We tried 9 matcha bubble tea drinks in Singapore – here’s what’s worth the splurge

Once reserved for Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha has entered Singapore’s bubble tea scene – evolving from a niche taste into a cultural staple shaped by wellness trends, cafe culture and social media aesthetics.

A global squeeze

The craze for this cup of “Gen Z green juice” has sparked a matcha shortage. High-grade matcha is becoming scarcer and more expensive due to surging international demand, US tariffs, and unpredictable weather in Japan’s tea-growing regions.

In July 2025, The Straits Times reported that severe heatwaves in the Kyoto region – responsible for about 25 per cent of tencha leaf production – cut harvests to just 75 per cent of capacity. At the same time, global demand for matcha jumped 25 per cent in 2024, while Kyoto auction prices for tencha soared more than 1.5 times.

For many, scarcity has sparked pilgrimages to the source. Japan’s Uji region, famed for ceremonial-quality matcha, which requires careful cultivation and labour-intensive processing – thus, a trip guarantees authenticity and protects against low-quality imitations.

Matcha goes mainstream

In Singapore, matcha has evolved from a morning ritual into a lifestyle statement woven into the city’s social fabric. Beyond global buzz, it has spilt into social and recreational spaces – from daytime matcha-themed raves with $20 tickets to pasar malam pop-ups where queues snake through the heartlands.

Brands have quickly capitalised on this appetite for novelty within Singapore’s trend-sensitive food scene. Local bubble tea chains now layer texture and flavour in increasingly elaborate ways – think chewy mochi, cream “clouds”, spirulina, taro, coconut or even durian – while riding the matcha wave.

Some, like Ichigo by Tea Cottage, focus on authenticity by sourcing ceremonial-grade matcha and hand-whisking it to highlight umami depth. Others favour accessibility and spectacle, creating visually striking drinks with unconventional toppings and dessert-like mash-ups.

In this context, drinking matcha signals an alignment with wellness culture, cafe sophistication and social media fluency – a small but performative form of cultural capital. Bubble tea brands have become cultural translators, turning a centuries-old Japanese tea ritual into a playful, Instagrammable indulgence that sits comfortably alongside taro, durian and spirulina.

To get a clearer picture of Singapore’s matcha scene, we sampled nine drinks from both major and niche bubble tea chains – from Heytea’s layered Matcha Cloud to Ichigo’s durian-infused creations. Here are our brutally honest verdicts.

“For those who prefer a gut-friendly alternative”

TEA PULSE

TASTE Tea Pulse’s Yuzu Kombucha with Matcha gives the classic a lightly fizzy twist. Tangy kombucha forms the base, bright yuzu cuts through its natural funk, and hand-whisked matcha adds a gentle vegetal note. The result: a crisp, citrusy finish reminiscent of matcha lemonade – perfect for a hot day.

Customisation is broad, with toppings like passion pops, chestnut pearls, earl grey jelly, and chia seed jelly. There’s no milk in the base, though matcha can be added to other tea or latte options.

VALUE FOR MONEY? At $5.40, it is one of the more unusual and playful drinks on the matcha scene, offering a contrast to sweeter, creamier options elsewhere – great for those seeking something lighter, nuanced, yet, still decidedly Instagram-worthy.

WHAT ELSE An off-menu option for adventurous drinkers, it uses 3-4g of matcha for a lighter profile. Those craving more intensity can head to sister brand Impulse Coffee for stronger matcha lattes.

“An affordable premium matcha option”

HOLLIN SINGAPORE

TASTE Hollin’s Matcha Rock Salt Macchiato stands out for its bold yet balanced profile. Strong, slightly bitter matcha – sourced from Harada Tea in Shizuoka – meets creamy, salty rock salt foam for an indulgent, la yered sip. The thinner matcha base leans koicha-style (thick tea), while the salt cream adds body and smooths the astringency, creating satisfying depth without heaviness. Subtle floral notes add complexity, and the dark green hue hints at its robust tea character.

VALUE FOR MONEY? At just $5, it is one of the more affordable premium matcha options, offering both flavour and aesthetic appeal.

WHAT ELSE Reflecting local cafe sensibilities, Hollin rotates toppings daily – from honey to matcha pearls – keeping the menu fresh and Instagram-friendly. Sugar levels are simple to adjust: none, less or regular.

“Tastes more like brown sugar fresh milk”

THE WHALE TEA

TASTE The Brown Sugar version is mild and creamy, with faint floral notes. Chewy pearls add caramel-like sweetness, but the matcha is subdued – tasting more like brown sugar fresh milk than a tea-forward latte. Staff share that the matcha powder is sourced from China and dissolved in hot water.

For those who enjoy a gentle, milk-forward drink with brown sugar richness, it’s a pleasant choice – though it may not satisfy anyone craving a bold, earthy matcha profile.

VALUE FOR MONEY? Options to adjust milk or sweetness are limited, and at $6.30, the price feels slightly high for its level of flavour intensity.

WHAT ELSE The Whale Tea’s matcha drinks are available only at its Takashimaya Food Hall outlet with three options: Brown Sugar, Caramel Jelly, or Red Bean.

“Budget-friendly and easy to drink”

ITEA

TASTE Itea’s Matcha Latte is a gentle, milk-forward take on the classic, with faint earthy notes from Ito En matcha powder. Smooth and subtly creamy, it can develop slight “powderiness” if left to sit. Customisation is its strength – two sizes (medium and tall), sugar adjustable in 25 per cent increments, and flexible ice levels (with a small charge for less or no ice).

VALUE FOR MONEY? At $4.33, Itea’s Matcha Latte is the most affordable on our list – an easy pick for those after a light, fuss-free matcha. It won’t please anyone craving bold flavours, but it’s a simple, approachable entry point to matcha in bubble tea form.

WHAT ELSE Toppings are extensive, from vanilla or coconut ice cream to pomelo, mango, aiyu jelly, and even Oreo for a dessert-like twist. Fresh milk is the only dairy option.

“The layered textures justify the price”

HEYTEA

TASTE The Triple Supreme Matcha Latte is thick and concentrated, delivering a savoury umami punch with a rich, matcha-forward base. Layers of matcha cloud, matcha jelly, fresh milk, and a dusting of matcha powder make for a visually striking drink. At the bottom, matcha mochi adds a hint of bitterness and complexity – though some may prefer to skip it. Once stirred, the layers blend into a smooth, well-balanced sip.

VALUE FOR MONEY? At $6.90, the drink’s layered textures and strong matcha flavour make it feel reasonably priced. Its balance of taste and visual appeal ensures that, while on the premium side, it still delivers a matcha-forward experience worth the spend.

WHAT ELSE Sweetness can be customised with options like no sugar, cane sugar or stevia, and ice levels are adjustable. Non-dairy options are limited, and topping modifications are only partially flexible.

“A dessert-like twist on matcha”

HEYTEA

TASTE The Matcha Cloud Coconut Blue leans sweet and indulgent, with coconut milk taking centre stage and blue spirulina adding a playful, photogenic touch. The matcha is subtle, making it more dessert than tea – a quality that’s won over fans like Blackpink’s Lisa. A light, slightly salty matcha cream tops it off, balancing the richness, though the coconut base can feel a bit heavy.

VALUE FOR MONEY? A refreshing indulgence in Singapore’s heat, the Matcha Cloud Coconut Blue is a palate-pleasing treat that feels like a mini tropical getaway. Still, at $6.90, it leans toward the pricey side, since the matcha flavour takes a back-seat to the dessert-like coconut richness.

WHAT ELSE Sweetness and ice levels are customisable in the same way as the Triple Supreme Matcha Latte, but non-dairy and topping modifications remain limited.

“Big on appeal, not so on depth”

PLAYMADE

TASTE Playmade’s Strawberry Matcha Fresh Milk scores on looks and sweetness rather than authentic matcha flavour. A pale green layer over vibrant strawberry jam makes for an Instagram-worthy drink that tastes more like strawberry milk than matcha. Made with instant matcha powder and strawberry jam, it’s quick and fuss-free, though sugar and milk levels can’t be adjusted.

VALUE FOR MONEY? At $5.90, Playmade’s Strawberry Matcha Fresh Milk is an easy, visually appealing option for those seeking a sweet, approachable drink, but it is best suited for consumers who prioritise aesthetics over authentic matcha depth.

WHAT ELSE Playmade’s signature toppings – from osmanthus jelly to pearls in flavours like black sesame, pink cactus and burnt caramel – add a playful, customisable touch. You can also try this base in plain Matcha Fresh Milk or yuzu variations.

“An indulgence for durian lovers”

ICHIGO BY TEA COTTAGE

TASTE Ichigo’s Durian Barista Matcha Latte is bold and full-bodied – a drink for adventurous palates. Fresh durian puree leads with its unmistakable aroma, while hand-whisked Uji matcha adds smooth, umami depth that balances the sweetness.

Customisation is Ichigo’s hallmark – choose from barista or three ceremonial matcha grades, five intensity levels, sugar in 25 per cent increments, and adjustable milk (including oat or lactose-free). Add-ons range from vitality elixirs and probiotics to playful toppings.

VALUE FOR MONEY? At $9.90, this is a premium indulgence, but for durian enthusiasts or those mchasing a novel take on matcha, the drink is memorable: rich, creamy and unapologetically distinctive, bridging the familiar South-east Asian flavour of durian with the traditional Japanese tea experience.

WHAT ELSE All fruit-based drinks use fresh puree, with 4-5g of matcha for the “rich” version, and 3-4g for the standard. Staff recommend barista-grade matcha for stronger flavour, or ceremonial-grade for a lighter touch.

“A satisfying local twist”

LIHO TEA

TASTE Liho’s Thick Taro Matcha Latte adds alocal twist to the classic Japanese tea, balancing earthy matcha with the sweet, nutty flavour of taro. Chewy rice mochi adds texture, while a layer of microfoam enhances its creamy finish.

Made with blended matcha powder, it’s Liho’s most popular matcha drink, alongside inventive options like Mango Matcha Latte, Matcha Red Bean Smoothie, and the seasonal Strawberry Matcha Mochi Latte with White Pearl.

VALUE FOR MONEY? At $6.90, it’s on the pricier side, but its blend of Japanese matcha with local flavours and textures makes it a satisfying, distinctly Singaporean take on the classic.

WHAT ELSE Customisation is flexible – sweetness adjustable in 25 per cent increments or with stevia, and toppings such as red sugar, white or taro pearls, and red bean offer playful variety. Fresh milk is the standard base.