastel pink hues, this place has a plethora of tea options which caters to your personal preference. Whether you like your tea fruity, sweet or malty, Nesuto Patisserie has got you covered. Given its spot-on CBD location, lunch breaks have never felt (and tasted) so good.

53 Tras St, Tel: 6920 2922
Opening hours: (Mon-Thurs) 12pm-9.30pm, (Fri & Sat) 12-10.30pm, (Sun) 12pm-5.30pm

Looksee Looksee

Just like bread and butter, tea and books are great in pairs. Revisiting the idea of reading whilst drinking tea, this teahouse encourages that with shelves of books by local authors. On top of its modern interiors featuring vibrant colours and comfy couches, the carefully curated menu is updated every month — presenting new and exciting flavours to enjoy. Its no Wi-Fi policy also cultivates a sanctuary for people to physically engage, while removing every distraction from the outside world.

267 Beach Rd, Tel: 6338 8035
Opening hours: (Mon-Fri) 11am-5pm, (Sat & Sun) Closed

Arteastiq

Known for their artisanal tea selections, this tea house boasts — wait for it — 70 in-house tea selections. Yes, that's right — this isn't any ordinary tea house. Arteastiq, which stays true to its cleverly formed name — performs rounds of research experiments for each tea specialty to serve up curated tea flavours that are all freshly brewed.

333A Orchard Rd, #04-14, Tel: 6235 8370
Opening hours: (Mon-Fri) 11am-9pm, (Sat & Sun) 10am-9pm