Which Bubble Tea Brand to Try in Each China Province

China’s bubble tea scene is a vibrant mix of regional flavours, each province offering its own unique twist on this beloved beverage. From the rich, creamy concoctions of the south to inventive blends in the north. A cup of bubble tea in China is more than just a drink; it’s a cultural experience. Here’s a province-by-province guide to the must-try bubble tea brands across China.

Also read: 13 Must-Knows for Your First Trip to China from Singapore

Shanghai

Auntea Jenny (沪上阿姨)

Famous for inventive milk teas, Auntea Jenny combines modern creativity with traditional ingredients. Their offerings include fresh fruit teas and milk teas. It provides a uniquely hearty and comforting flavour that reflects Shanghai’s cosmopolitan and experimental spirit.

Lelecha (乐乐茶)

Lelecha blends traditional tea culture with modern tastes, offering innovative drinks that appeal to all ages. Its menu is a playful mix of classic milk teas, creative fruit teas, and seasonal specials. It reflects the evolving tastes of tea lovers.

Guangdong

Heytea (喜茶)

Fans of the cheese-topped tea trend, Heytea elevates traditional tea with a rich, creamy cheese foam. Their fruit teas are equally celebrated, combining seasonal fruits with high-quality teas for a refreshing yet indulgent drink.

If you are not able to travel to China, fret not. Heytea has several outlets in Singapore, all of which can be viewed through the HEYTEA app. While prices are cheaper in China, it’s still a treat worth enjoying locally.

Naixue (奈雪的茶)

Famous for pairing fruit-infused teas with freshly baked bread and pastries, Naixue offers a multi-sensory experience. The bright, fruity flavours appeal to younger consumers, making it a popular destination for both casual tea drinkers and Instagram enthusiasts.

Molly tea (茉莉奶白)

Molly Tea has carved a niche with its delicate jasmine-infused milk teas. Known for a fragrant aroma and a smooth, lightly sweet flavour, each cup offers a soothing yet refreshing experience. Its minimalist approach emphasises tea quality and a calming aesthetic, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both taste and tranquillity in their bubble tea.

Henan

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea (蜜雪冰城)

Known for its affordability and extensive menu, Mixue provides both ice cream and bubble tea options that are accessible to everyone. It has become a staple for students and families alike, offering familiar flavours in a casual, friendly environment.

Mixue can also be enjoyed in Singapore, with outlets conveniently located across the island, such as Bugis Village, Century Square, West Mall, and more.

Sichuan

ChaPanda (茶百道)

Based in Chengdu, ChaPanda offers a wide range of milk teas and fruit teas, each bursting with bold, vibrant flavours. From classic favourites to inventive creations, their drinks are carefully crafted to be refreshing, satisfying, and truly memorable with every sip.

ChaPanda can also be enjoyed in Singapore with outlets at Scape and Northpoint City, making it easy to savour their signature flavours locally.

Zhejiang

Good Me (古茗)

Originating from Hangzhou, Good Me offers a variety of milk and fruit teas that are both affordable and consistently high quality. Its rapid expansion across China demonstrates its popularity, particularly in lower-tier cities where consumers appreciate both value and flavour.

Hunan

Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色)

Hailing from Changsha in Hunan, Chayan Yuese has become synonymous with artistic, visually stunning bubble teas. The brand is celebrated for its delicate balance of creamy milk teas and subtly sweet toppings, often decorated with intricate designs that resemble calligraphy or floral motifs. Each cup is not just a drink but a carefully crafted experience, reflecting both Hunan’s cultural richness and a modern flair for presentation. Its commitment to aesthetic and flavour has made it a favourite among young consumers and social media enthusiasts alike, turning every visit into a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Guangxi

Ah Ma Handmade (阿嬷手作)

Ah Ma Handmade focuses on nostalgic, home-style bubble teas inspired by traditional family recipes. Its menu often features classic flavours like brown sugar milk tea and taro milk, emphasising natural ingredients and comforting sweetness. Each cup carries a sense of warmth and familiarity, evoking the care of homemade beverages while maintaining a modern and inviting presentation.

Yunnan

Chagee (霸王茶姬)

Returning to its origin in Yunnan, Chagee showcases the brand’s signature raw-leaf fresh milk teas. The use of local tea leaves and attention to presentation make each cup a blend of tradition, innovation, and visual appeal.

Chagee is also available in Singapore, though the range of flavours is more extensive in China. The brand has multiple outlets across the island, all of which can be conveniently viewed through the CHAGEE app.

Also read: Real-Life Filming Locations in China from Popular Movies and Dramas

Last Sip

Exploring China through its bubble tea is more than just sipping a sweet drink. It’s a journey through regional flavours, traditions, and creativity. Each province offers its own distinctive take, from Shanghai’s inventive milk teas to Yunnan’s raw-leaf brews, revealing the country’s rich culinary diversity. Whether you’re chasing classic favourites, fruit-forward concoctions, or playful, Instagram-worthy creations, a cup of bubble tea in China is always an invitation to taste, explore, and celebrate the local culture in every sip.