T2 Tea Exits Singapore: Farewell to the Iconic Brew & Our Fave Breakfast Blend
It's the end of a colourful chapter for tea lovers in Singapore. News dropped last week that T2 Tea, the Aussie brand famous for its vibrant shopfronts and quirky brews, is closing every single one of its outlets across the island. For those of us who've turned weekend trips to their ION Orchard or Plaza Singapura flagships into a bit of a ritual, it feels like saying goodbye to an old mate.
Ever since landing on our shores, T2 became a staple for anyone who takes their cuppa seriously. Their stores weren't just shops—they were a full-on sensory experience. Rows of shiny canisters, the aroma of exotic leaves, and staff who actually knew their chamomile from their chai. But nothing quite captured our hearts like the T2 Iconic Mug with Infuser, especially when paired with the Singapore Breakfast blend. That mug, with its built-in strainer and snug lid, was the ultimate work-from-home sidekick. I'd wager half the offices in Raffles Place had one sitting on their desks.
And then there's the blend itself. The Singapore Breakfast Loose Leaf Cube (100g) was a proper tribute to our local breakfast culture—a robust, malty black tea that went down a treat with kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. It was one of those thoughtful products that made you feel seen as a Singaporean. Over the years, T2 rolled out countless limited editions and seasonal faves, but the Singapore Breakfast series remained the undisputed champ.
Here’s a quick look at the T2 treasures we’ll be scrambling to stock up on:
- Singapore Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea (100g cube) – The ultimate local blend, now a collector’s item.
- Iconic Mug with Infuser – That perfect vessel for steeping your favourite leaves.
- French Earl Grey – A floral classic that developed a cult following here.
- Melbourne Breakfast – For the homesick traveller or anyone who loves a smooth brew.
So why the sudden exit? The brand’s parent company has been streamlining globally, and sadly, Singapore felt the pinch. While no official reason was given for the local closures, it’s part of a wider pullback from international markets. For now, the T2 website still ships here, but with the physical stores gone, that instant gratification of picking up a new tin on a whim is a thing of the past.
If you’re already feeling the withdrawal, you might be eyeing alternatives. Our very own TWG Tea Boutique has long been the refined cousin in this story. Their T1 collection, especially the classic blends like 1837 Black, offers a similarly luxurious experience. But let’s be honest—TWG’s opulent tins and white-glove service are a different vibe from T2’s playful, accessible energy. Both have their place in our hearts (and our pantries).
For now, all we can do is raise our favourite mugs—infuser and all—to the colourful years T2 gave us. Whether you’re hoarding your last cubes of Singapore Breakfast or hunting for a second-hand Iconic Mug on Carousell, the memories of that first sip will linger. Here’s hoping the brand rethinks its strategy and finds its way back to our sunny shores. Until then, happy steeping, Singapore.