The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. (IOI Central Boulevard Towers)

The opening of IOI Central Boulevard Towers had certainly provided more diversity in terms of food options within the Central Business District — sure, the building does have fancy establishments such as that of Sospiri and Uoharu that serve up Italian and Japanese cuisine respectively, but the building also sees other tenants like Toast Box and Guerilla Coffee operating within its premises as well. Much to the likes of Guerilla Coffee, The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. had also opened its doors at IOI Central Boulevard Towers, taking up a space within the lobby of one of the office blocks here. Tucked towards a corner of the building where the linkway leads up to Food Garden food court at Asia Square is, The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. outlet here is actually accessible via a side door without actually having to enter the lobby of IOI Central Boulevard Towers. Despite being more of an aisle-side space, this outlet of The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. is decked in extensive wood fittings that exudes a classy vibe; the side door actually leads directly into the dine-in area as well as the retail area when one can pick up their teas — the space dedicated to dine-in seating is rather spacious considering the sort of establishment that it is supposed to be. Whilst The 1872 Clipper Tea Co.’s location at ION Orchard is known to have offered quite a variety of different items in the past, the outlet at IOI Central Boulevard Towers carries a decent variety of items — though not as extensive as what their ION Orchard location used to carry. This includes a range of croissants and danishes, as well as their line-up of cream puffs — beverages available at The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. surprisingly includes specialty coffee brewed using beans roasted by PPP Coffee, though the mainstay here would still be their variety of teas.

It is not our first time having their selection of cream puffs; that being said, it has been a long while ever since the last time we have had their cream puffs — the selection of flavours of cream puffs at The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. had remained rather consistent over the years, in part due to the fact that these cream puffs are based on the different teas that they have to offer. Considering so, we decided to go for two (2) out of the four (4) flavours of the cream puff that they have to offer; one being the Lychee Fiesta Tea Cream Puff, while the other would be the Earl Grey Tea Cream Puff. Both of them came in the form of a craquelin cream puff; pretty much coming with a delicate, crusty surface on the top that carried a light hint of sweetness as one chews into the puff. Otherwise, the puff pastry can be described as light and airy; almost sponge-like and was pretty delightful to have. There is a bit of a distinction between the Lychee Fiesta Tea Cream Puff and the Earl Grey Tea Cream Puff despite both being tea-based cream puffs; while the cream filling does essentially make both flavours replicate the notes of milk tea, the Lychee Fiesta Tea Cream Puff would likely appeal to those whom prefer black tea considering how the bitter undertones of the tea was a little more punchy amidst the fruity notes that came with the Lychee Fiesta Tea Cream Puff.

In retrospect, the Earl Grey Tea Cream Puff came with a slightly more floral note and lighter whiff of tea that lingers at the back of the tastebuds. Both of the cream fillings were thick, rich and luscious; totally on-point for tea appreciators and dessert lovers alike. Going for the Flat White at an establishment so heavily focused and known for their tea offerings does sound a little silly, but we were surprised with how the Flat White at The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. turned out to be — it is one that is especially well-pulled and came with medium body and an earthy and roasty flavour profile that works well as a mid-day perk-me-up. Having been to The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. a number of times, these folks are especially consistent in what they do — no doubt that they do seem to stick close to doing things they are familiar with, but the quality of their cream puffs had never disappointed us. Glad that there is one that is located kinda near the office for us now — we could totally see ourselves dropping by just to get our cream puff fix here when the cravings do hit!