Amble within the concrete jungle of Singapore and you’ll likely be met with the defined lines and reflective glass characteristic of modern urbanity. However, if you peer a little closer between the neatly-lined blocks and along hidden streets, you can still find traditional Chinese teahouses hidden in plain sight.
Typically relics of the past seemingly frozen in time, these teahouses provide a temporary respite for all those enchanted by the comforting fragrance of their soothing brews. Broach past the wooden doors and you will be transported into a space resistant to the erosion of time and modernity.
There will likely be an array of speciality teas from black to white awaiting your perusal, with each unique blend offering a distinct flavour meant to whisk you back to the misty mountains of China’s historical past. Besides a cup of your preferred tea, these teahouses provide a safe, self-contained opportunity for introspection amidst the hushed melodies of Chinese instruments.
More than just a drink for our parents and grandparents, with its milder taste profile that belies easy drinking and purported health benefits from being anti-inflammatory to having cleansing efforts, the next time you seek a cuppa, why not swap it for a cup of pleasant, warm Chinese tea instead? To begin you on your journey, here is a list of 9 Chinese teahouses in Singapore that offer quiet escapes from the bustle of our daily lives.