Bubble tea is a drink that Singaporeans know and love. Most people go for staple options like Liho and Koi, but do you know about these unique bubble tea brands? We’ve compiled a list of Singapore’s best underrated bubble tea!
The Whale Tea
Founded in Nanjing in 2018, The Whale Tea is a relatively new bubble tea chain that opened in Singapore in 2019. Its Singapore chain is the company’s second foray out of Nanjing, making it one of the few places in the world you can get it other than China and Malaysia. The Whale Tea prides itself on unconventional bubble tea flavours, like Volcanic Sapphire Whale ($4.50) and Blue Crystal Milk ($3.80). You can also get sea salt ice cream to go along with your bubble tea! As an added bonus, the bubble tea comes in pretty colours, making it perfect for brightening your social feed. The Whale Tea is located islandwide, making it convenient to get your bubble tea fix.
Address: Islandwide outlets, including one at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall, 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, #B1-25
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm
Hollin
Opened by a group of Taiwanese tea specialists in 2018, Hollin was founded with the goal of creating an all-rounded bubble tea experience. A must-try is their unique Rock Salt Macchiato tea (from $3.20), made with Hollin’s signature macchiato blend. Apart from that, you can also get Yakult bubble tea! While that sounds like a strange flavor, it goes well with the fruits it’s paired with. Their pearls are handmade daily, with a different flavor each day. From honey to cocoa pearls, you’ll never drink the same bubble tea twice in a week. If you’re looking to shake up your usual routine and try something different, each Hollin experience is never the same.
Toa Payoh Central
Address: 190 Toa Payoh Central, #01-538
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm
Suntec City
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City East Wing, #02-605/605A
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm
Yuan Cha
With a ‘farm to cup’ philosophy in mind, Yuan Cha offers diverse bubble tea options with its teas sourced from various plantations around Asia. If you’ve never tried Osmanthus or Tieguanyin bubble tea, Yuan Cha has you covered. Options here are a little more traditional, but you can get a taste of Asia in a bubble tea cup. Yuan Cha’s price range is affordable as well, with nothing over $5. All their outlets are located in malls, making it easy to get to.
Jurong Point
Address: 1 Jurong West Central 2, #B1-36A
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-9.30pm
Far East Plaza
Address: 14 Scotts Road #01-39
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-9pm
UE Bizhub
Address: 6 Changi Business Park Avenue 1, #01-23
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm
Playmade
A direct translation of a popular Taiwanese bubble tea chain, Playmade has been in Singapore’s bubble tea scene in 2017. Known for its fusion flavors, Playmade’s latest entry is its Pink Cactus Smoothie(from $4.90), complete with pink cactus pearls for the authentic bubble tea experience. As its name suggests, Playmade’s bubble tea pearls are also handmade for maximum freshness. You can choose from a variety of pearl toppings, such as Burnt Caramel and Black Sesame. Playmade is located islandwide as well, and makes for a good midday refresher.
Address: Islandwide, including an outlet at Westgate, 3 Gateway Dr, #01-K1
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-10pm
Saturday-Sunday 10.30am-10pm
Milksha
You might know Milksha from its cutesy cow mascot printed on all its bubble tea cups. Popular among students, Milksha is an ever-expanding bubble tea chain, with its newest outlet having opened at Changi City Point on 14 January. Having recently introduced milk foam tea to its menu as well, it comes in a variety of tea bases (Oolong, Matcha, Green Tea and Earl Grey). Its aesthetic packaging is also another reason for its popularity. Their pearls are made without colorings or additives, making them look clearer than normal. Milksha has outlets islandwide, with its flagship outlet located in Suntec City.
Address: Islandwide, including an outlet at Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #02-375/376
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-10pm
R&B Tea
Described as a tea concept that aims to redefine the tea experience, R&B Tea boasts more than 30 fusion tea combinations. Its signature menu item is its Brown Sugar Boba Milk w/ Cheese Brùlée ($4.80), which makes for a cheesy treat. Its diverse fusion teas promise to satisfy any craving, with humorous names that leave much to the imagination. You can also get toppings like Tea Cream and Cheese Cream with any of your favourite teas! R&B Tea is an established brand, with outlets islandwide.
Address: Islandwide, including an outlet at Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd, # B1-02
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-9.30pm
Cha Nung
Having just made its debut in Singapore in 2020, Cha Nung is one of the newest bubble tea chains on the block. A must- try is Cha Nung’s Azuki Matcha Latte (from $5.80), which mixes Azuki pearls and matcha in a flavourful blend. You can also get your bubble tea with gummy bears as a topping! Its only outlet is in United Square, but worth the trip down for a thirst-quencher, especially if you’re in the area.
Address: United Square, 101 Thompson Road, #B1-60
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm
Trying something new can be daunting, but we guarantee you’ll be left satisfied with these underrated bubble tea choices!
