I stumbled upon Tarik while strolling through Kampong Glam in the morning. After a hearty breakfast at PARKROYAL on Beach Road during our staycation, we wandered into the heritage district around 10am. The timing couldn’t have been better—no tourist crowds yet, which made it perfect for snapping photos at leisure.
Why Tarik Stands Out on Arab Street
This isn’t your typical Kampong Glam kopitiam experience. Tarik was founded by Ali ‘Sheikh’ Redha, a former flight attendant, and it shows in the polished presentation. Don’t expect to see someone pulling teh tarik theatrically – this trendy cafe takes a more modern approach.
The prices surprised me in the best way. Despite the touristy location near Sultan Mosque, Tarik doesn’t gouge customers like some other establishments.
What We Ordered
Iced Tea Zaffran ($4.90)
I chose the Iced Tea Zaffran – milk tea elevated with spices and saffron. Requesting less sweet worked perfectly. The aromatic blend hit different notes without overwhelming your palate. The gentle spice fragrance brings traditional teh tarik to a whole new level.
The generous serving size justifies the $4.90 price tag. You get one size only, available hot or iced.
Iced Nanyang Latte ($4.50)
My husband went for the Iced Nanyang Latte. This fusion creation uses local Nanyang coffee beans in Western-style preparation. It’s the perfect local-meets-west combination. The fragrant coffee brew paired beautifully with milk. Compared to typical coffee chain prices, this latte offers excellent value.
Service and Atmosphere at Tarik
The counter staff were warm and welcoming, and our drinks were ready in no time.
Here’s what you need to know: Tarik runs as a grab-and-go spot with no indoor seating—just a few benches outside. Perfect for people-watching along vibrant Arab Street.
They’ve also got a small selection of snacks on hand—think epok epok, madeleines, and French toast rolls. Simple but satisfying if you’re in the mood for a quick bite.
Location and Timing Tips
Tarik sits strategically at 92 Arab Street, practically impossible to miss when walking towards Sultan Mosque.
Arrive before midday if you want to avoid queues. From noon onwards, expect long lines as tourists and locals swing by for their daily boost.
Final Verdict on Tarik
Tarik successfully modernises traditional local drinks without losing their soul. Prices are reasonable, even in such a prime spot, and the service is friendly and efficient.
Worth visiting for unique spiced teas and fusion coffee experiences. Just remember – Tarik works best as a quick refreshment stop during your Kampong Glam exploration, not a sit-down cafe session.