I visited on a Tuesday around 7pm, right after a rather heavy dinner nearby. The humidity in Singapore was doing its usual evening routine, and I was desperately craving something cold. I wanted a dessert, but I definitely did not want anything overly sugary or cloying. That is exactly when I found myself walking into The Central at Clarke Quay and heading straight for Tsujiri Singapore.
For anyone who truly appreciates authentic Japanese green tea, the brand Tsujiri carries a lot of weight in the tea industry. Founded by Riemon Tapped over 160 years ago in Kyoto, Japan, Tsujiri has established itself as a premium purveyor of the highest quality green tea. They have built their reputation on preserving the heritage of premium tea leaves from Uji, Kyoto, using traditional methods to grind matcha powder that preserve the authentic flavors and nutritional benefits.
While there are countless dessert shops popping up all over Singapore, finding one that respects the bitter, earthy profile of real matcha is actually quite rare. I decided to stop by and see if their offerings lived up to the legendary reputation.
Introduction to Tsujiri
Tsujiri embodies over 160 years of Japanese tea heritage from Uji, Kyoto, where matcha is revered as ritual, not just a drink. Founded by Riemon Tapped, the brand preserves authentic green tea flavors using traditional grinding methods that extract deep, rich matcha essence. Each offering—from creamy matcha soft serve to layered parfaits—reflects this legacy, inviting tea lovers in Singapore and beyond to experience Kyoto’s authentic matcha culture. Tsujiri’s dedication ensures every sip and bite honors time-honored craftsmanship and the true spirit of Japanese green tea.
Tsujiri Premium Experience: Atmosphere and First Impressions at Clarke Quay
Tsujiri Singapore is located right inside The Central Mall at 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #01-74, near the bustling Eu Tong Sen and Tong Sen Street 01 areas. Because it is situated in a commercial shopping center, it feels much more like a casual dessert counter than a quiet, standalone Japanese tea house. The aesthetic is incredibly clean, minimalist, and functional. You will notice simple wooden elements and neutral tones that give a subtle nod to traditional Japanese design, enhancing the heritage feel of the brand Tsujiri.
The lighting is bright and straightforward, making it a welcoming spot to grab a quick treat. The air conditioning was quite strong (I actually needed my jacket after sitting down with my cold dessert). Seating is extremely limited and compact, with only a few small tables designed for two to four people. It is definitely not the kind of place where you want to linger for hours with a laptop. Instead, it is built for a quick, satisfying dessert stop before you continue with your evening along the iconic Clarke Quay riverside.
The noise level can get moderately loud, especially since it is exposed to the general foot traffic of the mall. If you are looking for absolute silence, this might not be the spot for you. However, the lively energy of Clarke Quay buzzing just outside the windows gives the cafe a fun, vibrant backdrop that enhances the overall experience.
The Star of the Show: Tsujiri Matcha Soft Serve and More
The menu at Tsujiri Singapore is highly focused. They do not try to offer a hundred different flavor profiles. Instead, they stick to what they know best: premium, high-quality green tea and its versatile applications. I was incredibly excited to dive into their signature items featuring authentic matcha powder and other green tea delights. I also couldn’t resist not to take some photos of my chaarcter plush with my order!
Tsujiri Premium Matcha Soft Serve ($8.00)
I started with their most iconic item, the Tsujiri premium matcha soft serve. The presentation is simple and elegant, arriving in a crisp cone or a small cup. The moment I took my first bite, I understood why this soft serve has such a loyal following.
The texture is incredibly smooth, dense, and creamy. It does not have that watery, icy consistency you sometimes find in cheaper alternatives. But the real magic is in the flavour. It is deeply rich, earthy, and beautifully bittersweet. It leans heavily into an authentic tea profile rather than masking the matcha with cups of sugar. If you prefer your desserts to have a sophisticated, slightly bitter edge, you will absolutely love this. Whether you fall into the category of a devoted matcha enthusiast or just a casual dessert lover, this is a treat that will win you over.
Tsujiri Premium Parfait ($15.00)
Since I was sharing with a friend, I also ordered the Tsujiri premium parfait. This dessert is a visual masterpiece, packed with beautiful layers of different ingredients, making every spoonful a completely new experience.
The parfait includes matcha jelly, a generous swirl of the matcha soft serve (though I opted for the vanilla flavour for variety), sweet red bean paste, chewy shiratama (mochi balls), and a base of soft sponge cake. The balance of textures here is phenomenal. You get the creamy melt of the ice cream, the satisfying chew of the mochi, and the slight crunch of the toppings. The sweetness of the red bean perfectly cuts through the bitterness of the matcha jelly. It is a highly complex dessert that feels incredibly rewarding to eat.
Matcha Latte and Other Drinks ($7.50+)
To wash everything down, I ordered a hot matcha latte. The drink arrived with a beautiful, vibrant green color and a delicate layer of foam on top. The smell alone was incredibly fragrant, carrying those distinct grassy notes of premium Uji matcha.
The taste was exactly what I was hoping for. The milk rounds out the beverage perfectly without overpowering the delicate tea leaves. It is smooth, warming, and comforting. Some people might find it a bit too bitter if they are used to the syrup-heavy matcha lattes sold at commercial coffee chains. For me, it was the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.
Tsujiri Singapore also offers a variety of other drinks, including hojicha and sparkling yuzu matcha, showcasing a mix of traditional and innovative methods to enhance the tea experience. These drinks highlight the brand’s commitment to preserving the authentic taste of green tea while also appealing to modern palates.
Service and Pacing at Tsujiri Singapore
The service at Tsujiri Singapore is highly efficient and straightforward. You order at the counter, wait for your number to be called, and pick up your tray. The staff members are polite and work incredibly fast.
Because I visited on a weekday evening, the wait time was minimal. My drinks and desserts were ready in less than five minutes. I have heard that queues can form during the weekend dessert rush, but the staff handles the turnaround time very well. They are not overly interactive, which is completely expected for a casual, counter-service setup. They get you your premium treats quickly so you can enjoy them before they melt.
Practical Information for Your Visit to Tsujiri Singapore
If you are planning to satisfy your matcha cravings, here are a few practical details to keep in mind.
Average Spend: You can expect to spend around $8 to $15 per person for a single item. If you get a parfait and a drink, your bill will easily push past $20.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm are ideal if you want a guaranteed seat. Try to avoid the post-dinner rush (around 8pm) on weekends.
Location and Transport: The cafe is located inside The Central at Clarke Quay, at 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #01-74, directly connected to the Clarke Quay MRT station, making it incredibly accessible via public transport.
Booking: They do not take any reservations. It operates entirely on a walk-in basis.
Seating Tip: If you manage to find a spot, try to grab one of the small tables near the back wall (it feels slightly more sheltered from the busy mall traffic).
Exploring the Heritage of Uji Matcha at Tsujiri Singapore: Showing the Greatness of their Matcha Powder and Green Tea
Tsujiri Singapore proudly carries forward the legacy of Uji matcha, a treasured Japanese green tea with a history dating back to the 12th century. Originating from the Uji region in Kyoto, this matcha is renowned for its exceptional quality, attributed to the area’s unique climate and fertile soil, which create ideal conditions for cultivating tea plants. The traditional production process involves carefully grinding premium tea leaves into a fine powder using stone mills, a method that preserves the tea’s rich flavor and nutritional benefits. This dedication to authentic craftsmanship ensures that every cup and dessert at Tsujiri reflects the deep cultural significance and refined taste of genuine Uji matcha.
The Tsujiri Premium outlet at Clarke Quay not only offers a taste of this heritage but also embodies a modern Zen-inspired ambiance. Elements such as a mini Zen garden and minimalist wooden décor create a tranquil environment that complements the tea experience. Knowledgeable staff further enhance the visit by sharing insights into Japanese tea culture and serving traditions, allowing guests to appreciate the full depth of the matcha journey. Whether enjoying a creamy matcha soft serve or a delicate matcha latte, visitors can immerse themselves in an authentic Japanese tea experience right in the heart of Singapore.
Final Verdict: Is Tsujiri Premium Worth the Trip in Singapore?
Tsujiri Singapore is a place that knows exactly what it is doing. They are not trying to cater to people who want overwhelmingly sugary, artificial treats. Instead, they provide a focused, authentic expression of Japanese tea culture right in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant food scene.
The biggest draw here is undeniably the depth and quality of the matcha flavour, achieved through traditional methods that preserve the tea leaves’ natural richness and bitterness. While the limited seating and premium pricing are minor drawbacks, the actual taste of the food more than makes up for it. It is the perfect spot for matcha purists, casual meetups, or anyone looking for a refreshing dessert after a heavy meal along the river.
If you have a serious sweet tooth and hate bitter flavors, you might want to skip this one. But if you appreciate the earthy, rich complexity of real green tea, Tsujiri Singapore is an absolute must-visit.
If you loved this review and want to discover more amazing cafes, restaurants, and hidden food gems around the island, be sure to check out Social Eats ‘N’ Drink for more similar articles to read. We are always exploring the city to help you find your next unforgettable bite!
