Showing posts with label Hojicha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hojicha. Show all posts

Monday, June 9, 2025

Hvala @ TripleOne Somerset - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with A refresh Look, and 1-For-1 Promo on 9 and 10 June 2025

IMG_6141

Hvala at TripleOne Somerset officially reopens on 9 June 2025, unveiling a refreshed look to mark its 10th anniversary. The space now features a fun new colour palette, merging Hvala's iconic zen minimalism with modern touches.

IMG_6128

IMG_6132

IMG_6107

Returning fans can look forward to a revamped menu of artisanal drinks and desserts. To celebrate, there's a 1-for-1 promo on their new hot flavoured lattes on 9 and 10 June, limited to the first 50 guests daily. Iced versions, extra toppings, and milk alternatives are available at additional cost.

IMG_6074

Adding to the experience is Hvala's latest team member - Bob, a robotic arm dedicated to supporting whisking matcha.

IMG_6080

The lineup of new handcrafted beverages is extensive, including both Flavoured Tea Lattes and Brewed Tea Lattes. Highlights include the Bluepea Matcha Latte, Floral Matcha Sakura Latte, and Pine Smoked Black Tea.

IMG_6103
Matcha Kinako 4.5/5

We started with the Matcha Kinako ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which impressed us with its nutty and earthy balance. It is a surprisingly harmonious blend.

IMG_6089
Strawberry Matcha 4.2/5

Next was the Strawberry Matcha ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which we had heard good things about even before our visit. This version stood out for its natural strawberry chunks and well-balanced flavour, though a tad sweet at the end. We'd gladly order it again with less sugar.

IMG_6168

IMG_6178
Matcha Mochi Harmony 3.5/5

A recent social media darling is the Matcha Mochi Harmony ($9.90). It combines a base of "liquid mochi" with kuromitsu and honey mochi cubes, Hvala's signature M1 matcha gelato and a fresh Tsuki matcha shot.

IMG_6182

Texture-wise, the mochi cubes were more like slightly harder jellies, while the 'liquid mochi' was the oozy sort. While creative, the components didn't quite gel, and we found it overly sweet. If you're looking for a vegan option, inform the friendly servers, and they will swap the honey mochi cubes for the kuromitsu ones.

IMG_6142
Matcha Petit 3.8/5

The Matcha Petit ($10.90) layered chantilly, nama chocolate, mousse, sponge, and pistachio feuilletine. We wished there was more of a crunch for that textural contrast and for the pistachio notes to come out stronger.

IMG_6118
Matcha Hojicha Tart 4.2/5

Our favourite of the day, the Matcha Hojicha Tart ($10.90), featured a crisp shell filled with intense matcha-hojicha ganache and chewy mochi pieces. The mochi here was a much better fit, and its textures and sweetness were on point.

IMG_6146
Hojicha Choux Puff 3.8/5

The Hojicha Choux Puff ($7.50) came with a hojicha mascarpone filling and a tea-infused shell. Though the filling was slightly lighter than expected, it was still enjoyable.

IMG_6114
Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake 4/5

We concluded with the Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake ($10.90), which featured a rich matcha base accented by a zesty yuzu flavour. While I'd prefer a smoother texture to the cheesecake, it was a satisfying piece that was best for sharing.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hvala
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-10
Singapore 238164
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Tiong Bahru Bakery @ JEM - Well-loved Tiong Bahru Bakery Opens First Branch in the West

IMG_2836

Tiong Bahru Bakery (TBB) has been steadily growing and expanding since its founding in Tiong Bahru. Recently, they opened their 17th outlet and are making their debut in the West by spreading a new branch in JEM at Jurong East.

IMG_2512

The warmly decorated 60-seater space is conveniently located next to the mall's taxi stand and is a short walk from Jurong East MRT station. It operates from 7.30am to 10pm daily, making it fit for a drop-in any time of the day - whether you are looking for an early breakfast, a hearty brunch, or a dessert spot after dinner.

IMG_2837

It continues offering its classic bakes, pastries and desserts alongside freshly brewed coffee, tea and juices to complete the meal.

IMG_2513
Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant 4.5/5

We quickly demolished the savoury Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant ($12.60). The flaky croissant was filled with rocket leaves, earthy sautéed mushrooms, onions and generously portioned brie. I particularly appreciated how the base of the croissant remained delightfully crisp.

IMG_2519
Tartine Set 4.2/5

The Tartine Set is a returning favourite, and fans would be happy to hear that this is now officially available at all outlets. Comprising slices of TBB's signature sourdough served with Le Beurre Bordier butter, La Trinquelinette jam, and a beverage of choice. It makes for the perfect choice as a substantial snack or light meal.

IMG_2515
Chocolate Kouign Amann 4/5

Apart from the original Kouign Amann ($5.50), check out the Chocolate Kouign Amann ($6.70) studded with bits of chocolate within the swirls.

IMG_2521
Quiche Lorraine with Salad 3.8/5

We tried another item from the savoury menu, the Quiche Lorraine with Salad ($13.70). I appreciated how the palm-sized quiche was nicely served warm, but I didn't find it as value for money compared to the other items. The taste was average, and the quiche was eggy, with bits of bacon within.

IMG_2517
Hot Chocolate 4/5

There's an extensive choice of beverages, from coffees to teas, bottled juices, kombucha and non-caffeinated options. The Hot Chocolate ($6.80) was nice and not too sweet.

IMG_2518
Hojicha Latte 3.8/5

Similarly done less sweet, the Hojicha Latte ($8.50) leaned a lot more milky than I would prefer.

IMG_2520
Exotic Cheesecake 3.8/5

The Exotic Cheesecake ($9.50) was much lighter in its cheese notes than I expected. It had a coconut sponge paired with lime and vanilla cream cheese mousse, a mango, passion fruit and yuzu filling, topped with coconut and lime chantilly on a coconut crumble.

IMG_2516
Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

Try TBB's Chocolate Tart ($8.70) if you are here for a sweet treat. Although it has chocolate from top to bottom, it's layered nicely with drops of caramel to finish.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tiong Bahru Bakery
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-34/35
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6877 4812
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]