Bubble tea has taken the world by storm with its unique blend of tea, fruit flavors, and chewy tapioca pearls.
Philadelphia is no exception to the bubble tea craze, with many shops popping up all over the city. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for your bubble tea fix.
But fear not! As a local, I have tried and tested many of the bubble tea shops in Philadelphia and am here to share my top picks with you.
Whether you're a seasoned bubble tea enthusiast or a newbie looking to try it for the first time, this list has got you covered.
From classic milk teas to fruity blends and even creative twists on the traditional drink, Philadelphia has something for everyone.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best places for bubble tea in the city.
1. Tea Do
Tea Do is a bustling teahouse that offers a wide variety of Asian specialty beverages and snacks.
The menu has something for everyone, with a ton of flavors and styles to choose from. The drinks are of high quality and are well-priced.
The tapioca bubbles are always fresh with a perfect texture. Although seating can be a challenge, the staff is quick and friendly, ensuring that your order is in your hand in no time.
If you're in the mood for some bubble tea, Tea Do is a must-visit spot.
2. Matcha Cafe Maiko
Matcha Cafe Maiko is a small cafe that offers a great selection of bubble tea drinks and matcha treats. Their menu is extensive and has many unique options.
The matcha green tea is amazing and the Maiko Special is a must-try. They also have a variety of interesting matcha ice cream offerings, including Ube and Thai tea flavors.
The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are affordable for the quality of the drinks and treats. It's a nice place to hang out and sip on matcha flavored drinks, and the subtle matcha flavor is not too overpowering.
If you're in the mood for something sweet, their soft serve ice cream is a great option. Matcha Cafe Maiko is definitely worth a visit if you're a bubble tea fan or just looking for a unique treat.
3. Kung Fu Tea
Kung Fu Tea is a bubble tea specialist that offers a variety of hot and cold specialty drinks. The menu includes coffee, slushes, and fruit teas.
Customers can customize their drinks with different sugar and ice levels. The atmosphere is lively and crowded, making it a great spot to hang out with friends.
The staff is friendly and quick to serve. Prices are reasonable for the quality and size of the drinks.
The seating area can be difficult to find an open table, but the drinks are worth the wait. Kung Fu Tea is a must-visit for bubble tea lovers.
4. I Tea
I Tea is a cozy little spot that serves up some seriously delicious bubble tea. Their taro bubble tea is a standout favorite, with just the right balance of sweetness and creaminess.
The food here is also quite good, with reasonable prices and filling portions.
While the spicy menu items may not be as spicy as some would like, the overall experience is still quite enjoyable.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making I Tea a great spot for a quick lunch or study session.
5. Woosa Bubble Tea
Woosa Bubble Tea is a new bubble tea store that offers a great selection of drinks and customization options.
They have a variety of milk alternatives like almond, oat, and lactose-free milk. The atmosphere is clean and welcoming, with books and board games available for customers to use.
The staff is friendly and helpful, and the boba is handmade and delicious.
They also have happy hour specials and events for college students. Woosa Bubble Tea is a must-try for bubble tea lovers in the area.
6. Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea
Looking for a new bubble tea spot that uses fresh ingredients and has interesting flavors to choose from?
Look no further than Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea! This tea house has a great variety of drinks and a cool menu to choose from.
The staff is friendly and the environment is clean and welcoming.
Although some may find the drinks a bit pricy, the taste is definitely worth it.
If you're near the area, make sure to try the Mango Pomelo Sago, Brown Sugar Pearl Black Tea Latte, and Pearl Black Tea Latte.
7. Lulu Cafe
Lulu Cafe is a cozy bubble tea store that offers a variety of beverages, including coffee and bubble tea.
They have a great selection of authentic Taiwanese ingredients and unusual flavors that are worth trying. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere of the shop is nice and cozy.
However, the seating is limited, so it's not a great place to hang out for a long time. Prices are premium, but the quality of the drinks and snacks makes it worth it.
All in all, Lulu Cafe is a must-visit if you're looking for a great bubble tea experience.
8. Gong cha
Gong cha is a bubble tea store that offers a great variety of quality drinks.
Their staff is friendly and quick, making it a pleasant experience for customers.
They also have a BOGO deal, which is a great value for their delicious drinks.
Gong cha is definitely worth a try if you are in the area.
9. Mr. Wish Manayunk
Looking for a new spot for bubble tea in town, Mr. Wish Manayunk is worth checking out.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, making for a pleasant experience.
Two drinks to try are the Colorful Fruit Tea and Mango Smoothie, both of which are delicious.
If you're in the mood for bubble tea, give Mr. Wish Manayunk a try.
10. Mr. Wish Drexel
Mr. Wish Drexel is a great place for bubble tea lovers. They offer a variety of tasty bubble tea drinks with extra chewy toppings.
The space is clean and the staff is friendly and efficient. They also have board games and card games, making it a fun spot to hang out with friends.
Prices are a bit higher but worth it for the quality and quantity of ingredients. Unfortunately, they don't offer online ordering.
Give Mr. Wish Drexel a try and enjoy their delicious bubble tea drinks and mini waffles.
11. Sharetea South Philly
Sharetea South Philly is a must-visit bubble tea store for anyone in the area. With fast and friendly service, you won't be waiting long for your delicious drink.
The wide variety of flavors will leave you spoilt for choice, and the mojitos are a particular favorite.
The interior is welcoming and beautiful, making it a great place to spend time and catch up with friends.
Don't hesitate to give Sharetea South Philly a try – you won't regret it!
12. Vivi Bubble Tea
Vivi Bubble Tea is a must-visit for bubble tea lovers. This place has a huge menu with many different teas and flavors to choose from.
They also have cool slushes for those who want a different kind of drink.
The staff is friendly, and the service is fast. The decor is cute and adds to the overall vibe of the place.
They have a simple snack menu as well. If you're in the mood for bubble tea, Vivi Bubble Tea is definitely worth checking out!
13. HI Tea
Looking for a new spot to enjoy some bubble tea in town without the crowds and long lines?
Check out HI Tea! This spacious tea spot offers a cozy and cute atmosphere to enjoy their flavorful drinks, such as their red guava orange tea and mango fresh milk tea.
They also add special twists to some of their drinks, like adding lychee jelly to taro milk tea and grass jelly in addition to boba to milk tea.
The fruit drinks are organic and not too sweet. The only downside is that they could add a bit more ice in their drinks.
But if you're in the area, HI Tea is definitely worth a visit.
14. Tea-Do
Tea-Do is a popular spot for bubble tea in the University City district. The place offers an array of tea selections that are always fresh, delicious, and fast.
Customers can customize their drinks, and there are non-dairy options available. The staff is friendly and accommodating.
The environment is calming, great for studying, and hanging out with friends. They also offer sweet treats that are not available in other stores.
The food is great, with some dishes having Japanese origins. The Italian water ice is a must-try. Tea-Do is a recommended spot for anyone looking to relax and enjoy some delicious tea.
15. TBaar Philadelphia
TBaar Philadelphia is the place to go for delicious and healthy bubble tea. With a wide variety of smoothies, juices, and milk teas, there's something for everyone.
The staff is friendly and provides prompt service, making the experience even better.
The Watermelon Milkshake and Dragonfruit Tea are highly recommended, and the macaroons are a unique and tasty treat.
Don't miss out on this amazing bubble tea spot!
16. Mr. Wish Ben City Whitaker Avenue
Mr. Wish Ben City Whitaker Avenue is a must-visit for bubble tea lovers.
The store offers a great variety of drinks made from all-natural fruit, including the delicious Black Pearl tea.
The staff is friendly and provides quick service, making the experience enjoyable. The prices are fair, and the store has a nice space to sit and enjoy your drink.
If you're in the area, be sure to check out Mr. Wish for a refreshing and delicious drink.
17. Boba King
Boba King is a must-visit for all bubble tea lovers. With a variety of drinks and dessert options, there's something for everyone.
The staff is friendly and the store is clean, making it a great place to relax and chat with friends.
The boba is made in-house and the ingredients are high quality, making for a delicious and flavorful experience.
Don't miss out on this gem of a bubble tea store!
18. Tiger Sugar
Tiger Sugar is a must-visit bubble tea store for those who appreciate a delicious, sweet boba milk tea. Their drinks and boba are of high quality and are not overwhelming.
The sago boba is perfect in texture, and the black sugar syrup in the milk tea gives it a unique coffee-like taste.
The prices are on the higher side, but the taste is worth it. The store is small and more suited for grab-and-go orders.
Tiger Sugar's signature brown sugar bubble milk tea is a must-try for any boba tea lover.
