This Cosy Tea Cafe Is Hidden In Singapore’s Last Surviving Teochew Mansion

There’s a new tea movement sweeping over Singapore. But we’re not talking bubble tea with toppings like pudding and jelly, nor trendy matcha concoctions – the current growing beverage trend is all about brewed Chinese tea in all its natural goodness, as evidenced by all the artisanal tea houses popping up across the island.

It only feels natural that one of these spots championing the age-old art of the brew finds home in the House of Tan Yeok Nee – Singapore’s last surviving Teochew mansion. Previously closed off to the public, the 140-year-old house has since undergone an extensive restoration and is now a lifestyle destination. Joining Bar Kap and Japanese-French fine-dining restaurant Loca Niru at this heritage-rich spot comes Jing Studio, a cosy tea shop.

See also: At Inner Teahouse, A Slow, Sensorial World of Tea and Ungatekeeping A Hidden Sourdough Cafe In Singapore

Jing Studio’s space is compact, but refined. Half of it is taken up by the preparation counter, where tea master William works – and you’re welcome to watch. The surrounding walls are fitted with cubby shelves, with each nook displaying a treasure from William’s personal collection: tea tins, pots, porcelain cups, you name it.

Jing Studio Singapore review with prices

A total of less than 10 bar seats are lined up against two corners of the wall. If you’re unable to snag a spot, feel free to take your brew to one of the benches at the courtyard outside, or have it to-go as you stroll around the mansion’s grounds.

For that reason, and for convenience in general, all the tea here is served in disposable cups. Although we felt that this detracted from the authenticity a little (we were expecting traditional Chinese teaware, and are all about sustainability), the leaves don’t lie. Everything is carefully sourced, and brewed with precision to best bring out their natural flavour. In fact, there’s no option to add sugar, because the whole point is to appreciate all the unique layers as is, though some of the teas do have milk-based variants.

Despite the sophisticated appearance of Jing Studio, most of the teas are accessibly priced at $7 and $8, with two premium varieties going at $12.

A Jing Studio signature, the single-origin Ember Road ($12) is a black tea you can’t go wrong with, with warm honeyed notes brightened with a hint of dried apricot. If you’re up for something unique and experimental, go straight for Coco Pulut Pu-Erh (from $7), and don’t skimp on the $1 top-up for coconut milk. This is basically pulut hitam in drink form, and it’s sufficiently sweet despite being sugar-free. As someone who doesn’t typically enjoy the earthiness of pu erh, this writer found this local dessert-inspired blend surprisingly palatable.

For something lighter, go for one of the two herbal tea blends. We tried Apothecary Gold (from $7), a refreshing white tea blend with notes of sweet pear, chrysanthemum, and honey – the perfect end to our pastries. Speaking of which: Jing Studio has a lean selection of sweet treats, all made by the Japanese chef of Koko Patisserie.

There’s also an adjacent private room where booking-based traditional tea appreciation sessions will be held in the future.

Jing Studio tea cafe menu

How to get to Jing Studio at House of Tan Yeok Nee

Jing Studio is located at 101 Penang Road within the House of Tan Yeok Nee, open daily from 10am to 7pm. It’s within easy walking distance of Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, and we suggest alighting at Exit B for the shortest amount of walking time from the train station. Find the latest updates on Jing Studios Instagram page here.