If you are a frequent patron of SAFRA Tampines, you might have spotted a pretty new addition on the second floor. Started by the same mastermind behind 7th Heaven KTV and Cafe, also located in SAFRA Tampines, Taira Pastry is a cosy Japanese-inspired eatery serving up cold brews, croissants, mini tarts and other pastries.
We drop by this newly-opened artisanal coffee spot to see how it stacks up to Singapore’s already vibrant cafe scene.
Enjoying the little moments
Taira Pastry reminds me of a quaint cafe tucked away on a quiet street in Osaka, with a charming serenity that feels quintessentially Japanese. Its interior exudes an elegant modernity that contrasts nicely with SAFRA Tampines’s casual setting.
True enough, this comforting calmness is meticulously cultivated by Shermain Pea, founder of the club’s latest addition. Having managed a zero-waste cafe and farm situated in Japan’s countryside, she witnessed first-hand how enriching life can be when one simply slows down to appreciate the fullness that it has to offer. “The word ‘Taira’ in Taira Pastry is transliterated to the Chinese character 平, which means balance,” she responded when asked about the cafe’s moniker.
It is definitely worth dropping by this cafe for its ambience alone. That said, how do its culinary offerings live up to its reposeful interior?
Mini tarts, savoury croissants and cold brews
Ordering our main course proved to be an interesting experience. Instead of picking an item from the menu, we are directed to personalise everything from the type of base you want to your choice of spread and toppings. For the base, you can pick from three options – mini tarts, which come in a box of 8 pieces, a pair of puff pastries, or a caramel glazed croissant.
We opted for a savoury base in the form of a caramel glazed croissant with salmon mentaiko filling. I would love to try their puff pastry during my next visit, perhaps with a tuna mayo or egg mayo spread.
The croissant was crispy and flaky, the caramel glaze forming a delicate crust that works as a honeyed contrast to the umami richness of the Salmon Mentaiko stuffing. You get the best of both worlds with this combination.
We also got ourselves an assorted box of sweet mini tarts and I have to say – the tarts topped with lychee and passionfruit pops were my favourite by far! The pastry does well to balance the fruity burst of the pops, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying bite. You’ll want to order the tarts over and over again just to try the varied assortment of toppings which include strawberries, blueberries, mango, Azuki red bean and hazelnut.
I caught a glimpse of the bottles of cold brew beverages in the chiller and got myself a bottle of matcha latte, which tasted as good as it looked – rich, velvety and slightly nutty without being overly sweet. According to Shermain, the cafe brews its matcha drinks with Uji matcha powder, which is a premium-grade variant of matcha.
If you’re seeking something a bit fruity, I recommend its Strawberry Matcha latte. The tartness of the strawberry bits add a zesty layer to its otherwise full-bodied profile.
Taira Pastry is a great spot to catch up on your favourite book, focus on work or even just to people-watch, its window seats offering a panoramic view of the club. The food does well to remind you of life’s sweeter side, pairing well with its tranquil ambience to serve up a brilliantly peaceful dining experience.
SAFRA members enjoy 15% off at Taira Pastry. More information at safra.sg/taira-pastry
Not yet a member? Sign up at m.safra or the SAFRA mobile app, or visit our membership sign-up page on the website now!
Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership to enjoy more exclusive deals and perks. From now till 30 September 2025:
– Get 2 years’ membership for $60 (U.P. $87.20) with promo code SG60.
– Plus, get 2 years’ Dependent membership at $43.60 for the whole family.
For another DIY experience, try this Mac & Cheese recipe by 7th Heaven KTV and Cafe at home!
Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!
