Looking for the best bubble tea in NYC? Here’s a comprehensive guide to satisfy your cravings and discover new flavors in the city that never sleeps.
Introduction
Bubble tea, or boba tea, has been a popular drink for decades, but it’s only in recent years that it has exploded in popularity around the world. With its sweet and milky taste and the chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom, it’s no wonder that bubble tea has become a staple in many people’s diets. In NYC, there are plenty of places to get bubble tea, but where can you find the best ones? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of bubble tea and explore the best places to get it in NYC.
Best Bubble Tea in NYC – Top Picks:
Kung Fu Tea

With over 20 locations in the city, Kung Fu Tea is a popular choice for bubble tea enthusiasts. Their menu features classic flavors like milk tea and taro milk tea, as well as creative options like strawberry yogurt and matcha red bean. Kung Fu Tea also allows customers to customize their drinks by choosing the level of sweetness and adding toppings like boba and grass jelly.
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice is a Taiwanese chain that has been making waves in the US since 2011. Their signature drinks include the 3 Buddies, which features grass jelly, aloe vera, and boba, and the Panda Milk Tea, which is made with fresh milk and bamboo charcoal. CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice also offers fresh fruit teas and smoothies for those who prefer a healthier option.
Gong Cha

Originating from Taiwan, Gong Cha has over 20 locations in NYC and is known for its quality ingredients and customizable drinks. Their menu includes classic milk teas, fruity teas, and specialty drinks like the Brown Sugar Fresh Milk with pearls. Gong Cha also allows customers to choose the sweetness level and toppings, making it a popular choice for those who like to experiment with their drinks.
Tiger Sugar

Tiger Sugar is a relatively new player in the bubble tea scene but has quickly gained a following with its Instagram-worthy drinks. Their signature drink, the Brown Sugar Boba Milk, features thick brown sugar syrup that’s drizzled on top of the drink to create a marbled effect. The boba pearls are also cooked in brown sugar, giving them a unique flavor and texture.
Happy Lemon

Happy Lemon is another Taiwanese chain that has made its way to NYC. Their menu features a range of milk teas, fruit teas, and smoothies, with options like the Rock Salt Cheese Cream Tea and the Lemon Yakult. Happy Lemon also offers seasonal drinks, like the Matcha Red Bean Milk Tea, which is only available during the fall.
Best Bubble Tea Places in NYC
- Kung Fu Tea – Kung Fu Tea has multiple locations in New York City and is known for its wide variety of flavors and customizable options.
- Gong Cha – Gong Cha is a Taiwanese-based bubble tea chain that has multiple locations in New York City. They offer a variety of tea bases and toppings.
- CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice – CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice originated in Taiwan and has multiple locations throughout New York City. They offer a variety of milk teas, fruit teas, and other specialty drinks.
- Vivi Bubble Tea – Vivi Bubble Tea has several locations in New York City and is known for their Instagram-worthy drinks and unique flavors.
- Tiger Sugar – Tiger Sugar is a Taiwanese-based bubble tea chain that has become popular for its signature brown sugar boba milk tea.
- The Alley – The Alley has several locations throughout New York City and is known for its high-quality ingredients and unique flavors.
- Happy Lemon – Happy Lemon is a Taiwanese-based bubble tea chain that has multiple locations in New York City. They offer a variety of tea bases and toppings.
Conclusion
Finding the best bubble tea in NYC is all about exploring the different options and finding the flavors that suit your taste buds. Whether you’re a classic milk tea lover or a fan of more unique flavors like brown sugar or matcha , there’s no shortage of options in the city. From established chains like Kung Fu Tea and Gong Cha to newer players like Tiger Sugar and Happy Lemon, NYC has something for every bubble tea enthusiast. So why not sip your way through the city and discover your new favorite spot for bubble tea? Trust us, it’s worth it.
FAQs:
What makes bubble tea so popular?
Bubble tea is a delicious and refreshing drink that can be customized to suit any taste preference. Its unique texture and chewy boba pearls also make it a fun drink to consume.
Are there any health benefits to drinking bubble tea?
While bubble tea is not necessarily a health drink, it does contain antioxidants and polyphenols, which are beneficial to the body in small amounts.
Can I customize my bubble tea at these shops?
Yes, most bubble tea shops allow customers to choose the level of sweetness and add toppings like boba, jelly, and fruit.
Q: What makes bubble tea so popular? A: Bubble tea is a delicious and refreshing drink that can be customized to suit any taste preference. Its unique texture and chewy boba pearls also make it a fun drink to consume.
Q: Are there any health benefits to drinking bubble tea? A: While bubble tea is not necessarily a health drink, it does contain antioxidants and polyphenols, which are beneficial to the body in small amounts.
Q: Can I customize my bubble tea at these shops? A: Yes, most bubble tea shops allow customers to choose the level of sweetness and add toppings like boba, jelly, and fruit.