Despite constant reminders from the health powers-that-be about the (not-so?) hidden sugars and calories in bubble tea, most of us still insist on indulging. At least, that seems to be the case, judging from the influx of new brands every so often and the perpetual long queues at certain stores.
So here we are, once again, with three new spots for you to try — if you’re not tired of milk tea yet.
Lalune
The next in line to combine bubble tea with pastries (The Alley Luxe at Orchard Cineleisure also comes to mind), Lalune is the work of a 23-year-old NTU graduate and her mother. It recently arrived in Singapore after opening two outlets in Shanghai, and is already looking at Malaysia and Thailand as potential locations.
Situated right across from Koi in the basement of the Somerset mall, the tiny stall draws you in with its lovely-looking croissants ($2.90-$3.90 each), which come in flavors like chocolate, custard, apple cinnamon, and strawberry, delicately placed next to hazelnut and cherry danishes ($3.50 each).
To go with your buttery nibbles, the drinks come in substantially-sized bottles, which makes it easy to grab ’em and go. Of course, there’s the usual milk tea with pearls ($3.50) and brown sugar pearl milk ($4) flavors, but you can also get oolong milk tea ($3.50) or peach oolong milk tea ($3.50). Those who prefer fruity blends can sip on passion fruit green tea ($5), fresh mango with milk ($5), or dragon fruit with oolong tea ($5).
B3-48A 313 @ somerset, 313 Orchard Rd. 9833-5112. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm.
Milksha
One of Taiwan’s most popular bubble tea brands — it’s known as Milkshop there — Milksha claims to make its drinks with fresh milk and natural ingredients, sans preservatives and chemical additives. First introduced in 2004, the company has since expanded to China and Hong Kong, with over 200 outlets attracting the crowds.
Beloved for its honey pearls, which are cooked in Taiwan and frozen before they’re flown to our shores, the store also brings in toppings like grass jelly and pudding. Its drinks fall into four categories: fresh milk, fresh milk tea latte, premium tea, and “special concoctions.” But if you’re too overwhelmed by the selection, try signatures such as azuki matcha milk ($5.60), fresh taro milk ($5.60), Valrhona 100% cocoa milk ($4.80), orange green tea ($4.20), and Earl Grey latte with honey pearl ($4.80).
Two outlets, including #02-375/376 Suntec City, 3 Temasek Blvd and #02-K07 Funan, 107 North Bridge Rd. Opening times: Daily 11am-10pm.
The Moment
CBD workers can now join in the sugar high, now that The Moment has opened its doors at Telok Ayer. Another Taiwanese chain new to our shores, the store is famous for its IG-worthy grey milk tea ($5.80-$6.80), which mixes bamboo charcoal with fresh milk for an ombre effect. Relatively new to the drinks scene, the brand got its start in 2017, and now offers a series of milk teas, fruit teas, lemon juice drinks, and flavored teas.
But if you don’t give two hoots about social media and tend to shy away from unfamiliar flavors, try instead their matcha latte, oolong green tea, or plum lemon green tea. More unusual options include brown sugar ginger tea, plum cola, winter melon latte, and kumquat lemon green tea.
#01-06A, 51 Telok Ayer St. 9654-5289. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-3pm.
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