Guide to the Best Bubble Tea in Singapore
A tea-based drink originally birthed in Taiwan, bubble tea is a phenomenon which exploded in popularity in the 1990s and has since made its merry way around Asia and, subsequently, the rest of the globe. Unsurprisingly, it’s a hugely popular drink in foodie-populated Singapore until today.
For those looking for the things to do in Singapore this weekend, a trip to a local bubble tea shop is a must-have on their checklist.
Commonly referred to as ‘pearl milk tea’ in Taiwan, bubble tea is a tea made with milk and shaken with additional flavours, often served chilled. The ‘bubbles’ in its name refer to chewy tapioca balls which are added into the tea. You’ll find stalls and even restaurants all over Singapore selling bubble tea, with the majority of them being simple walk-up counters where you can order your drink to-go. Be warned, though, of long queues at peak hours!
Given the hot tropical weather prevalent here, bubble tea is a refreshing choice of drink when you’re out exploring Singapore’s many attractions and outdoor activities. Here's a tip: you might want to start by studying the menu board - there are a dizzying number of choices and variations to consider. You'd be hard-pressed to find yourself holding the exact same drink as the next person in the queue!
Personalise your cuppa bubble tea
You get plenty of flexibility with your bubble tea. Make your choices from a long list of categories: from the type of tea you want (black, white, green, oolong) and added flavourings (normally a range of fruit-based flavours, but you also get other flavours like chocolate, matcha and caramel) to the level of sweetness you like and even the type of ‘pearls’ you’d like added.
Pearls normally refer to small, round tapioca balls that are mostly gelatinous but with a firmer bite in the middle. You can also choose from other varieties which contain softer or crispier textures, though. Pearls come in a wide range of flavours that can be chosen to complement the tea flavour you selected earlier on. Customise your bubble tea to your heart's delight!
Inspired by the perennial local favourite of ice-blended coffee, some bubble tea shops offer ice blended tea, giving the drink the consistency of a slushy beverage. Some bubble tea outlets in Singapore have also responded to the more health craze in recent years and have since created healthier bubble tea options by using lower-fat milk. You can also ask for less sugar to be added.
Tip: the pearls in the drink make up for a large proportion of the calorie count in bubble tea, so reducing the number of pearls will help make the your little treat healthier.
Getting Your Bubble Tea in Singapore
In the Marina Bay area and looking to get your boba fix? Here are two bubble tea brands worth checking out in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands:
HEYTEA
Originating from China, HEYTEA is known for its signature cheese teas. The fresh Chinese traditional tea base is topped with savoury cheese foam for a delicious combination of sweet and salty flavours. HEYTEA also offers fruit teas - refreshing drinks with real pieces of fruit immersed in tea. Their popular drinks include Very Grape Cheezo - freshly peeled grapes blended with premium green tea; Grapefruit Boom - a burst of citrus in Jasmine tea; and Roasted Brown Bobo Milk Tea - HEYTEA's take on the popular brown sugar milk tea with their signature cheese foam.
R&B Tea
With countless variations of milk tea, from fruit teas and macchiatos to fresh milk tea and low-fat options, it is almost impossible to decide on which drink to order at R&B Tea. Bubble tea lovers will surely enjoy their Brown Sugar Boba Milk, a staple of any bubble tea franchise yet perfected at R&B Tea. Those looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on taste will prefer the Mighty Luffy, a Hawaiian red tea with copious amounts of watermelon, orange, lemon and lime; or No. 23 Oolong Macchiato, a freshly brewed Oolong tea base topped with delicious sweet foam.
Updated as of 15 Sep 2023
If bubble tea isn’t your thing at all, there are still numerous options to enjoy something cool in Singapore. Beat the heat with our guide to getting the best coffee in Singapore, or indulge in some quick bites before exploring top instagrammable spots around Marina Bay.
In for a fuller meal? Check out the best restaurants in Singapore – with diverse cuisines to sate the taste of all travelers (Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and more). For dining options where the view is as enjoyable as the food, check out our selection of nightclubs and rooftop bars.
