Hi Coffee, which started as a popular hidden gem on the second floor of Hong Lim Food Centre, has officially relocated to a brand-new basement kiosk at Guoco Tower.
[Previous Entry from Hong Lim] The coffee stall is run by Larry Lim, a one-man operation who handles every single cup and order on his own.
The sign at the front is clear: expect to wait on the average 35 to 55 minutes.
I had five customers (some in pairs) ahead of me and still waited nearly an hour. I saw some customers left because they couldn’t wait (plus the heat).
Hi Coffee started out selling Nanyang-style kopi and teh, along with toast sets. The turning point came when Larry introduced Japanese tea drinks.
The matcha, hojicha, wakoucha, strawberry matcha and genmai latte quickly gained attention.
He uses ceremonial-grade matcha and hojicha powders sourced from respected supplier Niko Neko.
A representative from the brand taught him the traditional cold-whisking method, which he now uses with both a bamboo whisk and electric blender, depending on the drink. Everything is brewed or whisked to order.
The Japanese tea series includes Iced Matcha Latte ($5), Iced Akane Hojicha Latte ($5), Iced Tsubaki Hojicha Latte ($4.20), Iced Wakoucha Latte ($4.50), and Iced Genmai Latte ($4.50).
I decided to go for the the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte ($7), which was made with Ajisai ceremonial-grade matcha.
Verdict? It had a clean vegetal taste, subtle pistachio-like nuttiness and a creamy texture.
I found the mix with the strawberry rather balanced, without it overpowering the matcha.
The Iced Akane Hojicha Latte ($5) was pretty tasty as well, a dark roasted green tea with notes of dark chocolate and cacao.
If you prefer something bolder with deep roasted flavours, this is the one to go for.
This stall won’t suit everyone. If you’re in a rush or expect fast turnover, it’s the wrong place.
A sign at the stall asks for patience and reminds customers that rushing won’t improve the taste.
If you do not mind waiting, this is one good cup of Matcha Latte in a hawker centre setting. In the CBD (and Singapore), where everything moves fast, it’s refreshing to see a hawker stall slow down and focus on craft.
Hi Coffee
Guoco Tower B2-K1, 7 Wallich St, Singapore 078884
Opening Hours: 10:45am – 7:30pm (Mon – Fri), 10:45am – 5:30pm (Sat – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Cafe Yasuragi (Millenia Walk)
Little Glass (Tiong Bahru)
Forty9 Matcha Bar (Beach Road)
Matchaya (Tiong Bahru)
Centro Espresso & Matcha Bar (Orchard Road)
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