The tea-drinking culture in Singapore has its unique aspects. As Singapore is a multicultural society, the act of drinking tea also reflects its diversity. In addition to Chinese and British teas, Singapore's unique 'Stretched Tea' has become a much-appreciated form of ethnic performance art among tourists.
'Long Tea' refers to the preparation of black tea mixed with milk, poured by a master into a pot. The operator holds a pot filled with milk tea in one hand, pouring it into an empty cup held in the other hand, maintaining a distance of about one meter, and repeating this back and forth seven times. During this process, the milk tea should not spill. The cups used for 'Stretched Tea' are quite large, making the experience enjoyable. While savoring the tea, the drinker can also appreciate the splendid pouring, which helps to lighten the mood.
Chinese tea has also become quite prominent in Singapore in recent years. Some establishments dedicated to serving Chinese tea, known as 'Tea Villages' and 'Tea Houses,' often see a steady stream of customers. The 'tea-drinking crowd' in Singapore is not solely composed of elderly patrons; rather, there seems to be a significant number of young people who often gather in groups or pairs to discuss business matters and unwind. Due to the significant number of tourists from Japan and South Korea, tea houses also cater to the preferences of these guests by providing teas they like. As dusk falls, the streets of Singapore and tea houses gradually become lively, creating a vibrant street scene.
