Inner Teahouse: A New Sanctuary For Tea Lovers
Hidden above the bustle of Chinatown, Inner Teahouse offers teas sourced from Fujian’s mountains, in a quietly transportive setting designed for slowing down.
There has been a clear rise in contemporary tea houses in Singapore in recent years. From fan favorites like Antea Social in Jalan Besar and Silk Tea Bar in Chinatown to newer entrants such as Atelier Cherub at Pearl’s Hill Terrace, the tea scene is having quite a moment.
Now, there’s a new (well, not entirely new) space to add to your list. If the name Inner Teahouse rings a bell, it’s because they previously shared a home with pottery and tableware specialist Round & Round at Pearl’s Hill. It has since moved — and this latest iteration feels like a more pronounced expression of its identity.
A first look at the new Inner Teahouse space in Chinatown.
Think of it as Inner Teahouse 2.0 if you will. It’s now located on the third floor of a nondescript shophouse in Chinatown, and you can expect to savour a variety of teas all procured from Fujian, the mountainous province known for being one of the most prolific tea-producing regions in China.
Inner Teahouse’s founder Jane Cai.
“Many people in Singapore trace their roots back to Fujian, where tea culture is deeply rooted,” says Inner Teahouse founder Jane Cai, a tea enthusiast who was formerly in the construction industry.
“Tea has always been part of my everyday life growing up. Over time, I felt a strong desire to share this part of my culture in a place that already carries so much historical connection to it.”
The 31-year-old works closely with local farmers to pick the best of the ahem, crop, even going so far as to pay annual visits to the province’s mountains to taste and assess each harvest in person; not exactly casual sourcing.
For Cai, though, this isn’t about exclusivity.
“There are several common stereotypes about tea that I feel strongly about re-examining — such as the idea that more expensive tea is always better; that tea is primarily a luxury or value-driven product; or that it is something only older generations drink,” says Cai.
“For me, tea is meant to be approachable and relaxed. It doesn’t need to carry so many labels. What matters most is the quality of the tea and the experience of drinking it in the moment.”
Antique furniture anchors the space.
That same care can also be seen in the teahouse’s dark wood furnishings, most of which are antique pieces, with some even dating back to the Qing dynasty.
“Everything in the teahouse is intentionally rooted in the idea of ‘nature and origins’... the textures they carry are, to me, the most honest traces of age, marks left by years of use, weather, and care. In the quiet presence of these old things, we allow new beauty and new moments to unfold—slowly and naturally,” says Cai.
The tea room overlooks Chinatown Complex, creating a nice contrast: the cosy, meditative space within, and bustling Chinatown outside.
Add the little corners that come with windows overlooking Chinatown Complex, and the cosy effect is quietly transportive; it feels less like a city teahouse and more like an antique-filled salon somewhere in Kyoto — the kind of place where conversations stretch out unhurriedly.
Looking ahead, Cai is also developing more immersive tea-led experiences. First up: a collaboration with Songs From The Pantry — the duo of chef and baker Jane Chung and photographer Samuel Foo — known for hosting thoughtful culinary pop-ups around town.
Together, they’ll be presenting a food-meets-tea experience inspired by the lightness of spring, taking place this weekend. Consider it another step in reshaping what tea can look — and feel — like in Singapore today.
Inner Teahouse is located on the third floor of 87B Keong Saik Road. It’s open daily from 12pm - 7pm, save for Tuesdays.