Stroll along the fringes of Chinatown and you’ll come across a row of shophouses lazing comfortably under the shadows of the famed Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. There, you’ll find Melody Teo and Xian Tan, co-owners of the new contemporary tea bar, serving up quality cups of Chinese tea in a luxe living space on the second floor.  

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” You were most likely asked that question when you were way too young. And while most of us naturally looked towards the subjects we were ‘good’ at for the general direction, there were some others who had bigger dreams. These are the people we’re spotlighting in the community, good folks who fought against herd mentality to do what Frank Sinatra crooned about — life, their way. These entrepreneurs built their unique empires to what it is today, while also using YouTrip. We hope this series will inspire you to chase your passions boldly; to know that you, too, could turn a simple hobby into a profitable business if you’re willing to take that leap of faith!

In our last community spotlight, we discussed miniature art. Today we’ll be talking about Chinese tea at SILK Tea Bar. 

Art & Craft Of Tea

Image credits: SILK Tea Bar

If there was one thing that became even more apparent in the midst of the pandemic, it’s our discomfort with slow-living. In a world of instant coffees and tea bags, patience and precision are qualities that are seldom practised in our day-to-day lives — much less the art of being present. Yet, that is what’s required when brewing the perfect cup of single-origin Chinese tea. 

Thankfully, we don’t have to struggle with the nitty gritties of tea-making. The brainchild of Melody and Xian, SILK Tea Bar was created to be a space for rest — existing purely for those who are searching for it. Much like the fabric, SILK Tea Bar reflects the smooth unhurried ease with which visitors can experience in their time at the tea bar. 

Why Chinese Tea?

Image credits: Yong Wei Kai (@sgcafehopping)

On their busiest days, tea served as the perfect spot of leisure away from the daily grind because it ensured that they remained present in the process. From the brewing to the drinking, tea soon became a grounding habit and a form of escape for the duo. 

Delighted with the outcome, Melody and Xian were bent on sharing a slice of the present with others too. But when they searched within their social circles, many of their friends who were passionate about coffee and whiskey, somehow seemed to find getting ‘serious’ about tea a little unusual. 

And therein lies the problem: an underrepresentation of quality tea as a beverage in the market. Unfortunately, there are not many places in Singapore where tea is presented as the main event rather than an alternative to another beverage. Chinese tea, especially, could also be seen by the younger crowd as an “old people” drink. 

Melody and Xian’s goal? To make Chinese tea sexy. 

Young Or Old, It’s Time For Tea

Image credits: Yong Wei Kai (@sgcafehopping)

While the unfamiliar might seem intimidating, Melody and Xian’s agenda is simple — to share the experience with others in a tangible way. This means that regardless if you’re new to tea, a coffee drinker, or an existing Chinese tea enthusiast, you’re always welcomed to pop by for an indulgent session of tea and conversation. Choose to sit by the window with a cold brew and a book, or saddle up on one of their high stools at the bar for an in-depth step-by-step brewing experience. 

Either way, their space is tucked away from the hustle and bustle and is intentionally curated to be as comfortable and conducive as an escape. So come and rest easy knowing that you’re not just there to taste the tea, but also to slow down and enjoy each and every moment. 

Struggles & Breakthroughs

Image credits: Xian Tan/ SILK Tea Bar

If you’ve preconceptions of what Chinese tea can be, or is supposed to taste like — you’re not alone. For the most part, the only interaction that many people have with tea is of the bubbled variety (read: bubble tea). While bubble tea is more a dessert, Chinese tea is an afterthought or a companion to wash down your meal. These are perceptions that Melody and Xian have to change. 

“Chinese tea can be overwrought with opaque brewing traditions or even aesthetic specifics that may seem difficult to approach. Therefore, it’s vital that we keep it approachable for everyone. Our philosophy is to be informed by tradition, but open to experimentation. Ultimately, when we brew, we have to let the flavour guide us — and take special care when curating our teas and teawares.”

Tea Ware-abouts & YouTrip

Image credits: Yong Wei Kai (@sgcafehopping)

“Our teas and wares are imported from mostly China, and can be quite costly. For tea wares used at the bar, there’s a particular kiln in Jingdezhen, China that we work with. That’s where YouTrip comes in — thanks to the great wholesale exchange rates, we’re able to save more with each purchase. This is especially helpful for a small independent business.”

Getting Started On Your Tea Journey With SILK Tea Bar 

Image credits: Yong Wei Kai (@sgcafehopping)

“Our recommendation is to explore and try as many different teas as possible that are available to you. Through that experimentation, you’ll get an idea of what you enjoy and what’s not quite for you.” 

Many who request for Oolong tea expect something heavy and roasty, not realising that Oolong is actually a whole category of tea. The same goes for other Chinese tea varieties — there isn’t just one flavour profile. Each tea brings a gamut of flavour profiles, more than what most may be familiar with. At SILK Tea Bar, while 80 percent of their tea offerings are made up of Oolongs, the flavours range in complexity from fruity to floral, and light to heavy. 

To find out more, why not come by and pick the brains of these tea maestros yourself?

If you’d like to connect with Melody and Xian and find out more about SILK Tea Bar, follow them on Instagram and Facebook! And when you do drop by for a tea session (Melody recommends one to two pax per party for the best experience), just remember to check out with your YouTrip Card. 

If you still haven’t gotten your free YouTrip card, use our special promo code <BLOG5> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account! 

For more great interviews and guides like this, join our Telegram Channel (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!

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^{Top banner credits: SILK}