Chai Wan Milk Tea Bar

A SECLUDED HAVEN IN CEBU CITY

It was a rainy Thursday afternoon when my feet brought me to a cozy café on Ramos Street in Cebu City. Tucked between a laundry shop and a family-owned karenderia, Chai Wan Milk Tea Bar is a secluded haven for students, bookworms, and young professionals. Rather than ordering from the take-out window along the sidewalk, I escaped the drizzling rain and went inside.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

When I entered, friendly employees and the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed tea welcomed me. The variety of menu choices is overwhelming, but thankfully, best sellers are noted. I availed of one of their promos, which rotates monthly, and ordered Thai Milk Tea paired with Japanese Taiyaki for P199.

I was surprised that it would take 10 to 15 minutes, but the staff explained that all of their teas are authentic and brewed fresh. Unlike other milk tea shops, they don’t use commercialized or powdered tea. Surprisingly, their beverages are still affordable, ranging from P95 to P150. They also sell frappuccinos, hot and iced coffee drinks, pasta, pao sandwiches, muffins, cookies, and cakes.

PERFECT FOR STUDENTS

I noticed a lot of students, so while waiting for my order, I asked a few questions about their experience. Aldric and Kat are both 2nd Year Occupational Therapy students at Velez and it was their third time visiting. They “came for the ambiance and because it’s close to Velez.” Kat recommends the honey lemonade with chia seeds!

Aya and Julie are 2nd year Nursing students at Cebu Doctors University and Velez, respectively. They usually meet with friends in the study lounge upstairs because “there’s more space and outlets…and it’s cold!” For P50 per day, you can access a seat in the lounge and unlimited Wi-Fi. For P4,000
per month, you get lounge and Wi-Fi access, plus a free hot or iced tea with each visit. It would be a great spot for group meetings!

I heard the chatter of students talking about classes, projects, and plans for the weekend. It looked like everyone was there to study, but it seemed like there were more “study breaks” than actual work being done, if you know what I mean.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

After I received my order and free Wi-Fi vouchers, I settled in with my laptop. There are many outlets, so I knew I was welcome to linger. Calm music added to the tranquil atmosphere, which helped me focus.
The Thai Milk Tea tasted authentic, and since I could customize the sugar level, it wasn’t too sweet. It paired perfectly with the warm Taiyaki, which are small fluffy cakes shaped like the Japanese tai fish. They were lightly dusted with powdered sugar and came in a take-out box, which was convenient because I wasn’t able to finish.

At the end of my rainy-day escapade, I discovered that Chai Wan Milk Tea Bar is an ideal place for community and conversation. You could stay here for hours, with friends or alone, and not notice the time pass by. I’m looking forward to visiting their second branch across USC Talamban!

VISIT

OPEN MON-SUN 9AM-10PM

1st Location (Across Velez)
128 J. Borromeo Bldg., F. Ramos St., Sta. Cruz, Cebu City

2nd Location (Across USC-Talamban Campus)
2/F TTM Bldg., Gov. M. Cuenco Ave., Nasipit, Talamban
(closed on Sundays)