Bubble tea has created a craze around the world and is now one of the most popular drinks in Hong Kong, from signature milk teas and seasonal fruit teas to cheese froths and more. With shops on nearly every corner, finding the perfect boba is a challenge many enjoy. We all know the regulars, but here are some truly special spots worth discovering.
Bubble Lee — Jordan, Lai Chi Kok, Kwun Tong and Kwai Fong
After over three years of experimentation, Bubble Lee, or Li Yuan Yuan as it’s commonly known, brings you the ideal combination of fresh milk, brown sugar, boba pearls and crushed ice – the perfect bubble tea. Now, they have launched an even more popular flavour, the brown sugar pearl milk 2.0, which has 30% more fresh milk. Its menu may be less expansive than the rest on this list, but the quality of the ingredients make sure that there are always lines in front of their stores.
Signature: Bubble Tea
Where: Multiple locations in Jordan, Lai Chi Kok, Kwun Tong and Kwai Fong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
CHICHA — Sheung Wan, Central, Kowloon Bay and Tseung Kwan O
This relatively smaller shop has fast become a hot favourite, with long queues of thirsty office workers during lunchtime. If you’re looking to treat yourself for a hard day’s work, or want to try their unbeatable flavours, head over to CHICHA and try their Instagram-worthy drinks. Their seasonal drinks are a must-have, especially their unusual citrus flavours.
Signature: Fluffy White Peach Oolong
Where: Multiple locations in Sheung Wan, Central, Kowloon Bay and Tseung Kwan O
Contact: Instagram | Facebook
Chicha Sanchen — Multiple Locations
Chicha Sanchen has made its mark in Hong Kong by showing the best of Taiwanese tea culture. Using roasted tea leaves from rural Taiwan, each drink is expertly brewed with a special teaspresso machine to enhance the tea’s natural fragrance. The menu features crowd-pleasers like the Bubble Milk Tea made with fragrant black tea, creamy milk and chewy tapioca pearls.
Signature: Bubble Milk Tea
Where: 11 locations across Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Chun Shui Tang — Multiple Locations
Founded in and sourced from Tai Chung, a Taiwanese city known for its teahouse culture, this small shop is known as the creator of bubble tea! Now a famous franchise, it offers a lot more options, but you can’t leave without trying their #1, the one that started it all, the Bubble Tea. Smooth, luscious with soft, chewy pearls made from tapioca flour, this one is unforgettable.
Signature: Bubble Tea
Where: Multiple locations in Taikoo, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwai Fong, Kwun Tong, Sha Tin, Tung Chung and West Kowloon
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Kebuke Tea — Tsim Sha Tsui
Taiwan’s renowned tea shop Kebuke Tea made its grand debut in Hong Kong last year. As their first overseas venture, they offer their signature Brown Sugar Bubble Milk Tea, crafted from the brand’s premium black tea and chewy white tapioca pearls. The menu features a variety of classic tea blends, including Signature Black Tea and Rice Oolong Tea, with options for Milk Tea, Mixed Teas, Fruit Teas and Tea Lattes.
Signature: Brown Sugar Bubble Milk Tea
Where: Shop OT G49, Ground Floor, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Milksha — Multiple Locations
Milksha is known for its use of pure, natural milk squeezed from their very own herd of cattle reared by Taiwanese dairy farmers. Founded in 2004, when it was popular in Taiwanese drink shops to use creamer powders, they insisted on using fresh milk for the health and wellbeing of their customers, particularly children. In addition to the classics such as bubble oolong milk tea or their fresh milk specials like taro milk, you have to try their new and interesting flavours like cheese fruit tea.
Signature: KUMO Cloudy Cream series
Where: Multiple locations in Sheung Wan, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Tuen Mun, Ma On Shan, Tseung Kwan O, Kowloon Tong, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Tsuen Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Mother Pearl — Multiple Locations
We must highlight one of Hong Kong’s healthiest and most sustainable bubble tea spots: Mother Pearl. For vegans or anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free drink, you’ll be pleased to know all ingredients are thoughtfully sourced and rich in “delight, nutrition, and irresistible deliciousness”. Be sure to try their popular Very Choco Latte, Taro Mo-Latte and Po Power, and the Qi Wellness series for a boost: Eyesight Booster, Detox, Liver Saver, and Blood Circulation.
Signature: Very Choco Latte, Po Power
Where: Multiple locations in Central, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Tseung Kwan O
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Nine To Make — Tai Kok Tsui
One of Hong Kong’s signature drinks is the silky milk tea found in every Cha Chaan Tang, but it’s rare to find a shop that specializes in it like a bubble tea shop. Luckily, Nine to Make in Tai Kok Tsui celebrates Hong Kong’s traditional beverages. The Hong Kong-style tea shop features authentic milk tea, hand-crafted lemon tea and long-lost drinks like Hot water egg. Adorned with local film posters, the nostalgic decor adds to its charm.
Signature: Hong Kong Style Bubble Tea
Where: Shop 3B, G/F, Mayfair Centre, 4 Anchor Street, Tai Kok Tsui
Contact: Instagram
Potion House — Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central
Potion House is a beloved bubble tea concept in Hong Kong, with two locations in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai. By day, indulge in their handcrafted beverages, featuring their signature jellies and chews. As night falls, the Basehall shop transforms into a chic cocktail bar, serving up creative tea-infused libations like The Signature Potion and Golden Hour. You can even customize your boozy bubble tea with a selection of spirits and toppings, or opt for classic cocktails with a twist, like the Whisky Sour made with oolong tea.
Signature: Taro Taro Milk
Where: 3 locations in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
TenRen’s Tea — Multiple Locations
The OG bubble tea spot is best known for a reason – incredible, consistent taste. Hailing directly from Taiwan, with over 60 stores all over Hong Kong, you know what you are getting when you buy yourself a TenRen’s boba. While its huge variety can be overwhelming, you can’t go wrong with signatures such as 913 King’s oolong tea, classic honey jasmine green tea or green tea latte with pearls. You can also brew your very own Chinese tea at home, just head over to their online shop to purchase the ingredients.
Signature: 913 King’s Oolong Tea
Where: 60 locations across Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea — Multiple Locations
Inspired by the founder’s great-grandmother, YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea has been delighting taste buds with its signature drinks. Made with locally-grown seasonal fruits and a secret family recipe, their beverages are free from artificial sweeteners or concentrates. This summer, treat yourself to their limited-time Melon and Durian series.
Signature: Fruit tea
Where: 16 locations across Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Header image credits: Innovative Homecare Solutions
