Miura is one of the newer additions to Joo Chiat’s ever-growing café scene, but it is rather different from the usual coffee-and-pastry-or-brunch concept. Tucked away at the rear of fashion and lifestyle store In Good Company, it is a Japanese tea and wagashi stand created by the team behind Paaru and Punch.
As I walked through the store to the back of the shophouse, I noticed the appealing contrast between the modern retail aesthetic of the store and the Japanese-inspired tea counter with warm wooden elements and softly glowing lanterns. Additionally, there was a back door leading out to a small outdoor patio, where guests can sit and enjoy their drinks and sweets. The exposed white brick walls, terracotta-tiled bench, spiral staircase and transparent ceiling created a minimalist and serene ambiance.
Much of the tea served at Miura is sourced directly from producers in regions including Kyoto, Saitama, Shizuoka and Kagoshima, with the selection changing according to the harvest and season.
My Iced Matcha Latte ($8.5, +$0.5 for oat milk) was whisked (non-sweetened) using ceremonial grade matcha from Kimikura in Shizuoka. It came with light floral and sweet notes, though I would prefer more umami for my matcha.
I could not resist having a second drink to myself as I’ve heard good reviews about the cold brew teas. From the selection of the ii Nakama Cold Brews, I picked the Wakocha, Rock Melon, Signature Cheese Cloud ($10, iced only). The sweet and musky flavour of the rock melon fully came through and made a smooth pairing with the wakocha, while the cheese cloud was just subtly savoury while not overpowering the tea. Relative to the matcha latte, this was a refreshingly exquisite option.
The other options available were oolong and pear, sencha and peach.
There is also an offering of wagashi & sweets, made limited in batches to provide an accompaniment to the drinks.
I had the Shine Muscat Fruit Daifuku ($5) and Yomogi Daifuku ($5), out of which I preferred the latter, made of chewy rice cake kneaded with Japanese mugwort, filled with sweet red bean and sesame paste, and coated with kinako on top. There were also a Goma Kinako Milk Jam Cheese Slice ($6) and a Seasonal Fruit Daifuku ($6) – previously strawberry, now peach – on the menu but were unfortunately not ready when I went.
Overall, Miura felt less like a conventional café and more like a small Japanese tea retreat tucked inside the lifestyle store. Its carefully selected teas and delicate wagashis make it an interesting addition to Joo Chiat, particularly for those who appreciate Japanese tea culture and quieter, more contemplative café experiences.
316 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427567
Tue to Sun 11am – 7pm (Closed Mon)
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