If you're anything like me, bubble milk tea isn't just a drink – it's a full-blown obsession. And in Taiwan? It's practically a national treasure. But here's the thing: most people stick to the big chains like Tiger Sugar or Chun Shui Tang and call it a day.
Don't get me wrong – they're great – but if you dig a little deeper, there's a whole world of hidden, experimental, and downright unforgettable milk tea spots waiting to be discovered.
I stumbled on a few of these gems while hunting for unusual things to do in Taiwan beyond the obvious Taipei 101. Some I found by accident, like when I took a wrong turn in Chiayi and ended up at a tiny family-run tea house that completely changed my idea of what milk tea could taste like. Others came from asking locals where they go when they really want the good stuff.
And if you're a food lover like me, don't stop at milk tea – Taiwan's full of flavour-packed experiences. Check out my Taipei Food Guide for more local eats or explore more things to do in Taipei that'll have you obsessing over this island long after your trip ends.
Now let's spill the tea.
10 Bubble Teas You Can't Miss In Taiwan
1. The Oolong Project（台灣烏龍計劃）– Taipei
Oolong tea project!
If you're into tea the way some people are into wine, this spot will be your new obsession.
I found The Oolong Project while wandering around Daan Park one afternoon – I wasn't even looking for bubble tea, but the sleek, minimalist storefront caught my eye. It feels more like a tea bar than your typical milk tea shop. No loud branding, just good tea.
I tried the Lugu Dong Ding Oolong Milk Tea with Soft Boba, and wow — the tea flavour was intense, almost roasted, but super smooth. They use fresh milk and single-origin leaves from Nantou (a top oolong-producing area).
The best part? You can actually taste the tea. Sweetness is mild, and the boba is soft, almost jelly-like.
Getting there: Go to the Daan Park MRT Station (Red Line), Exit 5. It's about a 6-minute walk from there.
2. Good Day Tea（好日子茶飲）– Taichung
This one's tucked in a quiet alley near Yizhong Street Night Market — the kind of place you stumble upon while dodging scooters and looking for street snacks. I wasn't expecting much, but their Roasted Tieguanyin Brown Sugar Milk Tea completely changed my night.
The tea was rich and earthy with this lovely nutty aftertaste, and their house-cooked brown sugar pearls had a warm, almost caramelised flavour. Super soft, not chewy in a tiring way. It didn't taste like dessert — just a really well-balanced, grown-up version of bubble tea.
Getting there: From Taichung Station, take a bus to Yizhong Street. The shop's just a 3-minute walk from the main night market entrance, tucked down a residential alley.
3. Milkshop Lab（迷客夏研究所）– Tainan
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This one's a fun twist on the well-known Milkshop chain. The “Lab” version is where they test new drinks before they hit regular stores. I ended up here during their seasonal taro campaign (I'm a sucker for anything taro).
Their Taro Oolong Latte with Cheese Foam sounded wild, but it worked. It had real mashed taro (like, chunky), oolong cold brew, and this surprisingly good cheese foam on top — salty, sweet, creamy. I actually went back the next day to try it again, just to make sure I wasn't imagining how good it was.
Getting there: It's near Tainan Art Museum Building 1 - easy to find via Google Maps. Closest stop: Tainan Station, then about a 15-minute walk or short bus ride.
4. Kili Kili（奇力吉力）– Taipei
I found Kili Kili while exploring Ximending, away from the loud crowds and neon signs. The shop is small, run by Indigenous Taiwanese who use mountain ingredients like millet pearls and wild herbs. It felt special — like the kind of drink that tells a story.
I tried their Millet Pearl Mountain Tea Latte, and it was unexpectedly wholesome. The pearls had this nutty taste, and the tea was slightly smoky. Not sugary at all. It reminded me of the kind of thing you'd drink around a fire in the mountains.
Very different, very memorable.
Getting there: Walk from Ximen MRT Station, Exit 6. It's about a 7-minute walk, tucked behind a quiet street near The Red House.
5. Ding Fang Tea House（鼎芳茶屋）– Chiayi
This was a total accidental find while I was temple-hopping in Chiayi. It's a no-frills, family-run place – no English menu, just hand-written signs and a small fridge full of handmade jellies.
I tried their Fresh Milk Oolong with Wintermelon Jelly, and it was the most refreshing drink I had all week. Light, floral oolong with a hint of toasted flavour, and the wintermelon jelly was bouncy and subtly sweet.
Cost? NTD 40. That's about USD 1.20 — a steal.
Getting there: A short walk from Chiayi's Wenhua Road Night Market. Look for it near Cheng Huang Temple - it's on a small side street.
6. Tea Lab（茶實驗室）– Hualien
I came across Tea Lab while biking around Hualien City — it had a clean, almost Scandinavian vibe, and the menu caught my eye because they use house-fermented tea and no artificial sweeteners.
Their House Fermented Oolong with Taro & Sweet Potato Balls was like drinking dessert — but not too sweet. The tangy oolong paired so well with the starchy, chewy balls. I sat outside in the humid evening, sipping it while watching locals play mahjong nearby.
One of those “I love Taiwan” moments.
Getting there: From Hualien Station, bike or take a taxi to Zhongshan Road area — it's close to the Dongdamen Night Market.
7. Yifang Experimental Store（一芳實驗店）– Kaohsiung
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This isn't your usual Yifang. I had to double-check I was in the right place because it's kind of hidden behind a local market in the Zuoying District. The vibe was more café than chain store — all wood, florals, and soft music.
I ordered their Wild Jasmine Oolong Latte with Rose Boba, and honestly, it was beautiful. The boba were pinkish, lightly rose-scented, and not artificial-tasting. The jasmine oolong had a delicate, almost grassy flavour. Felt like I was drinking a flower field.
Getting there: Take the MRT to Ecological District Station. From there, it's a 5-minute walk through a traditional market area — look for a small wooden sign.
8. TPlus（茶加）– Taichung
This one's for the purists. TPlus is a minimalist tea bar near the Taichung art district. No sugary syrups, no crazy toppings — just high-quality aged tea and fresh milk. I had the 18-Year Aged Oolong Fresh Milk Tea, no pearls.
It had this chocolatey, almost woody aftertaste that lingered. It felt… mature? Like the drink version of a jazz playlist. Super chill spot with big windows and good lighting if you're working remotely.
Getting there: Located near CMP Block Museum of Arts. Best to take a bus or taxi from Taichung Station.
9. Ding Tea Reserve（頂茶精選店）– Tainan
This is like Ding Tea's cooler cousin. The Reserve stores focus on fewer drinks with better ingredients, and it shows. I went to the West Central branch, which had a chill lounge vibe — all dark wood, soft lighting.
I tried their Ruby Black Tea Latte with Brown Sugar Konjac Balls — super rich and malty, and the konjac had this satisfying bite without the heaviness of regular boba. Honestly, it felt more like a “tea experience” than a snack.
Getting there: From Tainan Station, head toward Chihkan Tower. It's about a 15-minute walk, just off a quiet street near Minsheng Road.
10. Chun Yang Tea（春陽茶事）– Hidden Alley Branch, New Taipei
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Okay, this one was a total secret find. A local friend in Banqiao brought me here — it's not even listed on Google Maps (last I checked). The shop is hidden behind a market and has no flashy signs.
I had their Lychee Oolong Milk Tea with Crystal Pearls, and it was insanely refreshing. The lychee was real juice, not syrup, and the oolong came through strong. The crystal pearls were slightly crunchy, almost like popping boba but without the artificial taste.
Getting there: Ask a local or search nearby alleys off Banqiao Night Market. Best landmark is Nanya Night Market — it's a few alleys behind it.
After exploring these hidden tea gems across Taiwan, I've realised that bubble milk tea here isn't just a trend, it's a culture, an art form, and sometimes even a surprise waiting behind a quiet alley or unmarked storefront.
What stood out to me most wasn't just the taste (though that's reason enough), but how each place tells a story, whether it's a shop run by Indigenous owners using traditional grains, or a lab-like café reimagining oolong with seasonal florals.
Happy sipping—and let me know which spot stole your heart (or your taste buds).
