A relatively new bakery in Little India is already drawing long queues. And according to one popular tea reviewer, it might just serve one of Singapore’s most authentic cups of Madras-style chai.
A TikTok video posted by The Chai Map on June 22 has been gaining attention after showcasing the bustling scene outside Madras Bakery, which has been open for less than a year.
Despite being around for only nine months, the café was already packed with customers when the creators visited.
Long Queues For A Taste Of Traditional Chai
In the video, one half of The Chai Map duo points to the crowd before introducing the drinks.
“This shop has only opened for barely, what, nine months? And you can see how crowded it is. Amazing, right?” he says.
He explains that what stood out most was the bakery’s traditional preparation style, comparing it to the way chai is commonly made by street vendors in India.
Instead of takeaway paper cups, the tea is served in classic glass cups. Fresh milk is used throughout the brewing process, creating a rich and creamy texture that many chai lovers look for.
The reviewers sampled two drinks: the signature Madras Chai and the Garam Chai infused with cardamom.
“Shiok la” After The First Sip
The plain Madras Chai impressed immediately.
Describing the drink, the reviewer praised the balance between the bold tea leaves and sweetness, saying the bitterness blended perfectly with the sugar while still delivering a strong tea flavour.
After taking a sip, he summed up his verdict in a way many Singaporeans would recognise.
“In the typical words of a Singaporean, shiok la.”
The Garam Chai offered a different experience altogether.
Lighter in colour, the drink carried a fragrant cardamom aroma, with the spice coming through strongly in every sip.
According to the reviewer, the flavour was so pronounced that the cardamom could be tasted almost instantly on the tongue. This suggested that the bakery uses generous amounts of the spice rather than just a hint of it.
By the end of the tasting, he concluded that anyone hoping to experience authentic Madras-style chai similar to what is found on the streets of India should add Madras Bakery to their list.
Meet The Duo Behind The Chai Map
The review comes from The Chai Map, an online project created by two tea enthusiasts who travel to document tea and chai experiences around the world.
Rather than simply ranking cafés, the pair review each drink based on tasting notes such as sweetness, spice intensity and aroma, helping fellow tea lovers know what to expect before visiting.
Their growing directory spans destinations including Singapore, Osaka and Jakarta, while also highlighting the stories, traditions and communities behind different tea cultures.
With Madras Bakery now joining their expanding collection of recommended tea spots, the Little India café looks set to welcome even more curious visitors eager to discover what all the excitement is about.
Watch the video here:
@thechaimap Our next season of reviews has started and we begin with this Masala Tea stunner @madras bakery in Little India – Singapore. It’s relatively new but already has a regular long queue. #masalatea #chai #tealovers
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