Tea-riffic Finds: Exploring Today’s Unique Milk Tea Scene
Don’t be shy—spill the tea! If there’s one thing students love as much as a good chika, it’s a tall, ice-cold cup of milk tea. From mall kiosks to campus booths, milk tea has become one of the nation’s go-to drinks, right after coffee, of course. But with dozens of brands popping up, the real question is: which ones are actually worth your sugar rush?
With that, here’s the tea on the top five unique milk tea spots in the Philippines—according to New Lifers and online reviews—that keep many going back for cup after cup and definitely deserve a spot on your list.
1. Serenitea
Serenitea holds its ground as the first and one of the most iconic milk tea brands in the Philippines, introducing the concept of customizable milk tea and espresso-machine brewed tea to Filipino consumers. When it opened its doors in San Juan in December 2008, fans were met with a Taiwanese-style milk tea experience that was new to the local scene. Unlike typical one-flavor-fits-all drinks, Serenitea allowed customers to choose their sugar, ice level, and sinkers—something unheard of at the time. This made milk tea more accessible and palatable to a wide range of consumers’ tastes, ultimately setting the standard for milk teas. Two of Serenitea’s standout drinks, Okinawa Milk Tea and Hokkaido Milk Tea, have quickly become fan favorites due to their rich flavors and smooth textures. Together, these drinks offer diverse flavors that cater to different preferences, making them staples on Serenitea’s menu. After Serenitea became the talk of the town, it wasn’t long before other brands started popping up.
2. CHICHA San Chen
CHICHA San Chen stands out as a premium Taiwanese milk tea brand by emphasizing its authentic tea quality and traditional brewing methods. Unlike many milk tea shops that focus mainly on sweetness and toppings, CHICHA San Chen prioritizes the flavor and quality of the tea itself. Sourcing their tea leaves from the finest farms in Taiwan, the brand ensures that each cup captures the essence of the tea, appealing to tea connoisseurs and those seeking a more balanced milk tea experience. A standout menu item is their Bubble Milk Tea, which uses tapioca pearls that are slow-cooked for 90 minutes daily in small batches to ensure a consistently soft and chewy texture. These pearls have a distinct caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the rich tea base. This dedication to quality sets CHICHA San Chen apart, making every sip a true testament to authentic Taiwanese craftsmanship.
3. CHAGEE
Opening its doors in the Philippines in late August of 2025, CHAGEE is a rising milk tea brand that earned its title as the “Dior of milk tea” thanks to its luxurious packaging and traditional Chinese tea. CHAGEE is hugely popular in China, where it’s known for blending premium tea leaves with elegant packaging and flavors, setting it apart from typical milk tea chains. Without any toppings, it thrives on the base of high-quality essence of tea. Now expanding into the Philippines, CHAGEE brings a new upscale tea experience to Filipino consumers, offering a sophisticated alternative to overly sweetened boba teas. With their unique, thin three-column straw, every sip is designed to amplify the true taste and fragrance of tea. Their signature BO·YA Jasmine Green tea is a testament to their smooth and silky milk teas, offering a light and refreshing taste without the need for added toppings. This emphasis on purity and quality is why many refer to it by its fancy nickname, appealing especially to young people who value both taste and style.
4. CoCo
As the staple milk tea brand that most New Lifers order every potbless, CoCo continues to win hearts with its consistent quality and price. With roots in Taiwan and over 4,000 stores worldwide, CoCo has become a go-to for individuals seeking tasty and affordable milk tea. Its diverse menu offers everything from classics like pearl milk tea to pudding milk teas alongside the customizable sugar levels and toppings, making it easy for everyone to find a drink they love. Signature drinks such as the 3 Buddies combine pearls, pudding, and grass jelly toppings, highlighting CoCo’s ability to deliver reliable flavor and texture without breaking the bank. Their strict quality control ensures that every cup tastes consistent and well-balanced at student-friendly prices, which is why CoCo remains popular among students and shoppers alike, becoming a staple choice at school events and gatherings.
5. One Zo
One Zo’s most prominent feature in their drinks is their wide variety of handmade flavored tapioca balls. Originating from Taiwan in 2015, One Zo is renowned for crafting its tapioca pearls fresh in-store and offering a diverse range of flavors. Their focus on flavored pearls and drinks sets One Zo apart from typical milk tea chains, which usually rely on plain black tapioca. It combines taste with creativity, creating a more flavorful yet visually appealing experience for milk tea enthusiasts. Their popular Taro Delight drink features creamy taro milk tea with chewy, taro-flavored pearls, showcasing One Zo’s signature innovation.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newbie to the milk tea craze, these top brands offer a range of flavors that cater to everyone’s preferences. With established chains like Serenitea, CHICHA San Chen, CHAGEE, CoCo, One Zo, and more—you’re sure to find the perfect cup. At the end of the day, it’s all about exploring and seeing what suits your taste. These brands don’t just serve drinks—they serve experiences that keep milk tea enthusiasts coming back for more, one refreshing cup at a time.
