M Labo Dawson: Crafted by passionate connoisseurs
This new home-based business may serve the best matcha latte in Singapore. Think this is an exaggerated claim? Let us try to convince you…
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Profit and growth are overriding priorities for most business owners. This is perfectly normal – after all, why else would they take on the stress of running a business?
But once in a blue moon, we have the privilege of meeting people like Rachel and Kai Loon, owners of M Labo Dawson. They started this home-based matcha latte business at Dawson Road in early October 2025 with a completely different mindset.
The best matcha at the best prices
They don’t obsess over reducing costs, maximising margins, or expanding islandwide. Their priority is just to prepare the best-possible cup for every customer.
Better yet, with fewer overheads and a less profit-driven pricing strategy compared to regular shops, they can offer top-notch quality at just $5 to $6 per cup.
Obviously, they are absolute heroes to those of us who cannot function without our daily cuppa. But how did they come to start M Labo Dawson, and where have they been all our lives?
Origin story
Rachel and Kai Loon used to be coffee lovers. When coffee became too strong and started to disrupt sleep, they eventually switched to matcha and hojicha.
They soon became deeply passionate about this new drink. They learned more and more about it, delving deep into preparation methods and equipment and ingredients. They tried all kinds of tea varieties and flavour combinations all over Singapore and beyond – cultivating an increasingly sophisticated sense of what’s good.
But at about $10++ a cup, it quickly proved to be a costly passion. Then they realised: with their wealth of knowledge and well-developed palate, they could just make it themselves.
And so they did: endlessly concocting, tasting and refining until they achieved ideal flavours.
Then with skills vastly improved through making countless cups and rave reviews from friends and family, they launched M Labo Dawson to share their finest creations with everyone.
Uncompromising commitment to quality
‘Finest’ is not a word we use lightly here.
Every ingredient is chosen with thoughtfulness and care after trying countless options. Every cup is crafted with a master artisan’s flawless skill and relentless focus.
To ensure that their signature flavours stay true and pure, they never settle for lower-quality ingredients; preferring to temporarily take an item off the menu if they can’t find the right components to make it. For absolute freshness, they time it carefully so that each cup is completed just as the customer arrives for a scheduled pick-up. Better yet, if you don’t mind waiting a few minutes, they’ll only start preparing the drink once you arrive.
For QC reasons, they also currently do not accept walk-in orders and make only 20 orders a day for those who pre-order online.
This level of care doesn’t lend itself to a great deal of efficiency, or revenue, or growth. But as mentioned, that’s not their goal. This is a side gig / passion project and what they care most about is sharing what they love about matcha latte with the community.
Of course, we have to answer the ultimate question…
How good is it?
Mind you, we’re not matcha experts but… WOW.
The mouthfeel is unctuous and creamy but not overly milky. The tea flavour is strong but well-controlled, with just the right hint of umami and a wonderful lingering fragrance. Every element is finely balanced and every flavour note is perfectly tuned.
We could taste their love, care and obsessive meticulousness in every sip.
Limited-editions & loyalty card!
M is for ‘matcha’ and LABO is ‘lab’ in Japanese. As the name suggests, they’re constantly experimenting and coming up with interesting new flavours every month, in addition to their regular menu. If you’re reading this in December 2025, they want you to know that they have some special festive flavours coming up in January and February.
And of course, like every self-respecting latte shop, they also have a loyalty card programme: get a discount after 5 stamps, and a free drink after 10 stamps.
Are they really the best?
Okay, okay, we can’t be 100% certain.
But we honestly cannot see how a product made with so much personal care and passion can be improved upon. And after factoring in the price point, how it can be beaten.
Get your M Labo Dawson fix
2. Find them on GrabFood
(Due to platform fees, prices here are higher. For best quality and price, they recommend that you order via the link above and pick up your freshly-made drink in person)
3. Follow them on Insta to get their the latest updates.
