Hidden Insta-Worthy Cafe At Chinatown Looks Right Out Of A Glamorous 60s Hong Kong Film

By Karmen on 21 Dec 2020

Digital Editor

Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

If you're hopping around stylish cafes and restaurants in Singapore as consolation for the lack of travel, is Sweetea Caffe 一杯夏日 in your list yet?

On a side note, here are some other things to do in Singapore: pop-up Orient Express exhibition, largest Timezone arcade at Westgate and 15 Christmas light-ups.

Keep reading to find out more about the cafe!

Located just a short walk from Chinatown MRT Station, Sweetea Caffe is a concealed eatery on the third floor of an unassuming shophouse.

The facade looks like any other tourist area in Chinatown you'd walk by without a second glance, but inside the cafe reveals an Instagrammable haven where you can enjoy glamorous high tea and brunch.

Photo from sharonachia via Instagram

On the balcony alfresco area is a gorgeous view of heritage buildings. Coupled with the vintage signboards, dark wood panels and the quaint architecture, it's almost like you've been transported into a glamorous 60s Hong Kong film.

Psst, if you like alfresco dining, check out our picks on the most Insta-worthy alfresco restaurants and open-air rooftop restaurants in Singapore.

Photo from zippyzipeng via Instagram

Photo from sharonachia via Instagram

Pose along the corridor with retro shuttered windows and intricate plasterwork painted in bright colours, or stand at the corner of the balcony with the pretty pink and white heritage building in the background. Crank up the saturation a little and your photos will pop!

Photo from zippyzipeng via Instagram

Photo from anthonycheeheng via Instagram

Fair warning, the balcony area can get unbearably hot in the mid afternoon sun. Perhaps the cool, rainy season in Singapore right now is a good thing in this situation!

Unfortunately, the cafe is currently only open for walk-ins with no reservations available. That means you'll have to try your luck at snagging one of the balcony seats. But if you don't manage to, the indoor seating area is no less stylish!

Photo from Sweetea Caffe

The cafe is furnished with simple furniture and retro decor for a nostalgic and comfortable dining experience. Decorating the walls are panels of greens and flowers and an ancient Chinese painting-style wall mural that make for pretty photo backdrops.

Photo from sharonachia via Instagram

Photo from anthonycheeheng via Instagram

Photo from sharonachia via Instagram

The cafe serves a wide variety of classic brunch fare like waffles, pancakes, burgers, pasta, cakes and drinks including their Signature Mix Fruits Black Tea ($6.80).

Photo from sharonachia via Instagram

Photo from Sweetea Caffe

One of their must-try dishes is the Ondeh Ondeh cake ($7.80), popular for its fragrant coconut taste and moist texture.

Photo from Sweetea Caffe

They also offer afternoon tea for $38.80/$58.80/$68.80 per set. The most affordable high tea set includes a cake, raisin cake, muffin, chocolate danishes, luncheon meat sticks and drinks.

P.S. check out our picks of the 10 best afternoon tea spots in Singapore.

Photo from Sweetea Caffe

Sweetea Caffe 一杯夏日
Address: 15A & 15B Trengganu Street S 058469 (near Chinatown MRT exit A)
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm daily
Website: facebook.com/SweeteaCaffe