My go-to Matcha & Hojicha at CBD
I cannot STOP going to this place,, it stole my heart FR ❤️🥵
TBH i tried sooooo many places in search of the best matcha and none of them were close to the ones I make at home 😢😭 & with the prices of matcha/hojicha lattes being $7-10, it’s simply too expensive 😤
As a loyal customer since their opening last year, their consistency has always been there. I have tried literally every type of matcha/hojicha off their menu, and it’s SO WORTH FOR PRICE POINT ⭐️✨
Here’s my take on the drinks:
1. Matcha strawberry 🍓: NO meji strawberry milk, they recently changed from french puree to monin puree but thats okay, it still has the right balance between strawberry and matcha bitterness
💰 Price: $7 (most expensive drink on menu but cheaper than most places)
Rating: 7/10
2. AKANE HOJICHA : The colour SPEAKS volume. LITERALLY the complexity of chocolate, coffee and hojicha all in one drink. It actually tastes super similar to Kyoto’s GOKAGO Hojicha latte. THIS IS A MUST TRY!!!!! Especially for those who hate matcha, this is a good alternative
💰 Price: $5.8 (such a steal 👑)
Rating: 9/10
3. AJISAI Matcha latte (ceremonial grade): Let me tell you - I always thought ceremonial grade matcha don’t mix well with milk - BOY I WAS WRONG. The creaminess and balance of this is INSANE 🔥 $5 for this well balanced ceremonial grade matcha? what are u waiting for
💰 Price: $5.8 (wallet friendly)
Rating: 8.5/10
4. Tsubaki Hojicha latte (4th pic): For beginners of hojicha lovers, you will like this medium roasty drink which isn’t too bitter like Akane. It has this caramel-hazelnut-seaweed combination!!
💰 Price: $5
Rating: 8/10
5. RIN matcha latte (4th pic): Though RIN isnt ceremonial, but it is fully shaded matcha which pairs SUPER WELL with the milk. It is more savoury and nutty than Ajisai matcha latte :)
💰 Price: $5
Rating 8/10
6. Also, their KOPI PENG is super GAO, pls consider getting too 😮💨😙
💰 Price: $2.40
** Take note: AVOID LUNCH TIME, come between 10.30am- 12pm and you will only need to queue max 30mins (it’s definitely not worth if u queue past noon)
📍Address: Hi coffee 🐘 | Guoco Tower
UPDATE they have moved to Guoco Tower, B2-K1, opposite Boost! Opens 10.30am-7.30pm
Their prices also increased after they move 😭
ALTERNATIVES from honglim food centre (their old branch) 🥲:
- Pretty good muffins just 1 min walk (banana pudding matcha/hojicha,, there’s a separate drinks queue making drinks faster)
- Kyo teahouse at Cross street exchange 5mins walk (super cute minimalist cafe)
-Green green matcha at telok ayer mrt (Super new and upcoming, affordable matcha place in CBD)
- Spring coffee just 1 min walk
If you’re exploring matcha or hojicha drinks in Singapore’s CBD area, Hi Coffee is a hidden gem worth trying. Their menu caters to a range of tastes, from beginners to aficionados. The Akane Hojicha latte, priced at just $5, combines complex roasted notes with smooth coffee undertones, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional matcha for those sensitive to bitterness. For ceremonial grade matcha lovers, the Ajisai matcha latte impresses with its creamy texture and perfectly balanced vegetal umami. It challenges the common misconception that ceremonial matcha doesn’t blend well with milk. At only $5, it offers remarkable value without compromising flavor. If you want a lighter roasted option, the Tsubaki hojicha latte is a great start — boasting caramel, hazelnut, and subtle seaweed notes. It’s less bitter than Akane but still rich in flavor, ideal for those new to hojicha. The RIN matcha latte is another favorite; though not ceremonial, it’s fully shaded and brings a savory, nutty character that pairs beautifully with milk. Hi Coffee is also known for its signature local-style Kopi Peng at $2, which is affordable and authentic. To avoid long queues, visiting between 9am to 12pm is recommended, as the place gets busy after noon. The Hong Lim Food Centre location offers a vibrant hawker experience, blending traditional charm with modern cafe vibes. For alternative spots nearby, Pretty Good Muffins offers banana pudding matcha and hojicha with a separate drinks queue for faster service. Kyo Teahouse and Green Green Matcha provide minimalist, cozy settings with quality tea options, and Spring Coffee is also just a minute’s walk away for more coffee choices. Overall, Hi Coffee’s consistent quality, reasonable pricing, and diverse matcha and hojicha menu make it my go-to spot in Singapore’s CBD. Whether you prefer creamy lattes or intense roastiness, there’s something here for every tea lover.
Where is akane located! I can’t seem to find it on gmaps