Denise SongIf you think you’ve had chai in Singapore, Jerry Singh will disagree.
That’s why the 35-year-oldentrepreneur brought chai here after he tried it at the airport leaving India, so others may try “the very essence of traditional chai which the consumer market has, up to now, never heard of simply because it has never been served in its true authentic form”.
The term for tea in Arabic and Russian is also the Hindi reference to sweetened spiced milk tea, a refreshing drink to knock back (either warm for chillier rainy days, or iced on Singapore’s many sweltering tropical days).
Chaitime offers a special sensory experience for its customers by bringing a little piece of India to them with every cup of chai, which caters to 2 different ranges of tea. One for the spice, one for the tea. The Masala range, as its name suggests, introduces alluring spices of the different Indian regions, including the full-bodied Spicy Masala Chai Latte ($5.80) and the Relaxing Cardamom Chai Latte ($5.80).
The Experience range, sold ‘espresso-like’, has more tea than spices in their blend for the everyday caffeine addict. Named to reflect the colorful background of India, it features drinks such as the Mumbai Tapri Chai Latte ($5.80) and the Famous Dhaba Chai Latte ($5.80).
Inspired to infuse 2 different sides, Chaitime reflects a blend of both cultures and times. Its fossilized wood panels and the old school refurbished chairs complement their flavourful array of chai, settling you into simpler times.
Specialising in this exotic drink, Chaitime offers up to 19 different blends for your choosing. Their Signature Iced Rose Tea ($6.50) is a light mix of roses and is the perfect drink to go with their Masala Chicken Croissant ($4.80).
Softly flavoured with rose, the drink helps cleanse the palate after each bite of the heavy buttery flavor of the croissant. Put together with a soft croissant, the sandwich’s stuffed with crispy lettuce, layered generously with masala chicken and topped off with thinly-sliced hard boiled eggs.
If you’re not looking for a full meal but a quick pick-me-up, a good choice is the Railway Platform Chai Latte ($5.80). Delivering a swift kick with its heavy fusion of Assam black tea and spices such as ginger and black pepper, this is a drink you’re sure to feel all the way to the back of your head.
While many of beverages are a wonderful first step into the world of authentic chai, perhaps the Organic Green Darjeeling ($7) should be left for the more experienced. Light-bodied and fresh, it cuts across the palate, leaving a aftertaste that might be a tinge too bitter for many.
If you happen to be around Shenton Way, be sure to stop by this quaint café that feels like it would be more at home in one of the many shophouses along Tiong Bahru. Nominated Singapore’s Top 500 SMEs for 2013, arguably Singapore’s first authentic Chai café it sits right above the Tanjong Pagar MRT station, past Starbucks and Huggs.
This specialty tea store opened last December and has been growing strong ever since with plans to open 4 more outlets within the year.
Chaitime
Price Rating: $
Rating: ★★★★✩
Address:
AXA Tower, 8 Shenton Way, #B1-02
Opening Hours: 08:00 to 18:00 (Mon – Fri)
Contact info:
6423 1155
chaitime.com