Boyutei: Michelin-Starred Whitegrass And Hvala Open New Japanese Cafe At Ann Siang Hill

Boyutei at Ann Siang Hill

Update: Boyutei is permanently closed.

Boyutei, a collaboration between French-Japanese restaurant Whitegrass and teahouse Hvala, recently opened at Ann Siang Hill. It offers a casual dining concept that pairs chic Japanese eats with quality tea.

The Japanese influences that shape the cafe’s food are also present in its interiors. Wall scrolls and gridded ceiling lights—said to be reminiscent of the paper screen doors from Japan—are some notable instances of this. It’s certainly a pleasant place to unwind with friends over some food; and if you’re there for just the tea, there’s a live tea counter for you to immerse yourself in the experience.

If you love the classic tea and sandwich combination, the Ebi Katsu Sando ($22++) will fill the latter spot admirably. A thick, deep-fried prawn is joined by tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, tatar sauce, and a homemade chilli drizzle, all of which rested on a brioche toast.

Interestingly, the next two dishes incorporate tea into the food themselves.

The Cha Soba ($24++) consists of cha-infused buckwheat noodles, grilled unagi, and strips of kinshi tamago. It was simultaneously refreshing and savoury, with added zest from the dash of lemon juice and momiji oroshi.

At first glance, the Niku Miso Chazuke ($18) appears to be a simple rice dish.But you’re meant to pour tea over the dish, and this is said to give it a cleaner flavour. The minced beef, which is infused with moromi miso, added umami to each bite.

Our favourite dessert was the Black Forest Tart ($17++). A molten dark chocolate fondue tart is accompanied by rum ice cream, creating a satisfying contrast between hot and cold elements that brought the best out of the dish’s rich flavours.

As for tea options, we recommend the Matcha Latte ($9++) for those who prefer a sweeter drink, and the Sakura Smoked Black Tea ($12++) for those who like their tea to taste a little smoky.

If you’re looking for another cafe to check out, read our O Happi Place review. For an interesting place that serves good tea, have a look at our Teahouse 1973 review.

Address: 28 Ann Siang Road, #01-02, Singapore 069708
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10pm
Website
Boyutei is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by John Lery Villanueva.
This was a media tasting at Boyutei.