With the official announcement of the closure of 165 Chatime outlets in Malaysia recently, most people must be wondering “Where else can I get good bubble tea now?”
Fret not, here are a few best alternative bubble tea shops you can try in KL that will not disappoint.
1. Gong Cha
Image source: The Japan Times
Gong Cha is just as popular as Chatime. In fact, many often argue between the two on which tastes the best. Some even claiming that Gong Cha’s most popular signature pearl milk tea tastes just as good as the ones sold in Taiwan.
But of course, nothing will ever come close to their Signature Wintermelon Milk Tea. If you haven’t tried it, then you are definitely missing out!
Gong Cha is found in several locations so be sure to look out for their store near you!
Image source: Munchpunch
2. Leaf & Bean
Image source: VKeong
This cozy comfortable café located in Cheras does not only serve great bubble tea, but they offer some pretty good coffee and food too. Many have praised that their bubble tea has got some ‘kick’. Plus, they have super cool concepts such as their ‘mat hatter’ drink (finger food perched on the cup) and their split cup that can hold two different drinks!
Location: 100, Jalan Cerdas, Taman Connaught, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Image source: Facebook
3. Each A Cup
Though not as popular as the all-famous Chatime, Each A Cup serves some pretty good variety of bubble tea aside from the classic milk tea with pearls. Give them a chance as their flavored bubble teas are fairly good too, for example their chocolate milk tea with pearls or honeydew milk tea with pearls are to die for!
4. Yi Cha
This bubble tea shop found at Times Square mall is most popular for their Signature Mango Slush as it’s sweetness is right on point and it’s so rich with mango flavor. Don’t forget to try their other signature drinks like the Matcha Milk Tea with Red Beans and Matcha Pearls! Matcha Pearls guys! They also serve other desserts too like the Grass Jelly with Mixed Fruits and Popping Boba.
5. The Bubble Tea Shop
Rather than an outlet, The Bubble Tea Shop is actually a food truck that you can find at various pasar malam like the ones at Taman OUG, Sri Petaling, Kuchai Lama, Taman Yulek, Taman Muda, and Taman Sungai Besi. Aside from bubble teas, you can also opt for the fusion iced teas, loose leaf cold tea blends, and a variety of cold desserts too.
6. Latte Mei
Latte Mei is a relatively small but comfortable cafe located in Mont Kiara serving some of the best varieties of bubble tea, fruit tea, coffee, healthy tea, smoothie and even yakult. If you’re not too much of an adventurous foodie, go ahead and try their Classic Milk Tea with Pearls or their Hazelnut Milk Tea with Pearls. Some have claimed them to be slightly better than Chatime! If you want to explore further, try their Taro and Yam Milk Tea or their Basil Seeds Kumquat. You certainly will not be disappointed.
7. Black Ball
With the opening of its first outlet in Taipei in 2006, Black Ball has come a long way to make it to Malaysia. Not only do they have signature bubble teas, but they also serve various types of desserts like their Iceberg Series or their Hot Dessert Series.
If you’re a picky eater, fret not. At Black Ball, you get to mix and match your own dessert too. Don’t forget to also try their bubble teas, for instance the Black Ball Classic Tea or the Boba Milk Green Tea, guaranteed to satisfy your bubble tea cravings.
We know the coming closure of Chatime is greatly disappointing (we are all huge fans too), but there are still plenty other bubble tea outlets open for us to try that may taste equally good too!
