We have spent the last six months drinking our way through Singapore to find the absolute best matcha in the city. The local matcha scene has evolved massively, with matcha lovers now seeking authentic ceremonial grade matcha, rich umami profiles, and cafes that prepare their drinks traditionally using a bamboo whisk. From famous international brands to quiet minimalist joints, we have tried all the viral cafes and hidden spots serving quality matcha powder and green tea drinks.
As part of the SENDs Team, we filtered out the noise and visited over thirty different locations, including places like Kyo Kohee at 112 Robinson Rd 01 Singapore 068902, to find what is truly worth your time and money. Whether you want a dirty matcha, a sweet strawberry matcha latte, or just a quiet place to sip a creamy matcha latte, this list has you covered.
Understanding Matcha: The Essence of Japan's Beloved Green Tea
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Known for its vibrant green color and rich umami flavor (some people describe it as grassy), matcha offers a unique taste experience that combines smoothness with a slightly vegetal note. In Singapore, matcha has gained immense popularity due to its versatility and health benefits. The city’s vibrant café culture embraces matcha not only as a traditional beverage but also in innovative drinks and desserts, making it a beloved choice for both tea enthusiasts and casual drinkers seeking a flavorful, antioxidant-rich alternative to coffee.
Quick Summary of the Best Matcha Drinks and Cafes in Singapore
Hvala: A serious tea house for matcha lovers who appreciate ceremonial grade matcha and calm aesthetics.
Matchaya: A dessert-focused cafe known for rich matcha soft serve and creative matcha strawberry desserts.
Kurasu Singapore: A minimalist Kyoto-born cafe at 261 Waterloo Rd Singapore 180261 offering perfectly balanced matcha drinks and coffee.
TSUJIRI Premium Bakery: A heritage brand serving authentic Japanese matcha powder desserts and parfaits.
Hellu Coffee: A trendy CBD spot famous for thick matcha cream drinks and croffles.
Calligraph Coffee: A specialty bar at Duo Galleria focusing on first flush matcha and well-crafted matcha lattes.
Cafe Yasuragi: A work-friendly cafe offering creative matcha drinks like the banana oat matcha latte.
1. Hvala: The Best Ceremonial Grade Matcha Singapore Tea House
Price: $$
Located at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Hvala is one of the best matcha cafes in Singapore for purists who seek ceremonial grade matcha. Open Mon–Fri 10am to 9:30pm and Sat–Sun 11am to 9:30pm, it offers a tranquil escape with minimalist Japanese interiors. Their Panda Matcha ($14) is a premium ceremonial grade matcha powder drink served straight, showcasing deep vegetal notes with subtle cocoa and nut hints. The texture is smooth and creamy, avoiding harsh bitterness.
For matcha lovers who prefer milk, Hvala also serves a well-balanced matcha latte using quality matcha powder that highlights the umami flavour. Pair your cup with their matcha desserts for a complete experience.
Good Vibes for: Purists and quiet tea breaks.
Hard Pass if: You want a sweet, grab-and-go iced matcha latte.
SENDs Hack: Try the straight ceremonial grade matcha before ordering a latte to appreciate the quality matcha flavour fully.
2. Matchaya: Dessert-Focused Matcha Drinks and Strawberry Matcha Latte
Price: $ to $$
Matchaya, with locations including 3 Temasek Boulevard, is a fantastic spot for matcha lovers who enjoy sweet matcha drinks and desserts. Their matcha soft serve ($6) is rich and creamy, packed with authentic matcha flavour from high-quality uji matcha powder. The strawberry matcha latte here is a refreshing twist on classic matcha drinks, combining fresh strawberry puree with smooth green tea for a balanced sweet and earthy taste.
Open Mon–Fri 10am to 9:30pm and Sat–Sun 11am to 9:30pm, Matchaya also offers creative matcha desserts and seasonal specials that highlight the versatility of matcha powder beyond just lattes.
Good Vibes for: Dessert dates and matcha strawberry fans.
Hard Pass if: You need a spacious cafe for work or study.
SENDs Hack: Focus on their tea-based desserts and strawberry matcha drinks for the best experience.
3. Kurasu Singapore: Minimalist Cafe for Iced Matcha Latte and Coffee
Price: $ to $$
Kurasu Singapore, located at 261 Waterloo Rd 01 Singapore 180261 near Bras Basah MRT, brings Kyoto’s coffee culture and matcha expertise to the city. Open daily 10am to 6pm, this minimalist cafe serves an excellent iced matcha latte made fresh with quality matcha powder whisked traditionally with a bamboo whisk. The creamy texture and well-balanced umami flavour make it one of the best matcha drinks in Singapore.
Besides matcha, Kurasu also offers specialty coffee, including the popular dirty matcha — a matcha latte with a shot of espresso that creates a deliciously rich fusion of coffee and green tea. This cafe is perfect for coffee and matcha lovers alike.
Good Vibes for: Solo cafe hopping and minimalist aesthetics.
Hard Pass if: You want a large food menu.
SENDs Hack: Sit near the brewing counter to watch the matcha powder being whisked fresh.
4. TSUJIRI Premium Bakery: Heritage Matcha Powder and Desserts
Price: $$
TSUJIRI is a renowned Japanese matcha brand with over 150 years of history. Their premium bakery in Tanjong Pagar offers a full Japanese dessert cafe experience, featuring matcha powder-infused parfaits, soft serve, and baked goods. Open Mon–Fri 11:30am to 9:30pm and Sat–Sun 11am to 9:30pm, it’s a must-visit for matcha dessert lovers.
Their TSUJIRI Sundae ($13.80) layers uji matcha soft serve with chewy mochi and red bean paste, balancing sweetness and the rich matcha flavour. The matcha powder used is of high quality, emphasizing the smooth, umami-rich taste of green tea.
Good Vibes for: Matcha dessert enthusiasts and tourists.
Hard Pass if: You want a simple iced matcha latte to-go.
SENDs Hack: Try the seasonal parfaits for a creative matcha flavour experience.
5. Hellu Coffee: Trendy Matcha Cream Drinks and Dirty Matcha
Price: $ to $$
Located at Far East Square, Hellu Coffee is a popular cafe among CBD office workers. Open Mon–Fri 7:30am to 6pm and Sat 10am to 4pm, it is famous for its Matcha Creamu ($8.50), a thick and sweet matcha latte topped with velvety cream. The base is made with quality matcha powder that offers a slightly earthy flavour balanced by the sweet cream.
For those who want a caffeine kick, the dirty matcha ($9.50) blends espresso with matcha latte, delivering a creamy, rich drink with the best of both worlds. The small, trendy space is perfect for quick trendy drink runs.
Good Vibes for: Quick CBD breaks and social media content.
Hard Pass if: You need comfortable seating for long chats.
SENDs Hack: Eat the cream topping first, then mix for the best flavour.
6. Calligraph Coffee: Specialty Matcha Latte and Coconut Matcha
Price: $ to $$
Calligraph Coffee, at Duo Galleria near Bugis MRT, is a newer specialty coffee and matcha bar open Mon–Fri 7:30am to 5:30pm and Sat–Sun 9am to 6pm. They focus on clarity and balance, sourcing first flush matcha powder for their drinks.
Their coconut matcha ($8) is a refreshing twist on the classic matcha latte, combining coconut water with ceremonial grade matcha powder for a layered flavour experience. The matcha latte here is creamy, smooth, and well-balanced, making it a great stop for matcha lovers looking for quality drinks in a minimalist setting.
Good Vibes for: Quiet city breaks and matcha flavour exploration.
Hard Pass if: You want a big food menu.
SENDs Hack: Try the coconut matcha for a refreshing alternative to dairy milk.
7. Cafe Yasuragi: Creative Matcha Drinks for Work and Play
Price: $ to $$
Cafe Yasuragi, located in Millenia Walk near Promenade MRT, is a polished, work-friendly cafe open Mon–Fri 8am to 9:30pm and Sat–Sun 10am to 9:30pm. It offers premium Japanese teas and creative matcha drinks like the banana oat matcha latte ($7.90), which combines natural sweetness with strong matcha flavour.
Their strawberry matcha latte and yuzu citrus matcha drinks are also popular, providing fruity twists on traditional matcha powder drinks. The smooth texture and balanced sugar levels make these drinks perfect for tea lovers seeking variety.
Good Vibes for: Work breaks and mall cafe dates.
Hard Pass if: You strictly prefer plain traditional matcha.
SENDs Hack: The banana oat matcha latte is a standout for natural sweetness without being heavy.
SENDs Take: The Best Matcha Drinks and Cafes in Singapore
Singapore’s matcha scene now offers something for every matcha lover. Whether you prefer the pure taste of ceremonial grade matcha at Hvala, the dessert-style strawberry matcha at Matchaya, or the minimalist iced matcha latte at Kurasu, there is a perfect spot for you. Don’t miss out on the creative dirty matcha at Hellu Coffee or the refreshing coconut matcha at Calligraph Coffee.
For matcha lovers who want to explore the full spectrum of matcha powder and green tea drinks, visiting a few of these aesthetic cafes in Singapore will help you find your personal favourite. These cafes maintain high standards of quality matcha powder, traditional preparation methods using bamboo whisks, and innovative flavour combinations to keep the matcha experience exciting.
If you want to discover more amazing cafes and restaurants in Singapore, be sure to check out Social Eats ‘N’ Drink for more reviews and guides to the best food and drinks around the island.
