5 Bubble Tea Shops in Johor Bahru (JB) You Won’t Find in Singapore

If you’re getting a little bored with your usual Koi, Gong Cha, and Chagee orders, Johor Bahru’s (JB)  bubble tea scene offers a whole new world to explore, with wallet-friendly prices to match. And with so many of us crossing over for food, shopping, or just a change of pace, it’s the perfect excuse to discover some new BBT spots while you’re at it. These aren’t the usual chains you’ll find back home, but brands you’ll only come across if you know where to look.

And yes — we’re calling it bubble tea here even if not everything technically comes with pearls or milk. You know, the kind of drinks you jio your friends for on a day out.

1. Tea & Ember

Not your usual tea stop. At Tea & Ember, you get to brew your own roasted tea at the table, using mini stoves and tiny kettles that make the whole experience feel a bit like a tea version of hotpot. It’s part bubble tea, part teahouse, and very Instagram-friendly.

The Mount Austin outlet has a cozy, glamping-inspired vibe, with tents, rattan chairs, and soft lighting that make it feel like a little escape from the usual cafe scene. Besides tea, you can order glutinous rice cakes, black sesame balls, and other light snacks while you sit and brew.

Address: 12, Jln Austin Heights 7/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10am-9pm (Closed on Wednesdays)

2.DING CHA

DING CHA isn’t as well-known as some of the other chains, but it’s quietly building a loyal following. The shop sits inside KSL City Mall, which makes it an easy pit stop mid-shopping spree. Their menu items are full of refreshing drinks such as Kiwi Fruit Smoothie or Wintermelon Tea.

Prices are wallet-friendly, and the menu’s wide enough that you’ll likely find something new to try every visit. And the best part is that they are open all day, all night. Great for supper runs if you stay near KSL!

Address: L2 S24, KSL City, Jalan Seladang, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

3. Ta-Daa Box JB

If you want a refreshing drink with a side of surprise, Ta-Daa Box delivers exactly that. Every drink comes with a blind box gift, ranging from plushies to little figurines. It’s a fun experience that’s become a bit of a hit on TikTok and Lemon8 (I mean, gacha addictions, right?).

Drink-wise, the Pistachio Cream Coconut Water and Cream Cheese Coconut Water are both worth trying, especially if you’re looking for something a little different from your usual brown sugar orders.

Address: 2, Jalan Rusa 6, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10.30am-12am (Mon-Fri), 10.30am-1am (Sat-Sun)

4. Auntea Jenny

Originally from Shanghai, Auntea Jenny has made a name for itself with its cute cups and surprisingly wide range of drinks. Their White Peach Oolong Fresh Milk Tea is a consistent favourite, while options like Grape Jelly Jasmine Tea and Royal Fruit Tea are great for fruit tea fans.

You’ll find their JB outlet inside KSL City Mall, so it’s super convenient to swing by between Daiso runs or after a quick manicure session.

KSL Mall Outlet

Address: Lot L2-132 (C-2), Level 2, KSL Mall, 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: 11.30am-9pm

Toppen Mall Outlet

Address: L2.63 Level 2, Toppen Shopping Centre, 33, Jln Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

5. Jom Cha by Farm Fresh

Jom Cha stands out for one simple reason: its drinks use fresh milk straight from Malaysia’s Farm Fresh dairy brand. That gives their brown sugar milk a slightly creamier, fresher taste compared to the usual.

If you’re not in the mood for milk tea, the Mango Tango and Strawberry Kurma Yoghurt are sweet, dessert-like alternatives. The Stulang Laut outlet even has a standalone red barn-style building that makes for a pretty cute photo op.

Address: UDA Business Centre, 20, Jln Padi Emas 1/2, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10am-9pm

Final thoughts

The next time you cross over to JB, don’t just settle for your usual food haunts and cafes. With so many bubble tea brands that haven’t made it to Singapore, it’s worth making space in your itinerary (and stomach) for a few of these. After all, part of the fun is trying what you can’t get back home.

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Featured Image Credit: (L-R) Tea & Ember Official Instagram; Auntea Jenny Official Instagram