If you haven’t realised, the original hvala outlet at Keong Saik Road has now moved to Craig Road! Although slightly smaller with just one level, the vibes are just as chill. Each branch has their own menu, offering selected items that can only be found at that particular outlet. This one at Craig Road has a completely vegan menu, so there is something for everyone! Offering authentic Japanese tea in a modern setting, Hvala is a perfect cafe to spend your afternoon chilling with your friends, or simply to read a book all on your own.
Although there is no more tatami seating like the one I thoroughly enjoyed at Keong Saik branch, the new outlet at Craig Road keeps an open kitchen concept where anyone can walk over to watch the skillful baristas handcraft each and every cup of matcha. You will be able to observe the entire process from the whisking to the brewing in traditional tea cups.
For starters, we ordered the Kinako Warabi Mochi ($5.20++). This has got to be one of the best Warabi Mochi because every bite melts in your mouth! Dusted with kinako powder (roasted soy bean flour) and dipped in sweet black sugar syrup, it was the first thing that got wiped out on the table.
For drinks, we got the best of both worlds – Iced Matcha Goma Latte ($6.90++). Goma means sesame in Japanese, so you had a thick layer of black sesame at the bottom of our matcha latte. Being able to watch the tea master carefully brew our matcha definitely add to that sophisticated feelz and made us appreciate the tea as we slowly sip it. Although the sesame and matcha combination is something we would probably reconsider, it was a very aesthetic drink with different layers to it.
We ended it off with a sweet dessert, the Hojicha cake ($9.90++) which was unfortunately a bit of a disappointment. The sponge cake was dry, with minimal cream to go with it. There was also no texture to the cake, it was pretty much like eating bread, a stark contrast to their yummy mochi. I really missed the old Matcha Petit Gateau sold at the old Keong Saik Road which has since been phased out from the menu.
Is Hvala overrated? I believe their ambiance fares better than their food and it wouldn’t be a place I go too often. Nevertheless, because of its chill vibes and instagramable (or Tiktok-worthy) seating, it is still a popular hang out place so expect to queue if you are planning to head over.
Details for Hvala Craig Road
Opening Hours: Daily 12 – 9.30pm
Address: 40 Craig Road, Singapore 089678
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