T2 Tea's Irish Exit: Fond Farewell to the Fancy Cuppa and a Singapore Breakfast Blend
It's the last order for tea lovers in Singapore. News broke last week that T2 Tea, the Aussie brand famous for its fun, colourful shops and quirky blends, is closing every single one of its doors across the island. For those of us who’ve spent many a weekend browsing the shelves at their ION Orchard or Plaza Singapura flagships, it feels like saying goodbye to an old mate.
Ever since it landed on our shores, T2 became a firm favourite for anyone who takes their brew seriously. Their stores weren't just shops—they were an experience. Walls of shiny canisters, the smell of exotic leaves, and staff who actually knew their chamomile from their chai. But nothing quite captured our hearts like the Singapore Breakfast T2 Tea Iconic Mug with Infuser. That mug, with its clever built-in infuser and snug lid, was the ultimate work-from-home companion. You could bet your bottom dollar half the offices in Raffles Place had one sitting on the desk.
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 was a match made in heaven with kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. It was that kind of thoughtful touch that made you feel the brand really got us. Over the years, T2 launched endless limited editions and seasonal favourites, but the Singapore Breakfast series remained the undisputed champion.
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.