A few years ago, I discovered Bubble Tea after speaking to several people from Taiwan who raved over the drink as the sweetness satisfied their sugar cravings. They loved the tea’s bright colours and the tapioca pearls’ chewy texture. It blends black tea, milk, fruit, fruit juices, and the hallmark chewy boba balls.
Bubble tea comes under many names, including boba tea and pearl tea, and is a relatively new concept from Taiwan, dating back to the 1980s. It is a massive hit in Asia, eventually reaching Europe, the US, and the UK. If you want to try Taiwan’s iconic drink, here is a guide to eight of the best bubble tea in London.
The Best Bubble Tea in London
Boba Tea London – Chinatown
Fresh to the bubble tea scene, Boba Tea London opened in May 2023 in Chinatown. Already, it’s causing a stir. People love their brightly coloured decor and Plushie Wall for insta-worthy selfies.
With their twist on the immersive experience, Boba Tea has a bubble tea lab where you can create your perfect flavour.
Other treats on offer include Mochi Balls, waffles on a stick, and Mochi ice cream.
Popular teas include,
- Vanilla Milk tea is £4.99
- Brown Sugar Classic at £5.99
Boba Tea London is a cute bubble tea shop in Chinatown with a fun vibe.
Address: 55-57 Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 6LD
Boba Chic London – Taiwan Handpicked Tea Leaves
Boba Chic London serves bubble tea near King’s Cross. Opening in September 2022, their signature mark uses the finest Taiwanese Black Tea leaves, handpicked from the mountains. They use three-generation old tea-making techniques to serve authentic and delicious bubble tea.
Their menu includes many flavours,
- The popular Golden Oolong Milk Tea is £6.20 for a 600 ml cup.
- A Dirty Purple with Sweet Potatoes from Taiwan is £8.20 for a 470 ml cup.
The interior is minimalistic and rustic, and the husband and wife team create a friendly atmosphere. Boba Chic London makes an excellent choice for a taste of Taiwan in London.
Address: 271 Eversholt St, London, NW1 1BA
PresoTea – From an Old Taiwanese Tea Factory
PresoTea’s origins started in a fifth-generation tea factory in Taiwan in 2006. They defied conventional tea-making methods to make the perfect cuppa using their patented tea-extraction machine. Their tea received high praise, and they now have over 300 franchises launched worldwide. PresoTea Soho in London is the first in the UK.
The interior is bright and aesthetically pleasing. The menu is vast, and the friendly staff are on hand to help.
- The Summer Berry Fruit Tea, priced at £4.80, is a popular, refreshing choice.
- A Ceylon Original Milk Tea is fresh and creamy for £4.50.
Various toppings are available for £1.00 extra, including Honey Aloe Vera and Mango, Strawberry, or Lycee Popping Boba.
There are food options, including desserts like Boba Egg Tart.
PresoTea serves great bubble tea in Soho with soft, fresh tapioca pearls and plenty of plant-based options.
Address: 80 Dean St, London, W1D 3SL
Telephone: 07399 334015
Nuttea Nut Mylk Tea – Five Kinds of Nuts
Since 2017, Nuttea Nut Mylk Tea has been blending nut milk from their featured five nuts, Almond, Cashew, Hazelnut, Macadamia, and Walnut, traceable from farm to cup. It makes a healthy choice and adds a rich flavour to tea, coffee, and fresh fruits.
Nuttea Nut Mylk Tea originated in Taiwan before moving to Hong Kong, with more franchises opening in five other countries, including the UK.
This bubble tea cafe in Soho is freshly decorated and has a relaxed vibe, offering a comfortable area to unwind.
The pearls are springy and chewy with a hint of sweetness, and the nut milk is creamy and adds a nutty flavour to the drinks. Choices include,
- A Fresh Grape Tea is £6.20
- Earl Grey with Chocolate Nut Cream is £6.80.
A dessert treat includes a Vegan Bubble Waffle Lollipop for £3.00.
Nuttea Nut Mylk Tea is 100% plant-based and vegan. In addition to their Soho cafe, Nuttea has a bubble tea stall in Westfield Stratford.
Address: 5 Noel St, London W1F 8GD
Telephone: 020 7287 3762
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BoBAR – Bubble Tea in Shoreditch
BoBAR followed a dream by opening its first tea shop in Shoreditch in May 2020. They now have three cafes serving bubble tea in London.
BoBAR is committed to using the finest, freshest ingredients and preparing all house-made ingredients daily. They invent flavours regularly and relish the prospect of endless possibilities.
The inviting tea shop in Shoreditch has a modern, stylish ice cream parlour look. The transparent cup branding displays the artistic element of the colourful drinks.
Some popular selections include;
A Thai Milk Tea Creme Brûlée is £5.50, or a Blue Coral Tropical Red Bull Slushie for £5.90.
A variety of additional toppings are available for all drinks. Add tapioca to a bubble tea drink for 50p or brown sugar tapioca for 80p. They also have various flavoured popping balls for 60p plus several other topping choices.
BoBAR’s other shops are in Bow and East Ham.
Address: 3 Hackney Road, Shoreditch, London, ENG, E2 7XN
Quaker Street Bubble Tea & Coffee – Community Focused
Quaker Street Bubble Tea & Coffee is a community-focused bubble tea shop in Shoreditch, encouraging local artists with art, music, and podcasts. They have a podcast and photography studio and a pop-up rental in their Quaker Street Space.
The bubble tea shop is relatively small, cosy, and inviting. There is fantastic artwork throughout, and the countertops are handpainted. The staff are friendly and helpful, welcoming those who want to drink tea, use their cafe as a workspace, and they have even established a small but private meeting area.
One of their most popular drinks is the Amethyst, a combination of lychee & pea tea with a touch of razzle-dazzle. Fruity tea flavours include Apple Jasmine, and milky teas include Karak Chai.
Tea and coffee prices are from £3.95.
Shoreditch has a bustling cafe scene, and Quaker Street Bubble Tea & Coffee is a popping addition. It is a unique shop that aims to welcome diverse clientele and encourage creativity while serving excellent tea and coffee.
Address: 10 Quaker St, London E1 6SZ
Telephone: 020 7377 2986
Yi-Fang – Grandma’s Secret Recipe
Yi-Fang uses their grandma’s secret recipe, and the tea shop name is in her honour.
When Grandma Yi-Fang was in Taiwan, she used some overripe pineapples to make jam and added it to her husband’s tea. He thought it was delicious. Yifang fruit tea arrived.
Yi-Fang uses the best ingredients to recreate grandma’s original recipe, and today, it is one of Yi-Fangs most popular drinks.
The Yi-Fang brand has proven successful, with over 20 Yi-Fang franchises around London.
Menu options at Yi-Fang Canary Wharf include Pure Teas, Fruit Teas, Milk Teas, Mudflip Family (Yi-Fangs take on a Bubble Milk Tea) and YiFang Speciality. Whether your drink is hot or cold, toppings are available for 60p.
A speciality Yakult Iced Tea is £4.65, Pineapple Green Tea is £4.75, and a Matcha Mudlip is £5.95. Add Tapioca for 60p for the bubble tea option.
Address: Kiosk 4, Lower Ground, 45 Jubilee, Bank St, London E14 5NY
Telephone: 0330 1138128
Cuppacha – Full of Flavour
Cuppacha is one of London’s earliest bubble tea shops. When founder Emily Foo moved to London in 2000, she was surprised the Asian bubble tea craze had yet to reach the UK. In 2012, she set out to change that with Cuppacha.
The bubble tea shop proved a success. There are regular queues out the door. However, it is a drink-on-the-go kind of place with no dine-in option, and the staff is super efficient. You don’t have to wait for long.
Cuppacha has some of the most intriguing and best bubble tea flavours, including the Butterfly Pea Flower tea. It’s refreshing and rich in antioxidants to keep you looking youthful and fights inflammation.
If you need help deciding between tea or coffee, the Coffee Jelly Milk Tea combines them.
Cuppacha is award-winning. They picked up the Golden Chopstick award for the Best Sweet Treat.
Soho is a lively area with a vibrant coffee shop scene, and Cuppacha adds a burst of flavour with its bubble teas.
Address: 23 Newport Ct, London WC2H 7JS
Telephone: 020 7998 0313
Tips for Choosing a Bubble Tea
How do I choose a Bubble Tea? Choose one with tapioca pearls for an authentic Bubble Tea. They are often optional as not everyone likes them.
How do I order a Bubble Tea? Three things to consider when choosing a Bubble Tea.
- The Base – What type of tea do you want, Black, Jasmine, or Green tea? Do you want milk, cream, or fruit?
- Sweetness – Do you have a sweet tooth? The sweetness of Bubble Tea ranges from 0% to 100%. Most shops have a sign displaying the levels of sweetness.
- Toppings – Options include Tapioca Pearls, Coconut Jelly, Grass Jelly, and Popping Balls.