The latest creation from the team behind the matcha-specialty shop Hvala, Ingen Kyoto offers a tranquil tea experience, focusing on savoring the moment.
And it is found in the heart of town at ION Orchard.
Ingen Kyoto has taken over the space previously occupied by Signature KOI, found next to YUN NANS.
Inspired by Zen Buddhist monk Ingen Ryuki, Ingen Kyoto encourages guests to immerse themselves in their dining experience, explore an extensive collection of Japanese teas, and engage in the tea brewing process.
The interior is designed like a Japanese tea room.
The space features shoji windows, wooden lattice sliding doors covered with translucent washi paper, wooden structures, and ceilings, as well as tatami mats with small stones on the floor.
The space divides into counter seats, a long communal table, and a tatami area where guests can brew their own tea leaves for a corkage fee of $12.80.
The menu is no joke, offering about 200 Japanese tea options.
It ranges from Single cultivar and Straight Matcha blends ($12.80 – $126.80) to House Tea, Cold Brew, Latte, White Tea, Yellow Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Dark Tea, and Tisanes, also known as Herbal Tea ($12.80 – $19.80).
Each tea will be brewed three times before losing its original flavors, with a different taste profile for each brew.
I tried the Asamushicha from Shizuoka ($20.80), a 2023 Competition Grade green tea, slowly brewed at the bar counter.
The first brew at a lower temperature was filled with umami and vegetal notes, with the second brew offering a fuller and more distinct taste.
The dessert menu draws inspiration from the 24 sekki (micro seasons or solar terms), celebrating the passage of time through subtle changes in nature.
Each dessert incorporates fresh, artisanal ingredients from each micro-season to nourish both body and soul.
This season’s Plated Desserts include steamed pumpkin Kabocha ($19.80), Yuzu ($18.80), and Mikan soup Zenzai ($19.80).
The Kabocha ($19.80) is a standout, served in a steamed pumpkin with chia seed mix, pumpkin coulis, kombu honey jelly, and toasted hazelnut, accompanied by a small Japanese poem.
The kombu honey jelly adds savory sweetness, complementing the chia seed mix and pumpkin coulis, with contrasting textures from the soft steamed pumpkin, crunchy toasted hazelnut, and wobbly kombu honey jelly.
I eagerly anticipated their Parfaits ($19.80 – $20.80), a common dessert in Japanese cafes.
From Ichigo to Yuki, the latter is served in a wine glass with layers of matcha mousse, genmai bits, vanilla and matcha ice cream, sencha honey jelly, matcha cube jelly, Azuki paste, mango, and an isomalt decoration.
The presentation was meticulous, with each ingredient distinctly layered for a scoop of all components.
The matcha ice cream’s aroma and bitterness were intensified by the layers beneath, with genmai bits adding aroma and the sencha honey jelly and Azuki paste adding sweetness.
The menu also presents three gateaux, each incorporating seasonal ingredients like Cha-iro ($15.80), Kinkan ($16.80), and Unmori ($16.80).
The Unmori ($16.80) is a carrot cake enhanced with carrot organic compote and orange atop a carrot castella sponge filled with cream cheese mousse, encased in white chocolate coating.
This version offers a citrusy, refreshing twist to the traditional carrot cake, contrasting the soft and fluffy orange castella sponge with the pulpy orange slices on top.
Ingen Kyoto provides a serene retreat from the bustling streets of Orchard Road.
With a retail section showcasing craftsmanship from various Kyoto artisans, from fragrances made with the same tea leaves found in their drinks to leather goods and fabrics, this is one place that offers a glimpse of Kyoto in Singapore.
Ingen Kyoto
ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #B3-15/16, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Cafe USAGI Tokyo (Suntec City)
Hvala (Takashimaya)
Onne (Kampong Bahru Road)
Mio Fine Foods (Neil Road)
Café Hachi (North Canal Road)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
