If you’re a matcha lover in Singapore, chances are you’ve already heard of Hvala—or maybe even queued for it before. It’s one of those places where the matcha is gao (thick, earthy, and unapologetically bold), the desserts are always picture-perfect, and the vibes are peak zen café goals.
Hvala has long been a favourite among matcha enthusiasts, and the news of the 111 Somerset outlet reopening with a brand refresh and new menu items definitely stirred up some excitement. And yes—there’s now a robotic arm that whisks matcha on the spot. A true blend of tradition and tech.
About Hvala
Hvala is best known for their matcha and hojicha drinks, artisanal Japanese-style desserts, and that distinct calming atmosphere you just don’t get in your average kopi spot. The newly reopened 111 Somerset outlet is just a few minutes’ walk from Somerset MRT (Exit A), making it super accessible whether you’re coming from school, work, or just in the mood to treat yourself. It’s located inside 111 Somerset mall.
Refreshed Cafe Interior
Walking into the refreshed outlet, the first thing you’ll notice is how serene it feels. The space is bright and minimalist, with a modern Japanese flair—clean lines, light wood tones, and gentle lighting that makes everything feel soft and cozy.
There’s a good mix of seating options to suit different vibes and group sizes. You’ve got long marble-top tables for casual catch-ups or even getting some work done and sleek counter seats if you want to watch the baristas (and the robotic arm!) in action. There’s also a raised platform area by the window that’s designed like a Japanese tatami setup—with low tables, comfy floor cushions, and backrests—great for sitting cross-legged and enjoying a slow, peaceful tea session.
Hvala’s New Menu
They have launched a new series of flavoured tea lattes as well as matcha desserts. The matcha lattes here are made with ceremonial grade matcha and they are all robot-whisked.
I personally find that there is still a difference between hand-whisked and robot-whisked matcha. For hand-whisked matchas, you are able to achieve a smoother and more foamy matcha. But with robot-whisked matcha, I find that the consistency is not as smooth. It’s quite fascinating to watch the robotic arm mimicking the matcha whisking hand movements but despite this, the resulting robot-whisked matcha does not look as frothy as hand-whisked matcha.
Sakura Matcha Latte
Sakura Matcha Latte (Iced : $8.80 Hot : $7.80)
This drink is a vibrant blend of freshly whisked matcha layered over milk foam, subtly infused with antioxidant-rich sakura—cherry blossom petals that lend soft floral notes and a hint of savoury depth.
We opted for the less sugar version, and maybe that’s why the matcha came across a little too bitter and watery for our liking. The colours looked super vibrant and we expected it to be thick and sweet, but the sakura taste was too flowery and we felt that the matcha and sakura don’t complement each other well. This might appeal to floral tea fans, but if you’re in it for that rich matcha gao-ness, we advise sticking to the original.
Strawberry Matcha Latte (Iced : $8.80 Hot : $7.80)
One of the prettiest drinks on the menu, this Strawberry Matcha Latte is all about the layers — thick, silky matcha poured over fresh milk foam and real strawberry chunks at the bottom. It’s vibrant, eye-catching, and smells as good as it looks, setting up expectations before the first sip.
Upon tasting it, you will be hit by the strong notes of the earthy matcha which is quite potent. It has a slight bitter aftertaste. We find that the matcha flavour overpowers the strawberry puree.
Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake ($10.90)
This is Hvala’s signature where Shiro matcha meets yuzu in this creamy, caramelised Basque-style cheesecake which is rich yet refreshing. The yuzu adds a gentle citrusy lift to the earthy matcha, enhancing it rather than overpowering it. The result is a very smooth texture that makes the dessert both indulgent and balanced, with a subtle zest that keeps each bite more addictive than the last.
Hojicha Choux Puff ($7.50)
I really appreciated that the crisp-hojicha infused crust didn’t turn soggy, which made it very enjoyable to eat together with the light, yet flavourful hojicha mascarpone cream. It’s not too heavy, making it a great dessert to go together with a matcha latte. This is smoky, earthy and delicately sweet.
Matcha Petit ($10.90)
A layered celebration of matcha — chantilly (whipped cream), Nama (a type of chocolate), mousse, sponge, and a base of pistachio feuilletine — this cake is as aesthetic as it is indulgent. Each layer offers a velvety matcha experience, with the crushed pistachios at the bottom adding a subtle crunch. While the nutty texture is a nice contrast, the pistachio flavour was rather subtle. It’s the matcha that truly steals the show. Smooth, just slightly bitter, and beautifully balanced, it’s a treat that delivers the kind of depth and intensity matcha fans crave.
Matcha Hojicha Tart ($10.90)
This tart has a perfect harmony of earthy matcha and roasted hojicha ganache which comes together in a delicate tart shell, with hidden mochi cubes for a fun, chewy surprise. The tart shell has a nice bite—firm but not too hard or dry—and the mochi adds a playful contrast in texture. The tea flavours are well balanced, with just a touch of sweetness, making it a flavourful and satisfying treat from start to finish.
Matcha Mochi Harmony ($9.90)
This is one of the more unique matcha desserts we’ve come across, and it’s only available at 111 Somerset. It features a scoop of M1 matcha gelato (very gao and intense), liquid mochi for that soft, stretchy chew, and QQ honey mochi cubes we absolutely loved. On the side, you get a shot of freshly whisked Tsuki matcha to pour over—adding a deep, earthy richness that ties everything together. The sweetness level is moderate, leaning more towards the natural bitterness of matcha, so it won’t feel cloying. Just be quick—the gelato melts fast!
Portion-wise, it’s generous and definitely shareable between 2, maybe even 3 people if you’re having it after a meal. It felt like a modern twist on a traditional Chinese dessert, with fun textures and bold tea flavour throughout.
Matcha Gelato
At Hvala, they offer matcha gelato of various intensity levels. We tried both 2 out of 3 different intensity of matcha gelato – Level 1 and 2.
Level 1 is smooth and delicate — perfect for those new to matcha or who prefer a gentle, lightly sweet profile with subtle earthy notes. It’s refreshing, mellow, and balanced. Level 2, on the other hand, is deeper, bolder, and more robust. It carries a stronger umami and bitterness that true matcha lovers will appreciate, bringing out the full-bodied character of ceremonial-grade matcha.
Our Final Verdict
Would we return? Absolutely. While the Sakura Matcha Latte didn’t hit the spot, the desserts were where Hvala really shone. Everything was beautifully plated, well-balanced, and thoughtfully crafted. We especially appreciated that the desserts weren’t overly sweet, allowing the natural flavours of matcha and hojicha to come through. Prices are on the higher side for tea and dessert, but the quality and experience justify it—especially for matcha lovers.
Hvala
Address: 111 Somerset Rd, #01-10, Singapore 238164
Opening hours: 12pm – 9.30pm
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