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Bubble tea in Vietnam: Top shops with best signatures

Bubble tea has taken Vietnam by storm, with countless shops vying for the title of “best.” From classic milk teas to innovative fruit infusions, the Vietnamese bubble tea scene is a vibrant one. This guide highlights some of the top shops, each boasting signature drinks that will tantalize your taste buds.

Top shops with best signatures: Bubble tea in Vietnam

Bubble tea in Vietnam: The advent and development

Bubble tea, a beloved beverage originating in Taiwan, made its way to Vietnam in the early 2000s. Initially introduced in major cities, it quickly gained popularity among young people, particularly students. Small shops and stalls began to appear, offering a variety of flavors and toppings.

While bubble tea faced a brief period of decline due to concerns about ingredient quality, it has since experienced a resurgence, particularly in recent years. The arrival of international franchises and innovative local brands has contributed to its renewed popularity. Today, bubble tea shops are ubiquitous throughout Vietnam, offering a wide range of flavors, toppings, and customization options to cater to diverse tastes.

10 common types of bubble tea you’ll find in Vietnam

Here are 10 common types of bubble tea you’ll find in Vietnam:

Milk Tea:

This is the quintessential bubble tea experience. It typically features a base of black or green tea, blended with milk (often sweetened condensed milk) and topped with chewy tapioca pearls (boba). You can often customize the sweetness and ice level to your preference.

Brown Sugar Boba Milk:

A current favorite, this variation features large, chewy brown sugar boba pearls that are cooked in brown sugar syrup. The resulting pearls have a distinct caramelized flavor that adds a unique sweetness to the milk tea.

Fruit Bubble Tea:

Refreshing and vibrant, fruit tea blends the sweetness of fruits like passion fruit, lychee, or strawberry with tea and boba. These are perfect for a light and fruity beverage.

Cheese Foam Bubble Tea:

This trendy option features a creamy, salty cheese foam topping that adds a unique texture and flavor dimension. It’s often paired with fruit teas for a sweet and savory combination.

Matcha Bubble Tea:

For those who enjoy the earthy taste of green tea, matcha bubble tea is a popular choice. Matcha powder is blended with milk and boba, creating a slightly bitter yet refreshing beverage.

Thai Bubble Tea:

This strong and flavorful tea originates from Thailand. It’s characterized by its bold, slightly spicy flavor and often comes with a creamy base, boba, and condensed milk for added sweetness.

Coffee Jelly Tea:

This unique twist on bubble tea features coffee jelly bits, adding a delightful chewy texture and a subtle coffee flavor to the beverage.

Popping Boba Tea:

These fun and colorful boba are filled with flavored juice that bursts in your mouth when you bite into them. Popular flavors include mango, lychee, and passion fruit.

Aloe Vera Tea:

A refreshing and slightly healthier option, aloe vera tea features chunks of aloe vera gel along with boba. It’s a hydrating and soothing beverage, perfect for a hot day.

Coconut Tea:

This tropical-inspired bubble tea features coconut milk, boba, and often coconut jelly for an authentic coconut flavor. It’s a refreshing and unique option for those looking for something different.

10 popular and highly-rated bubble tea shops in Vietnam

1. Gong Cha Bubble tea shop

Price Range: Mid-range to High-end
Signature Drinks: Alisan Soothing Tea with Milk Foam, Taro Milk Tea, Oolong Tea with Milk
Customer Review: Popular for its consistent quality and wide variety of flavors.

2. Koi Thé

Price Range: Mid-range to High-end
Signature Drinks: Golden Bubble Milk Tea, Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea, Fruit Tea Series
Customer Review: Known for its rich and creamy milk teas and attractive store design.

3. The Alley Bubble tea shop

Price Range: Mid-range to High-end
Signature Drinks: Royal No. 9 Milk Tea with Deerioca, Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk
Customer Review: Highly regarded for its unique and visually appealing drinks.

4. TocoToco Bubble tea shop

Price Range: Budget-friendly
Signature Drinks: Creative and unique flavor combinations, often with interesting toppings.
Customer Review: Praised for its innovative and flavorful offerings.

5. Ding Tea

Price Range: Budget-friendly
Signature Drinks: Oolong Milk Tea, Taro Milk Tea, Fruit Tea Series
Customer Review: Popular for its affordable prices and wide selection of classic and fruit teas.

6. Bobapop

Price Range: Mid-range
Signature Drinks: Unique flavor combinations, often with seasonal specials.
Customer Review: Known for its high-quality ingredients and creative drink concepts.

7. Heekcaa Bubble tea shop

Price Range: Mid-range
Signature Drinks: Focus on high-quality tea leaves and fresh ingredients.
Customer Review: Appreciated for its emphasis on tea quality and flavor.

8. Royaltea

Price Range: Mid-range
Signature Drinks: Rich and creamy milk teas, often topped with cheese foam and popping boba.
Customer Review: Popular for its indulgent and visually appealing drinks.

9. Phuc Long Bubble tea shop

Price Range: Mid-range
Signature Drinks: A well-established Vietnamese brand known for its coffee and tea, also offering a selection of milk teas and fruit teas.
Customer Review: Trusted brand with a wide range of beverage options.

10. Sharetea Bubble tea shop

Price Range: Budget-friendly
Signature Drinks: Wide variety of customizable options at affordable prices.
Customer Review: Popular among budget-conscious customers.

Making Bubble Tea at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

Tea: Black tea bags, green tea bags, or your preferred loose leaf tea
Milk: Whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk of your choice
Sweetener: Sugar, honey, simple syrup, or agave nectar
Tapioca Pearls (Boba): Look for pre-cooked or raw boba
Water
Ice

Equipment:

Saucepan
Strainer
Large bowl
Mixing spoon
Wide-mouth glasses
**Boba straws (wide straws)

Instructions to make bubble tea:

Prepare the Boba:
- Pre-cooked Boba: Rinse the pre-cooked boba with cold water.
- Raw Boba: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the boba and cook according to package directions (usually around 1-2 minutes). Drain the boba in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Sweeten the Boba: In a bowl, combine the cooked boba with your chosen sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.). Mix well to coat the boba evenly.
Brew the Tea:
- Tea Bags: Steep the tea bags in hot water for 5-7 minutes, or according to package instructions.
- Loose Leaf Tea: Use a tea infuser to steep the loose leaf tea in hot water for the recommended time.
Cool the Tea: Allow the brewed tea to cool completely before adding milk.
Assemble the Bubble Tea:
- Fill each glass with ice.
- Pour the cooled tea over the ice.
- Add milk to taste.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add the sweetened boba to each glass.
Serve and Enjoy: Use boba straws to enjoy your homemade bubble tea!

Tips and Variations:

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of tea (green tea, oolong tea, fruit tea), milk (almond milk, soy milk), and sweeteners (honey, agave nectar).
Toppings: Add toppings like jelly, fruit, or whipped cream for extra flavor and texture.
Cheese Foam: For a trendy twist, try making a cheese foam topping with cream cheese, milk, and sugar.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking.
Ice Level: Add more or less ice depending on your preference.