The Chinese New Year greetings are abundant, but the most important one is 身体健康 (shen ti jian kang) which means "good health". Good health is essential for a happy and long life, and some people turn to Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to maintain their health. However, the popularity of TCM has declined, leading businesses to make adjustments to appeal to a younger audience. Here are five local businesses that are innovating to keep TCM alive in the modern age.
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Synthesis: Situated near Suntec City Mall, Synthesis is a bar and restaurant that serves TCM-inspired food and drinks. Their offerings are inspired by the Five Elements of traditional Chinese medicine and aim to boost overall well-being.
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Cha Mulan: A hawker stall that specializes in drinks made with TCM ingredients, bridging the gap between bubble tea and cheng tng. Their menu includes unique creations using ingredients like snow fungus and peach gum.
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Bliss Nest Capsules: Focuses on bird’s nest as the main ingredient in their drinks, offering a healthier alternative to bubble tea. Their drinks have gained popularity among a younger audience.
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Specture: A bar that incorporates TCM principles into its cocktail menu, promoting mental wellness through their drinks and offering free therapy services and workshops.
- Heng Foh Tong: A traditional TCM medicinal hall that has adapted to modern times by digitalizing its operations and launching TCM vending machines. They also offer herbal drinks like HFTea, targeting a younger demographic.
As the landscape of traditional medicine evolves, these businesses are adapting to meet the changing needs of the current generation while keeping the essence of TCM alive in Singapore. By catering to a modern audience, they are ensuring the longevity of TCM in today’s society.
