It was a Thursday afternoon, just past three, that perfect lull when Orchard Road softens around the edges. The bustling lunch crowd had retreated to their offices, and the after-school rush was still a while away. Outside, the heat pressed down with a heavy, white intensity, and I realized I’d wandered farther than I intended, craving a moment of quiet. The air was thick with the scent of warm pavement and distant chatter, a typical day in the heart of Singapore’s shopping district. I found myself drawn to the calm of Black Tree, a spot that promised a cool refuge with its signature beverages and inviting atmosphere.
I wasn’t searching for anything specific, just a cold drink, a stable chair, and maybe twenty minutes where I could breathe without interruption. That’s how I found myself at Black Tree, a little oasis amid the city’s hum, ready to sip something refreshing and steal a brief pause in the day. The cafe, located conveniently at the outlet at 313 Somerset, is known for its rich and smooth Thai milk tea, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As I settled in, I noticed the sleek black steel tree fixture that gives the place its name and a unique ambiance. With drinks starting from $4.90, including specialties like the Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea and the 400 Times Cheese Milk Thai Tea, it promised a delightful treat to beat the heat and recharge.
Blacktree Singapore as the First Overseas Outlet at 313@Somerset
Black Tree’s first Singapore outlet at 313@Somerset marks its international debut, bringing a fresh concept to the city’s vibrant beverage scene. This Singapore outlet is strategically located near the Somerset MRT station, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The store features an open-air storefront concept with photogenic seating areas, blending industrial chic with playful character designs, including the iconic black steel tree fixture that serves as the cafe’s centerpiece.
Walking into Black Tree, I was immediately struck by the unique vibe that feels both modern and welcoming, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a drink. This aesthetic has helped Black Tree quickly become a popular lifestyle beverage brand among Gen Z in China, and its launch in Singapore positions it as a key player in the specialty beverage market.
Location and Ambience
Stepping into Black Tree at 313@Somerset, I was immediately drawn to the open-air concept that balances the lively energy of Orchard Road with a surprisingly calm and inviting atmosphere. The sleek industrial design, punctuated by the striking black steel tree centerpiece, creates a modern yet cozy vibe that feels like a perfect urban retreat. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy your drink while soaking in the buzz of the city or simply take a moment to yourself amid the hustle. On my visit, the gentle hum of conversations and the occasional clink of glassware made for a soothing backdrop, making it easy to lose track of time and savor the experience fully.
Menu at Black Tree 313@Somerset
The menu at Black Tree 313@Somerset offers a creative fusion of Asian tea flavors and modern twists, making it a must-visit milk tea brand in Singapore. Highlights include the signature Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea and the 400 Times Cheese Milk Thai Tea. The Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea, priced at $6.90, features a robust Thai milk tea base topped with creamy cheese yogurt, coconut jelly, and water chestnut popping boba, delivering a delightful mix of textures and flavors that dance on the palate. This drink perfectly captures the essence of Blacktree’s innovative approach to food and beverage.
For matcha enthusiasts, the exclusive Lily Lamb drinks, a collaboration with Shanghai’s viral Matcha Wang, offer two limited-edition options featuring matcha cheese cloud jasmine and lily lamb special matcha foam with vanilla bean or king jasmine tea bases. I remember the first time I tried the Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea, the rich, creamy layers combined with the playful popping boba instantly won me over. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience that makes you pause and savor every sip. The Lily Lamb matcha drinks are equally charming, with their delicate foam art and smooth flavors that feel like a gentle hug on a busy day. These personal favorites truly highlight why Black Tree at 313@Somerset has quickly become my go-to spot for a refreshing and visually delightful treat.
Black Tree’s Specialties: Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea and the 400 Times Cheese Milk Thai Tea
These two drinks, limited to 200 cups daily, showcase the brand’s commitment to innovative and Instagram-worthy creations that appeal to a broad audience. I personally found the bamboo oolong milk tea with matcha cheese foam to be a lighter yet equally satisfying option, while the jasmine milk tea version offers a floral twist that’s refreshing and unique. For those seeking a refreshing non-milk option, the Sicilian lemon white guava juice stands out with its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, a delightful palate cleanser after the richer milk tea drinks. The inclusion of ambarella sorbet gelato, a nod to tropical flavors, rounds out the menu with a cool treat that’s both exotic and familiar.
Discovering Modern Beverage Trends and Unique Flavours at Black Tree
Visiting Black Tree at 313@Somerset feels like a first look into a new wave of beverage culture, blending the best of major Chinese cities’ trends with local Singaporean flair. Whether you’re a person who loves a classic Thai milk tea brand or someone eager to try innovative cheese foam creations, Black Tree offers something special for every taste and mood. For me, each visit feels like discovering a hidden gem, there’s a comforting familiarity in the rich, creamy layers of the Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea, yet an exciting novelty in every sip of the 400 Times Cheese Milk Thai Tea. It’s a place where I can unwind, snap a few photos for my feed, and enjoy a moment of indulgence that feels both personal and refreshingly unique.
Black Tree’s Expansion and Presence in Major Cities
Black Tree, also known as blacktree 黑 树, has rapidly expanded its footprint beyond Shanghai, establishing outlets in key Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. This impressive growth highlights the brand’s soaring popularity and its broad appeal across diverse urban markets. The Singapore outlet at 313@Somerset is especially significant as it is the brand’s first overseas location, marking an exciting milestone in its international expansion strategy.
This first outlet outside China brings the signature Black Tree 313@somerset experience to a new audience, combining the unique flavors and aesthetic that have made it a viral sensation in Shanghai and other major cities. I remember my first visit in July, when the warm weather made the cool, creamy drinks all the more refreshing. The thoughtfully designed floors and open-air spaces invite customers to enjoy their drinks in a stylish, comfortable environment, complete with the iconic black steel tree fixture that defines the cafe’s vibe.
Whether you drop by in August or any other month, the Black Tree 313@somerset outlet offers a welcoming spot to purchase your favorite milk tea or innovative fusion drink. This personal connection to the brand’s atmosphere and offerings truly cements Black Tree’s reputation as a lifestyle beverage brand favored by Gen Z and beyond, blending modern trends with a cozy, inviting space that makes every visit special.
Conclusion
Black Tree at 313@Somerset quickly became one of my favorite spots in Singapore’s specialty beverage scene. Every visit feels like a little celebration, from savoring the rich Milky Cat Cheese Milk Thai Tea to enjoying the perfectly whipped 400 Times Cheese Milk Thai Tea. The charming Lily Lamb matcha drinks add a playful touch that’s impossible to resist. Each sip feels like a special treat, and I love how Instagram-worthy the drinks are.
What really draws me back is the open-air, stylish setting right near Somerset MRT. It’s the perfect place to pause, unwind, and enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the city’s vibe. As Black Tree expands beyond China, its debut here feels like a warm invitation to discover exciting new flavors and cozy moments that keep me coming back again and again.
Discover more Somerset food options, from trendy cafes and casual eateries to satisfying meals that make every visit to Orchard Road a delicious experience.
