Question 1

What does Gyoen mean?

Accepted Answer

Gyoen (御苑, gyo-en) means imperial garden. It is the feeling we want you to carry when you step inside — balance, care, and quiet respect. We honour tradition by treating life, the environment, and the craft behind every ingredient with the attention they deserve. Our flavours are guided by balance: gentle, considered, and satisfying. Every ingredient is cared for from its origins to the moment it reaches you.

Question 2

Where does your matcha come from?

Accepted Answer

We only source our matcha from Japan, from producers who we trust, and are chosen for their shared values around craft and quality.

Question 3

Are your matchas ceremonial grade?

Accepted Answer

We prefer to describe our tea more precisely: shade-grown, stone-milled, first flush. These are the qualities that matter to us.

Question 4

Can I visit without a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, walk-ins are welcome. If you'd like to reserve a table, you can do so on our reservations page.

Question 5

Where is Cafe Gyoen, and how do I get there?

Accepted Answer

We're at 87 Club Street, Singapore 069455, in the Telok Ayer and Chinatown conservation area. The nearest MRT stations are Maxwell (Thomson–East Coast Line) and Telok Ayer (Downtown Line), both a few minutes' walk away. Street parking is limited, so MRT or a rideshare is usually easiest.

Question 6

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

We're closed on Tuesdays. We're open 11am–9pm on Monday and Wednesday to Friday, and 10am–9pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Question 7

Do you take reservations for larger groups?

Accepted Answer

Walk-ins are welcome and you can reserve a table on the reservations page. For larger groups, get in touch through our contact page and we'll help arrange it.

Question 8

What is the Matcha Flight?

Accepted Answer

It's a side-by-side tasting of three of our regional matcha for about S$21, so you can compare their distinct profiles in one sitting. It's available on weekdays.

Question 9

Do you serve coffee, and are there non-dairy options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside matcha we serve espresso-based specialty coffee (100% Arabica) and hojicha drinks, and oat milk is available on any latte.

Question 10

What's on the food menu?

Accepted Answer

The kitchen runs Japanese teishoku set meals (roughly S$18–29) — including tori karaage, shio tori chicken, saba shioyaki, softshell crab, Hokkaido pork, wagyu hamburg, and wagyu tataki — plus donburi, sharing plates, udon, and focaccia sandos. Signatures include the Focaccia Katsu Sando and the hojicha burnt cheesecake.

Question 11

Can I buy matcha or teaware to take home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can shop our take-home matcha tins — including Kagoshima, Mie, and Uji (Kyoto) — plus whisks and teaware, in-store and through the shop on this site. Harvest stock rotates, so what's available can change through the year.

Frequently asked questions — Cafe Gyoen

Everything you might ask