Written by jadaseaton
Hong Kong has an abundance of bubble tea shops, both homegrown and imported. But with so many options to choose from, deciding where to go can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s our guide to where to find the best of the best.
Whether you’re craving a delicious milk tea topped with cheese foam or you’re in the mood for something a little more fruity, these bubble tea shops are sure to have what you need.
Hong Kong Island
Silk
One of Hong Kong’s most popular local brands, Silk. has several locations across Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. However, their Wan Chai store offers a particular charm that can’t be found elsewhere. Located on Lee Tung Avenue, this bubble tea store invites customers in with its salmon pink exterior and promise of original milk tea. Their signature Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea is made using a 50-year-old family recipe and serves as the base for many of their drinks.
+852 8491 3157
Mon-Sun: 11a.m. – 10p.m.
VETEA (越茶香)
Beneath the hustle and bustle of the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators lies VETEA, a bubble tea shop with a subdued sort of elegance. Established in 2024, the store claims to use no artificial colors, flavours, or additives in their drinks. They specialise in Osmanthus-flavored drinks such as Osmanthus Milk Tea, Longan Osmanthus Fruit Tea, and Osmanthus Dahongpao Leaf Tea. For all you caffeine lovers out there, they also have several coffee-based drinks.
9-11 Cochrane Street, Central+852 8400 6114
Mon-Thur: 11a.m. – 9:30p.m., Fri: 11a.m. – 10p.m., Sat: 10:30a.m. – 10p.m., Sun: 10:30a.m. – 9:30p.m.
Mother Pearl
If you happen to find yourself in southern Central, you’d be remiss not to stop by Mother Pearl (alternatively, you could visit their Mong Kok location). With an emphasis on sustainable production and organic ingredients, their drinks are the perfect choice for those wanting a more health-conscious drink. Instead of using store-bought dairy milk in their drinks, they use a special plant-based “mylk” made from almonds and golden oats. Their tapioca pearls are also made in-house. 25 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
+852 6299 3108
Mon-Sun: 11a.m. – 9p.m.
Mizimamei (蜜滋麻美)
One of the more hidden gems on this list, Mizimamei is an unassuming shop not far from PMQ. Their unique toppings are what make them stand out, with options ranging from black sesame and oatmeal to peanuts and purple sweet potatoes. Their caramel tapioca pearls in particular are a must-have and go well with any of their fresh (or soy) milk drinks.
In addition to bubble tea, Mizimamei also sells traditional ice grass jelly desserts, a childhood staple for many Hongkongers.
G/F, 16A Aberdeen Street, CentralMon-Sun: 11:30a.m. – 8p.m.
Take Your Time (輕時光)
Across the street from Lan Kwai Fong Hotel, Take Your Time certainly stands out within Hong Kong’s bubble tea scene. You won’t find your typical milk tea options here. Instead, you’ll find an assortment of fruit teas, smoothies, and yogurt-based drinks. The shop draws you in with their bright blue exterior and keeps you there with their colorful drinks which are as flavorful as they are beautiful. Highlights include their Mixed Berries Yogurt Smoothie and Mango Tea with Yogurt Top.
Rear Portion, G/F, 166 Wellington Street, Central+852 5722 7865
Mon-Fri: 11a.m. – 8p.m., Sat-Sun: 11:30a.m. – 7:30p.m.
Loud Tea (響茶)
Found at the intersection of three busy streets, Loud Tea is everything a Hong Kong bubble tea shop should be. Drinks come out fast so there’s never a long queue, and the menu has plenty of variety for those who like to have options. It’s convenient to get to as well, just a stone’s throw away from the Sheung Wan MTR station. Their black pearls are a must-have for any milk tea, perfectly chewy with just the right amount of sweetness. For the more adventurous drinkers, they also have a Bubble Soda Series that combines fruit tea with a bit of fizz.
Shop A, G/F, Sze Chung Building, Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan+852 4678 2550
Mon-Sun: 11a.m. – 10p.m.
Kowloon
NAP TEA (再睡5分鐘)
After searching the Ladies’ Market for bargains in Mong Kok, recharge with a drink from NAP TEA. The first thing you’ll notice as you approach the narrow shop is the round statue of an adorable sloth right next door, their sleepy mascot on full display. They’re best known for their milk cap teas, drinks that come with three centimeters of rich milk foam. Their amiable staff provide a generous amount of toppings as well.
Shop 6, G/F, Foo Tat Building, 50 Soy Street, Mong Kok+852 4435 1084
Mon-Sun: 11:05a.m. – 9p.m.
The Alley (鹿角巷)
Across the street from Chungking Mansions, The Alley is not one to be missed. They’re best known for their “Deerioca,” housemade tapioca pearls with just the right amount of sweetness and bounciness. They also use their own sugar cane syrup in their drinks, made fresh daily.
The Alley frequently holds promotions for limited-time drinks, encouraging people to come back and check out what’s new. Most recently, they launched a very on-trend Pistachio Series which includes Crunchy Pistachio Brown Sugar Milk Tea and Pistachio Velvet Jasmine Green Tea.
Shop F, G/F, Alpha House, 27-33 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui+852 2157 9267
Mon-Sun: 10:00a.m. – 10p.m.
Drink-Hut (飲桟)
K-pop fans will be eager to visit Drink-Hut with its frequent pop-up events and artist birthday celebrations. On any given day, you’ll find the shop decorated with elaborate displays of sleek posters, glossy banners, and album photos. However, even non-K-pop fans will enjoy their flavorful drinks. Their coconut milk drinks, citrus medica lemon teas, and fruity sodas are particularly noteworthy. They also sell pastries like egg tarts and prepackaged Taiwanese snacks to go with your drink.
G/F, 16 Hamilton Street, Yau Ma Tei+852 9166 0138
Mon-Sun: 12a.m. – 10:30p.m.
CHAGEE (霸王茶姬)
In the piazza of K11 Art Mall, you’ll find global milk tea chain CHAGEE’s sole Hong Kong store. Originating from Yunnan Province, CHAGEE is another great pick for the health-conscious consumer. Their menu, which consists of fresh milk teas (including several snow cap options) and brewed teas, has a large section dedicated to low-calorie drinks with delicious options such as Peach Oolong Milk Tea and Glutinous Green Tea.
While waiting for your drink, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time with its earth-toned interior reminiscent of ancient teahouses.
Shop G29, G/F, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui+852 6129 0283
Mon-Sun: 10a.m. – 10p.m.
