Top 7 Most Famous Bubble Tea Shops in Beijing
1. Taiwan Coco
Taiwan Coco, known for its bright orange sign and adorable cartoon face, is one of the most popular bubble tea chains in Beijing and throughout China. Originating from Taiwan in 1997, this brand expanded to China in 2007 and now boasts over 500 locations nationwide. Besides China and Taiwan, Coco has more than 2000 stores globally, including in the United States, Australia, and several Southeast Asian countries. The standout item here is the Pudding Bubble Tea with red bean, known as “Three Brother” in Chinese, which is a must-try if you visit.
2. Happy Lemon
Happy Lemon, a strong competitor to Taiwan Coco, is a Shanghai-based chain with a distinctive yellow lemon logo. Founded in 2006, Happy Lemon is owned by Yummy Town Holding Corporation, which has nearly 30 years of experience in the tea business. The brand has expanded internationally with over 1000 stores in countries like South Korea, Japan, the UK, the USA, Australia, and Canada. Notable for its teas topped with salty cheese foam, Happy Lemon offers a variety of drinks, including black tea, green tea, and chocolate, with customizable ice and sugar levels.
3. Gong Cha
Gong Cha, a renowned Taiwanese brand, translates to “tea served to the emperor,” emphasizing the selection of the finest tea ingredients. Since 2006, Gong Cha has become one of the top bubble tea brands, with over 1500 locations worldwide, including Hong Kong, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Singapore, and other countries. The chain specializes in oolong tea from the misty Ali Mountains in Taiwan, known as Alisan tea.
4. Attakai Kokoro Tea Shop
Despite its Japanese name, Attakai Kokoro is a Chinese brand from Shanghai, with a Japanese-inspired style and ingredients sourced from Japan, Taiwan, and the USA. The first store opened in 2014, and now Attakai has fewer than 50 locations across China. The brand focuses on high-quality products at affordable prices. Recommended items include taro bubble tea with cheese foam, oolong tea with matcha powder, and white peach green tea.
5. Fiftea
Fiftea, a well-known Taiwanese bubble tea brand, has three locations in Beijing and showcases authentic Taiwanese tea flavors. Established in 1994, Fiftea has around 500 stores in Taiwan and other Asian countries. The brand is committed to maintaining consistent quality from tea leaves to the final cup, whether enjoyed in Taiwan or China.
6. Heytea
Founded in 2012 by Yunchen Nie from Guangdong, Heytea has aimed to create a bubble tea brand similar to Starbucks. With 80 branches across 13 cities in China, Heytea is renowned for its cheese-topped tea, which sets it apart from other tea toppings. Additionally, the tea used is sourced from renowned tea regions worldwide, ensuring top-notch quality in every cup.
7. The Alley
The Alley, a popular brand that started in Taiwan in 2014, has around 11 stores in China. Known for its focus on aesthetics and targeting a young, stylish audience, The Alley imports about 90% of its ingredients from Taiwan to ensure consistent taste across its branches. Popular items include brown sugar fresh milk with pearls and various cream-topped drinks. Most customers find the drinks delicious, although they tend to be on the pricier side.
