TWG

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this for the first time. Using my blackberry right now to blog this. Amazing isn’t it? How such a small device can do such wonders!! The power of media now. Anyways, today’s kind of a rainy day and what I would give for some relaxing and soothing teas and perhaps some scones… But mainly just the tea. So I decided that today, I’ll talk about a nice tea joint I’ve recently visited for a little writing venture I wanted to pursue. We’ll have a look at the much talked about TWG tea house.

AMBIANCE: I was visiting the Marina Bay Sands(MBS) branch that day and I have to say, the ambiance is simply fantastic. It felt very foreign being seated above a “man-made river”. A false feeling of being in Venice, quite well carried out. Applause for both MBS and TWG for allocating and securing such a great spot for a little tea loving experience. Although the river may not look very spectacular, one would still enjoy the very interesting view skyward. The spacious view overhead to the roof of the MBS shopping centre gives off a modern feel with its numerous glamorous posters and escalators. I did however feel like a caged animal to be stared at by passing shoppers.. Hmm. Dali Salvador’s poster did take my attention off though. The art science museum.. Ahh. Ok Digressing!! The architecture of the little tea house was beautiful with it’s finely furnished woods, I’m guessing redwood. The furnitures are finely selected and the presentation pastries, simply gorgeous. I would say the lighting in the display cabinets do help to make it look extremely appetizing. Especially… (Wait for it…) The macaroons!! So came the time for me to order the tea… From about say 100 over different blends?! What was I to choose? Well, they did make things a little less difficult and definitely interesting when they presented to me an entire teabook. A book filled with the numerous descriptions of all their blends nicely categorized by country and caffeine strength. Well prepped eh? Thumbs up!! TWG also boasts a very unique style of tea preparation. They follow the French brewing style which is strict on its one time tea leaf usage. The best of the best must not be degraded by a blander taste.. That kind of thinking? Posh Posh.. Thumbs up for me!!

MY ORDERS: I was feeling adventurous so I decided to have a tea with the strongest caffeine level. It didn’t take long for the waiters to recommend their strongest blend, a good start that they know their stuff. Thumbs up again!! The Rwanda Express BP1, a blend introduced to Rwanda, Africa in ther 1960s. It is a high quality black tea which is rich and malty. The black tea leaves are blended with the vigour of cracked coffee beans, the best of both worlds. It is recommended to have a mix with milk for those who find the bitter flavour less appealing. The milk addition allows a lasting and soothing aftertaste but still holds a very heavy punch. For those into the bitter tastes, the blend without milk brings about the raw feeling of coffee beans. A very rejuvenating drink to wake the mentally and physically fatigued soul and body. Uplifting. All just for $11/pot for this gourmet tea!! Alternatively, I requested for the soother of the bunch, the one tea that would induce sleep. It’s the no caffeine and light tea called the Jade of Africa tea. The Jade of Africa is a South African red tea enhanced with subtle fragrance of red berries and a sprinkling of sunflower petals. A light, fruity tea for any time of the day. I did try something rather odd though, tasting it in spoon size and from sips off the cup. From a spoonful of the tea, a very weighty feeling settles in your mouth. It has a bitter-bland fruity after taste when taken from the spoon. From the sip, the taste is on a lighter side and would serve well to calm and relax. Sip this tea, don’t gulp it down. That’s the word of advice!

LOCATIONS:

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique

Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place #01-22, Singapore 048619

Tel: +65 6538 1837 Fax: +65 6536 7178 Open Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm

Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn #02-21 Singapore 238801

Tel: +65 6735 1837 Fax: +65 6736 1837 Open Daily 10am - 10pm

Reservations: Mon - Fri from 10am - 11am 12pm - 1230pm & 630pm - 830pm

TWG Tea Boutique

Takashimaya Dept Store, B2 391 Orchard Road Singapore 238873

Open Daily 10am - 10pm

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique on the Bridge

The Shoppes at Marina Bay SandsB2-89/89A, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972

Tel: +65 6535 1837 Fax: +65 6221 1837

Open Daily 10am - 1030pm and until 12 midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Eve of Public Holidays.

Review: I enjoyed myself immensely, hearty chats with the company I was with. Savouring tea whilst in the ambiance and great care of the staff. It was indeed an experience you wouldn’t want to miss on a lazy Sunday afternoon unless you’re rushing to get back to camp(army boys). Don’t miss it for the world, it’s an experience for the entire family. Don’t miss the numerous delicious cakes, pastries and… Macaroons!! FYI guys, TWG was established in Singapore in celebration of its spice and herb + tea trade history. Be proud, Singaporeans! Come sample them teas with your family, you don’t expect me to taste all 100 over flavours myself, do you? Rating: An 8. Would do better if them kids stop staring from them escalators goin’ up and down. GAH! Oh well.. 

Till next time, 

"wash your hands before you eat!"