BKK-Famous VE/LA Opens In SG With Kaya Toast Latte And Ube Matcha: Here’s A First Look

VE/LA opens at Changi Airport with coffee and matcha

If you’re a fan of aesthetically pleasing caffeinated drinks, good news: Bangkok-based coffee and matcha chain VE/LA has just opened at Changi Airport Terminal 1.

VE/LA, pronounced “vela”, is a Bangkok-born specialty coffee and matcha brand founded in 2021 by Thai national Pete Kasidit at just 16. What started as a lockdown project has since grown into an international brand, with outlets in London. VE/LA’s Bangkok outlets, particularly its two cafes at CentralWorld, are known for their IG-worthy aesthetics, defined by neutral and earthy tones. FYI: Its name, เวลา, translates to “time” in Thai.

This Changi Airport opening marks the brand’s Singapore debut. The small coffee stand, which has around 20 seats, operates 24 hours a day, so you can still get your caffeine fix during those wee-hour flights. It’s located at the corner of the Terminal 1 Arrival Hall.

The brand has grown significantly since its 2021 launch as a small kiosk in Sukhumvit. VE/LA’s Bangkok outlets, particularly its two cafes at Central World, are known for their IG-worthy aesthetics, defined by neutral and earthy tones. It also has cafes in London. FYI: Its name (เวลา) translates to “time” in Thai.

VE/LA organises its coffee menu around the time of day, using concepts such as “Dawn” and “Dusk” to categorise different roasts—the former features darker roasts while the latter spotlights lighter notes. You can also pick your drink according to your preferred colour gradient.

The Singapore-exclusive Kaya Toast Latte ($10) is the priciest item on the menu, but for good reason.

More like a dessert than a coffee, the drink comprises layers of pandan kaya and coconut cream, finished with latte, toast cubes, and a generous drizzle of salted egg sauce. It’s rich and sweet, but with a savoury edge from the salted egg, making it the perfect ode to the classic Singaporean breakfast staple.

If you’re into the ube dessert trend, we recommend getting the Ube Vanilla Matcha ($9.50). This creamy brew comprises ube milk infused with vanilla syrup, topped with an earthy matcha layer.

The purple yam latte was deliciously creamy, nutty, and earthy, pairing well with the sweet vanilla and matcha foam.

Otherwise, there’s also the Cloudy Matcha ($10), another signature beverage consisting of a matcha latte topped with cream.

Our unanimous favourite was the VE/LA Airecano ($8.50), the brand’s take on the classic iced Americano. We went for Dawn, a medium-roasted blend of Thai, Ethiopian, and Rwandan beans, with notes of raisin, tea, and blueberry.

Here, freshly pulled espresso, ice, and cold water are combined, then aerated using the steam wand of an espresso machine. This results in a thin and airy layer on top of the coffee that feels silky, almost foamy, but without any milk needed.

The coffee was aromatic, without any bitterness, with a smooth and layered finish that’s much easier to drink compared to a traditional Americano.

If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a small range of pastries available at the store. These are sourced from a local bakery, but you can request to have them heated up for a more enjoyable experience.

We were pleasantly surprised by the Pecan Cinnamon Bun ($6.80), with addictive, sticky-sweet cinnamon sugar layers and crunchy pecans.

In other food news, AiFOKATO has opened a cafe along Amoy Street, offering DIY affogato and more! Otherwise, if you’re heading to town, check out our Orchard food guide instead.

Address: 60 Airport Boulevard, #01-K22 Arrival Meeting Hall West, Terminal 1, Singapore 819642
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Website
VE/LA is not halal-certified.

Photos taken by Marcus Neo.
This was a media tasting at VE/LA.