Despite seeing countries opening up and leisure travel slowly returning back to normal, Japan is one of the places in the world where tourists are still not allowed to enter. However, even just for an hour, we managed to experience a slice of Japan in Singapore over at Asaru Studio.
Japanese Retail Studio in Singapore
Unlike most retail stores in Singapore, a reservation is required to visit Asaru Studio. The place is filled with lifestyle items ranging from clothing to homeware. You can find several brands such as 3rd Ceramics from Japan, FRAMA, and Marumitsu Poterie over at the studio.
Asaru Studio also offers something known as Uchi ($30), a 1-hour experience unique to their store, which includes light refreshments to accompany your time at the studio.
The $30 can also be used to offset any purchases above $50.
Our Experience at Asaru Studio
Stepping into the studio and we immediately felt a change of atmosphere. It was almost like we entered an entirely different space from where we just were.
There was barely any loud noise, and the burning incense added a sense of calm to the space. As they do limit the number of pax visiting the store at any one time, you don’t get the usual crowdedness and can enjoy the space in peace.
We started off our Uchi experience with freshly whisked matcha, served with our choice of Strawberry Daifuku or Mugwort Daifuku. Since we visited in a pair, we managed to snag one of each.
The strawberry daifuku had half a juicy strawberry along with some red bean paste, wrapped in handmade mochi. We managed to catch the staff making the daifuku in real-time, which was interesting and amazing because of how they put so much detail into making each one look perfect.
On the other hand, the Mugwort Daifuku is filled with black sesame paste, wrapped in a mugwort mochi before being sprinkled with some kinako powder.
With lesser people in the studio, we also managed to converse with the staff, where they provided more explanation on the items we were interested in. We also learned that the counter where they make all the drinks and desserts is actually 80 years old, and the sink was originally a planter box.
Soon before we knew it, we were served another set of refreshments, a matcha cream swiss roll, and hand-dripped coffee. Perhaps it was the environment, but we felt that the coffee was superb, which had a nice balance of acidity and body.
The matcha swiss roll which has since been replaced by another item was light, fluffy, and had a nice matcha flavour to it.
Their menu does rotate, so perhaps we might see this dessert again. Asaru Studio, if you’re reading this, please bring this back again in the future!
For Those Missing Japan
Asaru Studio offers a breath of fresh air where people can go and simply rest and enjoy an afternoon sipping on matcha and coffee. The unique experience lets you pretend you’re in Japan while enjoying a sense of tranquility & zen that’s not common in Singapore.
Asaru Studio
195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace. #01-07, Singapore 168976
Thurs-Sun, 12pm-6pm
Booking required – Head to their website to make a reservation
*This is an independent review by MiddleClass.sg
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