Sweet, rich and chewy – it’s easy to see why bubble tea shops have taken over Victoria. Originating from Taiwan in the 1980’s bubble tea is classically made with tea, milk, sugar and tapioca balls. Today, you’ll find it in every possible variety, including swapping out tapioca balls for popping boba, chewy jelly, sago or puddings.
Here are the best places to get your bubble tea fix in Victoria.
1. Bubble Tea Place
First on the list is the Bubble Tea Place located in the heart of Chinatown. This shop has been around for 15+ years and the atmosphere is anything but conventional. The interior walls are heritage brick with wooden furnished accents on brand with the location. Various souvenirs and trinkets are available for purchase, and there is even an option to book a Thai Massage in the back.
You’ll find green tea, milk tea, lemongrass tea and matcha or chai blends on the menu. With lots of flavor options and helpful staff the Bubble Tea Place is the perfect spot to try your first bubble tea.
Location: 532 Fisgard Street
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2. Sh91 Drink (partea)
SH91 serves up a more traditional style bubble tea as well as a selection of other tasty drinks. Locally owned and operated the ingredients and super fresh with no artificial flavors and real fruit.
The menu offers fruit slush teas, brown sugar teas, yogurt smoothies and even cheese foam topping. As an added bonus all the large teas come in a reusable drink cup.
Location: 1026 Blanshard Street
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3. Ding Tea
Starting in Taiwan in 2004, Ding Tea is now made up of more than 1,300 stores across Asia, the US, Europe, and Australasia. Ding Tea started out of a frustration with the current beverage market where most franchise products were inconsistent. Ding Tea was then created and it has been a success ever since.
Best sellers on the menu include their Signature Milk Tea, Taro Milk Tea, Hokkaido Black Milk Tea and the Strawberry Yogurt Tea.
Location: 3749 Shelbourne Street
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4. Loyaltea
This trendy cafe, styled Japanese minimalist, is local and family owned. It serves handcrafted drinks and in house brews of fresh fruit tea, cheese tea, smoothies and tea lattes. Suffice to say you’ve got options, with a few particularly popular.
Location: 1609 Douglas Street
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5. Chi Cha Teahouse
This boutique and locally owned teahouse is another that puts its focus on quality ingredients. They offer all the classics and some additional menu items with unique flavors and fresh cut fruit. As with many places on this list, there’s a broad selection from fruity to milky. Add a twist with their featured toppings of bubbles, agar, oreo or granola.
Location: 1805 Fort Street
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6. Shake It Bubble Tea & Fresh Juice
Shake It Bubble Tea opened their second location at Uptown Mall after the huge success of their original Langford location. They start with a high quality tea base topping it with natural sugar for a rich and refreshing drink. They serve up milk tea, fruit tea, yogurt drink, and slush/smoothies.
Locations: 101-3500 Uptown Boulevard / 2945 Jacklin Road
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7. Le tea
Located in Hillside Shopping Centre, Le tea is known for their large portions. They have all the usual tea options as well as soft serve ice cream available on the menu. The cheese white peach oolong tea is certain to quench your thirst.
Location: 1644 Hillside Avenue
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8. Yi Fang Fruit Tea
Yi Fang prides themselves on traditional Taiwanese recipes with handcrafted beverages and teas imported from Taiwan. Known for their fruit based boba drinks this shop is a must try.
Location: 1306 Douglas Street
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