As a self-professed bubble tea addict, it’s something of a routine to stop by a shop for a quick fix whenever I go out. And if you can relate, then you likely already know that there are always at least one, if not multiple bubble tea shops on every street in Beijing, each with their own unique flavors. But when it comes to picking the best one, well that’s a whole other story. So, in the name of journalism, I tried some of the most popular drinks from commonly seen bubble tea stores, and specifically, those in Wangjing. Below are my findings!
都可 Coco
Price: RMB 9-RMB 22
Accessibility: Ten locations in Wangjing
The bold, orange type of Coco can be spotted in almost every corner of a mall. The secret behind Coco’s popularity is its convenient locations and affordability. A cup of bubble tea costs as little as RMB 10. However, the most popular drink is undoubtedly the passion fruit tea (百香果双响炮 bǎi xiāng guǒ shuāng xiǎng pào), with sweet tapioca pearls and coconut jelly. The refreshing drink is priced at RMB 16 during the warmer seasons but raised to RMB 17 in the winter. This go-to drink for many is a must-try if you haven’t already!
一点点 Yi Dian Dian
Price: RMB 9-RMB 24
Accessibility: Five in Wangjing
Yi Dian Dian is known for using fresh milk in their milk teas. What sets them apart from other bubble tea shops on the cheaper side is that they sell a large variety of tea types including oolong, green tea, four seasons, caramel, and black tea, all at a low price. I enjoy going to Yi Dian Dian because they are generous with toppings, and most beverages come with free toppings to boot, which include different-sized pearls, coconut jelly, coffee jelly, tea jelly, pudding, beans, and more.
喜茶 Hey Tea
Price: RMB 19-RMB 33
Accessibility: Two in Wangjing
Generally speaking, I avoid Hey Tea and their ridiculously long lines. Even when I’ve tried to order online, the wait can be more than an hour. What’s more, the prices are outrageous. Nevertheless, given the brand’s enormous popularity I knew I had to try it, if for no other reason than to make sense of the hype. Hey Tea went viral after they started the cheese cap trend, so I decided to try the mango cheese cap drink. And as much as I hate to admit, it was amazing! It’s a little heavy, but the mango fruit chunks were fresh and sweet. So yeah, I get it. It’s well worth the wait and the money.
凑凑 Cou Cou
Price: RMB 20-RMB 26
Accessibility: Two in Wangjing
Cou Cou is actually a hot pot restaurant, similar to Xiabu Xiabu. However, in front of most of their locations is a drink stand selling all types of tea. Although their beverages usually run in excess of RMB 20, the tea quality is definitely worth it. They offer various tea types such as Da Hong Pao and Tie Guan Ying, and customizable add ons. If the classic bubble tea flavor is your thing, Cou Cou is the place for you!
Keep Reading! Bite-Size Beijing: Eating Your Way Through the City’s Street Foods
Images: Meredith Tung, Helen Chung, pexels
