Golden Seed: A modern love letter to traditional Chinese tea craftsmanship

It’s white, it’s bright, and it’s as clear as my dreams of becoming a Tai Tai. It practically shouted from the Millennia Walk corridor with how visible it was from a mile away.

It wasn't hard to miss the storefront!

Golden Seed is a modern tea space and atelier, a physical tribute to the timeless tea traditions, with groovy tunes humming softly through its speakers.

And it wasn't hard to tell that every detail of the interior speaks of careful intention, with shelves lined with vibrant tea sets, pots of quaint bonsai, and displays of beautiful books creating an atmosphere that feels both thoughtful and inviting.

When we first arrived, we were immediately struck by how pristine the space was — clutter-free and infused with the gentle aroma of tea leaves (even to my untrained sense of smell for tea). From our seats, we had a clear view of the staff, gracefully brewing each pot and preparing them with delicate care before serving their customers.

Tea Menu

After spending a good 15 minutes soaking in the atmosphere, we finally took a good look at the menu. To be completely honest, it's definitely on the pricier side, hence my aforementioned Tai Tai dreams.

On paper, they offer two main experiences: the Tea Journey Awakening ($36++ per pax) and the Grand Tea Experience ($88++ for up to 2 pax). Both include free-flow hot tea pours (or "infusions") from a single tea selection, paired with seasonal light snacks. These details were news to us as we were under the impression that it would be a full set of five different teas, so we were disappointed, especially considering the price.

Perhaps we looked too lost, the kind staff eventually approached us shortly after, offering another option: a single portion of cold brew (available only for selected teas), paired with a seasonal light snack as well.

Alas, we settled on the Tea Journey Awakening experience with our chosen Shui Xian, plus two cold brews of Xi Hu Long Jing ($8++) and Liu Bao (10+ Years) ($8++).

Shui Xian "Tea Journey Awakening" Set

The staff suggested that I smell the lid, which has the infused aroma from the tea leaves settling inside its teacup.

Sure, I love myself some tea (figurative: i.e. gossip), but I’ve never been much of a tea connoisseur.

So when the teas were first served, I’ll admit I was a little frazzled and unsure of the “proper” way to begin. Thankfully, the staff guided me, suggesting I first smell the lid of the teacup for the notes. It was like opening an antique box, unleashing a deep and familiar fragrance.

Then came the first sip: instant comfort. The warmth wrapped around my mouth, carrying a roasty richness that lingered beautifully. Alongside the tea was a petite serving of pineapple tart, assorted nuts, and dried fruits. I savoured each bite between my (pinky-raised) sips, and the pairing worked wonders. The dried fig, in particular, was sweet but not overpowering, with its natural flavour blending with the tea to create a little waltz on my palate.

Xi Hu Long Jing Cold Brew

Liu Bao (10+ Years) Cold Brew

As for the cold brews, they were served with a pineapple tart each. While they didn’t carry the same depth of flavour as the hot tea, they were still tastefully fragrant. The Xi Hu Long Jing, a green tea, stood out for its fresh, almost springlike notes and its noticeably lighter hue compared to the other two teas.

Another thoughtful touch was the tiny, round flavour profile cards accompanying each tea, each representing its place of origin. With descriptive details of the landscape and tasting notes, they added a storytelling layer to the experience, guiding customers on what to look out for in every sip and enhancing the sensory journey as a whole. Bonus point: they are collectable (like trading cards)!

Doraemon Portrait behind our seats

After the first infusion for the Shui Xian experience, the staff attentively offered a second pour. This time, the flavour felt more nuanced yet dynamic with sweeter and airier, whilst still carrying the depth from years of fermentation. She explained that it was due to the tea leaves opening up more during the second infusion, releasing flavour compounds that were previously hidden. With this newfound knowledge, I (pretentiously) sipped my second cup and felt sophisticated… despite the Doraemon portrait behind me, how chic!

I have to highlight how excellent the service was. The staff didn’t just serve tea attentively, but she also shared a wealth of tea knowledge. From the health benefits of different varieties, to how fermentation deepens flavour while green teas lean towards freshness, to the fact that every tea served here is made from premium leaves, it felt like a mini masterclass that allowed me to relish in the artistry of tea craftmanship.

Final verdict? I might not return just for the tea, but I would for the ambience of the space: a clean, tranquil nook perfect for working or catching up with friends. If you’re a devoted tea lover, though, this might be a place worth experiencing at least once. Take your time, sip slowly, and perhaps pick up one of the beautiful books on tea scattered around the space.

Heads-up for first-timers: The price you see on the menu (e.g., $36++, $88++) is not for the full set or the complete “experience.” It only covers unlimited refills of one specific tea you choose. If you were expecting a variety of teas or the entire set included, that’s not the case.

Tip: Ask the staff to confirm exactly what’s included before ordering, so you know what you’re getting and can avoid surprises.

Location: 9 Raffles Blvd, #01-71/72 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596