Pisco loves bubble tea. It’s an acquired taste, perhaps, as the flavor and texture are completely alien to a non-local palate, but once you begin to like it, life suddenly becomes worth living again. I’ve tried three local (Sheung Wan) tea shops and here are my recommendations.
Saint’s Alp Teahouse near Western Market serves a great bubble tea in their brightly coloured cafes (several HK locations). They claim to have introduced Taiwan-style bubble tea to Hong Kong when their Mong Kok location opened in 1994. Their customization options are somewhat limited (or at least, it is not obvious to me how to customize your order), but they put the tea in a shaker machine so it arrives with a nice 2cm frothy head on it. A great way to cool down on a hot day – I recommend enjoying your order in their heavily air-conditioned location.
Gong Cha is an actual Taiwanese chain that seems to be acquiring a devoted following in Hong Kong – note the long lines at most locations. Their tiny stalls serve takeout-only drinks, and they have numerous customization options (tea flavor, tapioca/other additions, ice, sugar). I’ve had teas from their Sheung Wan and Aberdeen locations, and they are indeed quite good. However, the last bubble tea I ordered was not quite cold enough, and the tea had enough caffeine in it to set my heart aflutter for the remains of the day. They may shake their tea but I didn’t notice any significant froth in the plastic cup. Nonetheless, they are a solid shop that deserves a visit (or three). 12 HKD
Tea Bread just opened a location in Sheung Wan, on the corner of Jervois and Morrison. They also have customization options for tea flavor, additions, ice, and sugar. I found their tea to be mild (ie, not overly caffeinated), their tapioca firm, and the ice cold. Tea Bread bubble tea is my favorite afternoon treat, and at 10 HKD it’s quite economical; I only hope they can stay in business! The drinks are made behind a black curtain, but I once spotted the back room acolytes furiously shaking the tea, and the resulting frothy mix was all the more delicious. Tea Bread also slips a paper cover around the plastic cup, so your tender hands are protected from the icy contents, and they stay dry even though the condensation will rain down onto your feet. It’s a small detail but a very nice touch. Highly recommended.
Yes, it’s now summer in Hong Kong, but with a hefty boba nai cha in hand, you will handle it with ease.
Hong Kong à la Mode 