Whenever I find myself in a new city, I make a point to visit a wide variety of cafes and tea rooms in order to find the perfect spot in which to enjoy a pot of oolong or an energizing cup of matcha. In addition to the quality of the teas themselves, when I set off on this mission, I am in search of a location that offers an unforgettable atmosphere — a place where I can truly savor the subtle flavors that come with each sip.
Today, I am happy to say that I have come close to finding my ideal tea cafe. Almost by accident, Pallavi and I stumbled upon the cutest gem of an establishment called La Marelle Cafe, located in Singapore's Kampong Glam district. In celebration of this personal milestone, Pallavi has graciously allowed me to devote this entire blog post to today's most exciting find.
Today, I am happy to say that I have come close to finding my ideal tea cafe. Almost by accident, Pallavi and I stumbled upon the cutest gem of an establishment called La Marelle Cafe, located in Singapore's Kampong Glam district. In celebration of this personal milestone, Pallavi has graciously allowed me to devote this entire blog post to today's most exciting find.
With impossible-to-miss pink shutters, brightly painted walls, and an extensive menu written on a blackboard in curling letters, La Marelle Cafe has effectively transformed a second-story loft space into a whimsical hideaway where time seems to stand still.
As we climbed up the steep staircase and entered the cafe's main room, we were welcomed by a scene straight out of a children's novel. The walls were vividly painted deep shades of cobalt blue, emerald green, and eye-popping pink, while a delicate mural of blossoms and vines crept up the white slanted ceiling and paper lanterns illuminated a balcony area filled with tables and mismatched chairs.
As we climbed up the steep staircase and entered the cafe's main room, we were welcomed by a scene straight out of a children's novel. The walls were vividly painted deep shades of cobalt blue, emerald green, and eye-popping pink, while a delicate mural of blossoms and vines crept up the white slanted ceiling and paper lanterns illuminated a balcony area filled with tables and mismatched chairs.
Although the decor evoked memories of childhood tea parties in my backyard, the cafe was definitely not just for kids. In fact, most patrons seemed to be around our age or older, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the playful ambiance.
After flipping through the cafe's detailed menu, presented on sheets of brown paper held together on cheerfully decorated clipboards, Pallavi decided on one of La Marelle's mocktails, called "The Governor's Smile," which consisted of cold milk mixed with honey and a hint of orange. I was torn between the mint tea and the lychee tea, but eventually decided on the latter, as I figured I could find mint tea at almost any of the other restaurants that lined Arab and Baghdad Streets.
Since we had recently eaten lunch, neither of us were particularly hungry, but we did notice that La Marelle also offered a variety of deserts, as well as panini sandwiches, soups, and even pastas.
After flipping through the cafe's detailed menu, presented on sheets of brown paper held together on cheerfully decorated clipboards, Pallavi decided on one of La Marelle's mocktails, called "The Governor's Smile," which consisted of cold milk mixed with honey and a hint of orange. I was torn between the mint tea and the lychee tea, but eventually decided on the latter, as I figured I could find mint tea at almost any of the other restaurants that lined Arab and Baghdad Streets.
Since we had recently eaten lunch, neither of us were particularly hungry, but we did notice that La Marelle also offered a variety of deserts, as well as panini sandwiches, soups, and even pastas.
Our drinks were presented quickly, although Pallavi and I were so caught up in fawning over every aspect of the cafe's interior design that we almost missed when they arrived at the table. The lychee tea had the fruit's sweet flavor, which was made even more delicious after I added a tiny spoonful of honey to each cup. Pallavi said she loved her drink, too, and thought it was a great refreshment after a hot day spent walking around the city.
When it was finally time to leave, we took in the cafe's quirky atmosphere once more, committing it to memory before descending the steps and re-emerging onto the bustling street packed with bargain-hunting tourists. Although we were sad to leave this quaint cafe, Pallavi and I have found that we enjoy happening upon places like La Marelle by pure serendipity. We hope to continue to discover more tucked away favorites in the remaining days of our trip.
-Amanda
When it was finally time to leave, we took in the cafe's quirky atmosphere once more, committing it to memory before descending the steps and re-emerging onto the bustling street packed with bargain-hunting tourists. Although we were sad to leave this quaint cafe, Pallavi and I have found that we enjoy happening upon places like La Marelle by pure serendipity. We hope to continue to discover more tucked away favorites in the remaining days of our trip.
-Amanda