There’s a new spot in Orchard to get your milk tea fix! Head to BlackTree’s Singapore outpost for Thai milk tea and charming cat-shaped foam drinks.
The scene for China bubble tea brands in Singapore is showing no signs of slowing down, and now, another trendy name joins the ranks. Meet BlackTree Singapore, the first international debut of this viral Thai milk tea and beverage brand from China. Known for its robust Thai milk tea and Instagram-worthy drinks, BlackTree boasts a flagship location in Shenzhen and multiple branches across major Chinese cities. Curious about the hype – and tempted by how adorable the drinks look – I dropped by during BlackTree Singapore’s soft opening to give it a try.
BlackTree Singapore review: Details at a glance
Best for: Rich and robust Thai milk tea, and photo-worthy drinks
Must-try drinks: Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea; 400 Times Cheese Milk Thai Tea; Sicilian lemon white guava juice
Price: Drinks from $4.90; gelato from $6.90
Opening hours: To be announced – keep an eye on the socials!
Address: BlackTree Singapore, #01-26, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895
A new face in Somerset
First, there was Yochi. Then, Molly Tea. Now, BlackTree Singapore rounds out the trio of viral beverage and dessert chains at Somerset. Good news for the mall’s crowd control staff ‘cos BlackTree sits a good distance away from those two. That means no jostling with the already snaking queues!
Set along the exterior of the mall, the store sits closest to the exit beside Marche. If you’re wondering, nope, there’s no air conditioning. But given the ample fans and ice-cold drinks, I still find it an attractive spot to beat the heat.
Unlike the cute aesthetics of its drinks, the interiors are splashed out in black and wooden accents. Think of a sleek and minimalist space with some edginess to it.
The signature sips
Thai milk tea is what BlackTree is known for, so of course, I had to start with that. I’ve learnt to lower my expectations for ‘gimmicky-looking’ drinks and desserts, but spoiler alert: the Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea turned out to be my favourite.
The robust base consists of the signature Thai tea and creamy cheese yogurt, and comes generously topped with a cloud-like cream topping. I also love the addition of coconut jelly and water chestnut popping boba, which gives the drink extra cheeky textures.
Fans of sweet-and-salty combinations will slurp this up. For all the effort and ingredients packed in one drink, I’d say the $6.90 price tag is well worth it.
Another iconic pick is the 400 Times Cheese Milk Thai Tea ($6.90). Picture a dalgona-style beverage, with a coffee foam topping that’s painstakingly whipped 400 times and a fragrant Thai milk tea base. The rich brown hue should have been telling ‘cos the caffeine flavour packed a real punch. I would recommend this bold and bittersweet drink if you need a midday pick-me-up.
Signature Thai milk tea aside, BlackTree Singapore has a special outlet-exclusive item: the Lily Lamb series ($6.90 each) launched in collaboration with Shanghai’s viral matcha cafe, Matcha Wang. Yes, that’s the matcha foam creation featuring adorable hand-drawn lambs!
Both Lily Lamb drinks come with a smooth and silky matcha cheese foam topping, and slight variations in the base. The Matcha No. 1 consists of a vanilla bean seed and specialty milk blend, while the Matcha No. 2 has a fragrant king jasmine tea base.
Surprisingly, the drink was lighter on the palate than it looks. But if there’s one reason to get this, it has to be for its Instagram-worthy appeal. Pro tip: come early ‘cos this exclusive is limited to only 200 cups daily (one cup per customer)!
Lighter variations to try
Still have space for more sips? Try lighter options inspired by Asian tea flavours, such as the matcha cheese cloud bamboo oolong milk tea ($6.90) and matcha cheese cloud jasmine milk tea ($6.90). The former boasts strong earthy notes, while the latter leans more floral.
If you’re not a fan of milk- or cream-based drinks, the special teas are welcome alternatives. I usually shy away from fruity flavours, but the Sicilian lemon white guava juice ($4.90) changed my mind. It had the right balance of sweetness and tartness in every sip, with distinctive guava notes taking the spotlight.
Eager to try these sips? You’ll have to wait as the opening details are still in the works. We also hear exciting opening promotions are coming up. Think 12% storewide discounts, buy-one-get-one-free deals, 50% discounts off your second drink, and exclusive Lily Lamb plush toys. Keep an eye on BlackTree Singapore’s Instagram to see when you can get sipping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BlackTree known for?
BlackTree is a viral Thai milk tea brand from China, known for its Thai-inspired drinks and innovative creations with foam art. The opening of BlackTree Singapore at 313@Somerset marks the brand’s first overseas outpost.
Where is BlackTree Singapore located?
BlackTree Singapore is located at #01-26 at 313@Somerset, with Somerset MRT station being the nearest station. Head to the exit beside Marche and you’ll find BlackTree Singapore set along the mall’s exterior.
How much do drinks cost at BlackTree Singapore?
Drinks start from $4.90 and gelato starts from $6.90 at BlackTree Singapore.
What are the must-try drinks at BlackTree Singapore?
Must-tries at BlackTree Singapore include the signature Thai milk tea drinks (think the Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea and 400 Times Cheese Milk Thai Tea), and the Singapore-exclusive Lily Lamb.
