What’s In My Tea?
ARE YOU THIRSTEA?
Before you keep reading, I would like to let you know that this article may affect both your wallet and your waistline. Are you looking for the perfect beverage for your study break? In 2008, the first milk tea store opened in the Philippines. Since then, milk tea shops have popped up all over the nation to provide tasty options for thirsty Filipinos.
WHAT’S IN THE PEARLS?
When you order milk tea (MT), there are two different kinds of pearls to choose from: boba and tapioca. At first glance, they look very different, but both come from the same source: cassava root. Tapioca pearls are listed as a main ingredient in old-fashioned desserts like pudding and are white before they’re cooked. Boba pearls are popular in specialty beverages like sweet milk tea and their texture is similar to gummy bears. Their size is comparable to marbles and are tan in color. When they’re cooked, they turn black.
WHAT PUTS THE BUBBLE IN BUBBLE TEA?
Bubble teas have two main categories: with or without milk. There are a few different dairy or non-dairy options to choose from, including condensed milk, almond milk, or 2% milk. The best seller flavors of bubble tea include mango, honeydew, strawberry, and passion fruit. Usually, these teas do not include milk. By the way, did you know that bubble tea gets its bubbles from being shaken after adding flavor?
WHAT MAKES YOUR MT SO SPECIAL?
There are plenty of standard milk tea options available, but customizing your beverage is one of the best parts about milk tea. For example, some people prefer less ice and add extra pearls, jelly, or cream cheese. Preference is also a must when it comes to the amount of sugar added. I prefer my milk tea to be less sweet with extra pearls (and sometimes Oreos). Keep in mind all of these add-on’s vary by milk tea brand and often increase the prize of your beverage!
Now that you know the history of milk tea, let me help you find the best places in Cebu to purchase and customize your beverage.
TOP 6 PLACES FOR MILK TEA IN CEBU CITY
The top six places for MT in the Philippines are: A Little Tea, Black Dragon, Coco Fresh Tea & Juice, Macao Imperial Tea, Bubble Tea Station, and Gong Cha.1 Want to be an MT pro? Dare you to try them all!
1. A LITTLE TEA
LOCATIONS: SM City, Ayala Central Bloc, EMall, Grab Food, Foodpanda
MUST TRY: Black Sugar Cake MT, Mousse Oreo MT
2. BLACK DRAGON
LOCATIONS: SM Seaside, Grab Food, Foodpanda
MUST TRY: Black Boba
3. COCO FRESH TEA & JUICE
LOCATIONS: SM Seaside, Ayala Center Cebu, Grab Food, Foodpanda
MUST TRY: Panda MT, Salty Cream Wintermelon Tea, Salty Cream Matcha Slush, and Chocolate MT w/pudding & pearls
4. MACAO IMPERIAL TEA
LOCATIONS: SM Seaside, Ayala Central Bloc, Robinson’s Fuente, EMall, JCentre Mall, Grab Food, Foodpanda, & more
MUST TRY: Cheesecake and Pearl MT, Red Bean MT, Pudding MT
5. BUBBLE TEA STATION
LOCATIONS: Robinson’s (Cybergate, Galleria, Fuente), Banilad Town Centre, SM City, Baseline, Grab Food, Foodpanda, & more
MUST TRY: Winter Melon Supreme
6. GONG CHA
LOCATIONS: SM City, Robinson’s Galleria, SM Seaside, Ayala Center Cebu, Grab Food, Foodpanda
MUST TRY: Milk Winter Melon, MT with Pearl Jelly, Winter Melon Milk, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Milk
Now that you know where to find the best MT throughout Cebu City, let me suggest the Oreo Cream Cheese MT with extra pearls and less ice from Macao Imperial Tea. What’s your favorite MT in your location? Let us know! Message @wotsphilippines to share your MT experience.
DELIVERY TIPS
| WEEKENDS | PICK UP | PROMO CODES | COMPARE APPS |
| Weekends are the best time to order MT. Foodpanda often has big discounts (like 50% off or buy one get one) and Grab usually has piso delivery. | If you have time, choose pick up instead of delivery to save on the delivery fee. Sometimes, there are even discounts for pick up orders (like 35% off). | Always check for promo codes before you order. Subscribe to email/text updates from your favorite delivery app for even more discounts. | Compare delivery apps to find the lowest delivery fees and best promos. Check to see if the store has their own delivery service. Sometimes it’s free! |