Taiwanese bubble tea chain and Jay Chou’s favourite, 麥吉 Machi Machi, has landed in Singapore. With its legendary cream cheese foam and panna cotta milk teas, fans of the Taiwanese pop singer can feel one step closer to him by indulging in the same brand that was featured in his 說好不哭 Won’t Cry music video!
True to form, Machi Machi has opened to much fanfare on Arab Street, around the corner from %Arabica (which is still seeing a healthy-sized weekend crowd). While the interior is pretty cramped, and only enough for a passing queue, you can snap your beverage of choice against a grey photo wall dotted with a peppy, confetti-like pattern.
Riding on the cheese foam craze that has gripped boba drinkers, Machi Machi’s Blueberry & Strawberry with Cream Cheese Foam ($8) features a delectable blend of fresh berries, topped with a layer of cream cheese foam that adds a hint of savoury richness to the refreshing concoction. As it’s freshly blended, you can even taste bits of blueberry and strawberry pulp that adds an interesting texture to this rich, yet refreshing drink.
It’s a good choice for those who want to check out what the cheese foam fuss is about, albeit one of the most expensive items on Machi Machi’s menu.
A more portable and Instagram-worthy choice is Machi Machi’s bottled tea. Available in three flavours, these beverages are served in a cute, pill-shaped plastic bottle that you can re-use! The Strawberry Latte with Panna Cotta ($8.50) is one of two most popular choices, with its separate layers of blended strawberry and panna cotta making it very conducive for picture taking. Mixed together, it’s almost like a delicious, drinkable dessert. The panna cotta is also available with Black Tea ($7.50), which leaves a fragrant aftertaste.
For those seeking an alternative from the rich, dairy-laden flavours, the Jasmine Green Tea with Plum Jello ($6) should do the trick. While the green tea itself is refreshing, I found the plum jello a tad overwhelming with its intense sour taste.
Here’s a guide on how to savour each type of drink at Machi Machi:
Machi Machi is a noteworthy contender to Singapore’s ever-burgeoning bubble tea scene, though you will have to contend with the swelling queues in its opening month – and its steep prices. If you’re inert to the Jay Chou hype, you can most certainly give it some time till the crowd has tapered off before making your next boba pitstop at Machi Machi!
Address: 25 Arab Street
Google Maps
Nearest MRT: Bugis EW12/DT14 / Nicoll Highway CC5
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm daily
Contact: machimachisingapore@gmail.com
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