Somerset Food: Hvala 111 Somerset Is Matcha Heaven
Whisk Me Away: A Matcha Escape in Somerset
Shopping fatigue has met its matcha.
Located at 111 Somerset Road, #01-10, Hvala 111 Somerset is a Japanese-inspired teahouse specialising in carefully sourced teas, creative lattes and desserts that appear to have turned every possible shade of green.
Hvala - pronounced “fa-lah” - means “thank you” in Croatian. The name might not sound particularly Japanese, but the experience is rooted in mindful tea preparation, modern craftsmanship and the belief that a good cup deserves more than three hurried sips beside a shopping-mall escalator. The café is directly accessible from Somerset MRT via Exit A, making it an easy pause along the Orchard stretch.
For a completely different kind of stylish café break, read our guide to Prada Caffè ION Orchard, where matcha minimalism gives way to full Milanese glamour.
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| Hvala’s bright storefront at 111 Somerset makes it an easy matcha stop near Somerset MRT. |
A Brighter New Chapter for Hvala
Hvala refreshed its 111 Somerset outlet in June 2025 to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The former white, quietly Zen interior was given a brighter and more youthful personality, with warm yellow and orange accents added to the contemporary Japanese setting. Its recognisable tiered seating remains, so guests can still perch above the action like extremely caffeinated theatre critics.
The biggest conversation starter is Bob, Hvala’s robotic matcha arm. Designed to support the whisking process, Bob brings a little futuristic precision to a drink built on centuries of tradition. Whether you find it ingenious or slightly intimidating, watching a robot prepare matcha is certainly more exciting than watching your office printer jam again.
The space works well for solo tea breaks, casual dates and catch-ups with friends. Recent diners frequently describe it as cosy, spacious and contemporary, although the aesthetic tiered seats are not universally praised for long-term comfort. Crowds can also build during afternoons and weekends, particularly for larger groups.
Matcha Menu: Pick Your Level of Green
Hvala does not treat matcha as a one-flavour-fits-all situation.
Its current 111 Somerset menu offers several matcha grades with distinct tasting profiles. The approachable Hoshi Matcha Latte costs S$7.50++ and is described as creamy and malty, while the ceremonial Haru Matcha Latte costs S$8.50++. Serious tea drinkers can move up to the advanced ceremonial Mori or Sei Matcha Latte, both priced at S$13.50++. Iced versions generally cost an additional S$1++.
Those who want the tea without milk can order straight matcha, allowing its umami, bitterness and natural sweetness to take centre stage. The menu also includes hojicha, genmaicha, brewed Japanese teas, cold brews and caffeine-free choices such as sobacha and Chrysanthemum Yuzu.
First-timers who prefer something fun rather than intensely grassy can start with the Strawberry Matcha Latte or Sakura Matcha Latte, each from S$7.80++. The strawberry version combines real fruit and house-made marmalade with ceremonial matcha, creating a drink that is sweet, earthy and considerably easier to photograph than your average cup of tea.
New-School Lattes with Main-Character Energy
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| Layers of strawberry, milk and freshly whisked matcha make this one of Hvala’s most eye-catching drinks. |
The current flavoured menu includes a Banana Pudding Tea Latte at S$9++, available with matcha or hojicha. Fresh banana, eggless sponge and Biscoff crumbs turn it into something halfway between a drink and a dessert wearing a straw. There is also a vegan Coconut Matcha Cloud at S$8.80++, layering matcha cream over refreshing coconut juice.
A seasonal Koji Rice Matcha at S$8.50++ combines ceremonial matcha with a naturally sweet fermented-rice base. It promises a brighter, lightly malty alternative to a conventional milk latte, although seasonal availability can change.
Recent feedback is particularly positive about the Strawberry Matcha, with diners praising the real fruit, rich matcha and balanced flavour. The Matcha Kinako has also earned compliments for pairing earthy tea with roasted soybean nuttiness. Some reviewers find the flavoured options slightly sweet, so asking for reduced sweetness is a sensible move when available.
Desserts Worth Getting Green Teeth For
Hvala’s tea desserts are arguably just as important as the drinks.
The Matcha Petit at S$10.90++ layers matcha chantilly, nama, mousse, sponge and pistachio feuilletine. It is rich, textured and unapologetically matcha-forward. Reviews describe it as fragrant and not overly sweet, although its richness makes sharing a good idea—unless sharing matcha is against your personal beliefs.
The Matcha Mochi Harmony at S$9.90++ mixes liquid mochi, honey mochi cubes, kuromitsu, matcha gelato and a fresh matcha shot. Recent diners frequently identify it as a highlight because of its warm-and-cold contrast and variety of chewy, creamy textures.
Other options include the Hojicha Choux Puff at S$7.50++, Dirty Matcha Mochi Tart at S$10.90++, dairy-free waffles with gelato at S$15.80++, vegan brownie with gelato at S$13.80++ and the Chaffogato at S$9.50++. Gelato starts from S$5.90++ per scoop, with available flavours displayed in the freezer.
Plant-based dessert hunters can also continue to Kind Kones Paragon for dairy-free scoops, while night owls can save our Cafe de Muse Orchard guide for much later cravings.
What Recent Reviews Say
The latest detailed diner feedback available during our research is largely positive. Customers commonly praise the strong, fragrant matcha, broad tea selection, friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. The Matcha Petit, black-sesame desserts, hojicha gelato, Banana Pudding Matcha and floral gelato flavours receive repeated compliments.
The recurring criticisms are also fairly consistent. Some guests consider the drinks and desserts expensive once service charge and GST are added. Others find certain flavoured drinks sweeter or less tea-forward than expected, while the tiered seating can become uncomfortable. A few diners also mention afternoon warmth, busy periods and longer waits for larger groups.
In other words, Hvala works best when you value tea quality, craftsmanship and atmosphere - not when your only mission is securing the largest possible drink for the fewest possible dollars.
Practical Details
Hvala 111 Somerset currently opens daily from 12pm to 9.30pm. The official location page lists the last dine-in order for waffles at 9pm, drinks and desserts at 9.10pm, and takeaway orders at 9.20pm. The official 111 Somerset directory also confirms the outlet’s location within the mall.
Orchard Foodies Take
Hvala 111 Somerset is one of the stronger Somerset Food stops for anyone who genuinely enjoys tea rather than merely enjoying the colour green.
For your first visit, pair a Hoshi or Haru Matcha Latte with the Matcha Petit. Choose Strawberry Matcha when you want something playful, or order straight matcha when you want to taste what separates the different grades.
Prices sit firmly in treat-yourself territory, and not every colourful latte will satisfy matcha purists. Still, the range, craftsmanship and central location keep Hvala firmly among the most distinctive Somerset Restaurants for tea and dessert.
Come thirsty, bring a fellow matcha obsessive and try not to challenge Bob to a whisking competition.
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