Amelia HallIn 2015, I was a naive newcomer to the world of bubble tea, wandering into a sketchy little shop I’d found on a random corner. The lighting was dim, and the interior—let’s just say it felt like the Yang to Instagrammable cafés’ Yin.
I bravely ordered some milk tea that the barista recommended. Fast forward to the first sip, and…Oh. My. Days. It tasted like someone had brine-pickled the tapioca pearls and steeped them in lukewarm seaweed broth. And for the record, seaweed was never part of the recipe.
Traumatized but undeterred, I decided I wouldn’t let this blunder define my bubble tea journey. I scoured Vancouver for the absolute best bubble tea shops and became somewhat of a bubble tea sommelier.
Gallons of tapioca pearls later, I’ve managed to compile a list of the best spots in town where you can get your bubble tea fix without risking tastebud betrayal.
1. Baroness Bubble Tea Broadway
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Address: 2790 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 3Z2, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 1 PM to 8 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 423-3990
Price: $
If you’re looking for refreshing oat milk bubble tea, Baroness Bubble Tea Broadway should be your go-to. Their signature brown sugar drink (of course with oat milk) is super creamy without being too heavy, and the brown sugar adds an insanely delicious caramel-like sweetness.
I also like their Purple Yam Organic Milk. Some say it has a slight earthy taste to it, but to me, it tastes like a sweet buttered yam. Their Purple Rice Smoothie drink is quite different too. It almost tastes like an Asian horchata.
Topping-wise, you can never go wrong with the classic brown sugar pearls. But I like to add the taro balls because they have just the right amount of chewy. They also have toppings like aloe vera, grass jelly, and more.
| Pro Tip: You’ve got to try any of their sunset drinks. The Peach Sunset and Passionfruit Sunset are absolutely amazing. They even come with a raw egg, giving them this rich and silky texture that’s just so unique. |
2. Boba Run
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Address: 102 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8, Canada
Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 423-5890
Price: $
Boba Run is best for people who want fresh bubble tea drinks free of powders and artificial flavorings. They use only organic milk and dairy alternatives here! And their syrups are made in-house using organic cane sugar.
When I come here, I like to get the Yin Yang Milk Tea. It’s a mix of strong Assam black tea and rich Prototype Espresso, finished off perfectly with a drizzle of evaporated milk. I add their honeycomb dalgona (whipped coffee) to the top to finish this drink off.
They’ve also got a delicious Genmaicha bubble tea. It’s a blend of organic sencha and toasted rice. I love to pair this one with their banana milk pudding for a sweet nutty taste that melts in the mouth.
| Pro Tip: Try the Black Sesame Latte. It’s got this rich, nutty flavor that’s off the charts. They serve it hot and cold, and both versions are delicious. |
3. Hot Cha Cafe
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Address: 3306 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W5, Canada
Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday – 3 PM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 336-9338
Price: $
Hot Cha Cafe is best known for its wide selection of sweet and fruity bubble teas that are like desserts in your mouth.
You’ve got to try the Fresh Kiwi Bubble Tea! It’s the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, and the fresh slices of kiwi give it an extra kick.
Their Mango Cheesecake Bubble Tea is another favorite of mine. It’s creamy, fruity, and so indulgent.
And don’t get me started on the Honeydew Bubble Tea. It’s refreshingly light and has this amazing melon flavor that’s perfect for a hot day.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for something different, try their ice cream bubble teas. The Red Bean Vanilla is a surprisingly tasty mix of earthy and sweet |
4. CHUN FUN HOW Vancouver
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Address: 1067 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1E2, Canada
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Phone: +1 (604) 336-6922
Price: $
Chun Fun How is for anyone who likes stunning floral-designed cups and a wide array of Taiwanese bubble teas.
My absolute favorite is the Wintermelon Lemonade. It’s made with fresh winter melon juice, mixed with tangy lemonade, and topped with chewy tapioca pearls. Every sip is a burst of refreshing sweetness with a hint of tartness.
For something lighter, the Lychee Jade Tea with Aloe Vera is one of my top picks. The lychee’s fruity sweetness combined with the crunchy aloe vera chunks is simply divine.
The toppings here are top-notch, too. I always mix and match—pearl for that classic chew, or coconut jelly when I’m in the mood for something softer.
| Pro Tip: Try their Sugar Cane Lemon Green Tea. It’s invigorating and has a subtle, natural sweetness that’s a nice alternative to the usual syrups. If you want an extra treat, ask for osmanthus jelly because it adds a unique floral flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon green tea. |
5. Cha Yuan Bubble Tea
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Address: 1223 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R6, Canada
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 339-6832
Price: $
If you’re looking for a healthier bubble tea option, you have to check out Cha Yuan Bubble Tea.
They use natural ingredients in all their drinks and source their premium teas straight from Taiwan.
Each tea-based drink is freshly brewed to order using their Teapresso Machine, guaranteeing a fresh and rich flavor every time.
I tried the Hojicha Milk Tea, and it was something else. The roasted tea had this deep, nutty taste that paired perfectly with the creamy milk. It was unlike any other bubble tea I’ve had before.
The Roasted Oolong Milk Tea is another must-try—smooth and fragrant, and perfect if you love a more traditional milk tea flavor. On a hot day, the Strawberry Latte Slush is a winner. It’s a fruity, icy delight that’s just sweet enough.
| Pro Tip: Grab one of their bubble tea kits—they let you make your favorite bubble tea right at home! |
6. Bubble Tea Bluemoon
@dinevancity Bubble Tea Bluemoon (2261 E Hastings St., Vancouver BC)
♬ dumb dumb – sped up – mazie
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Address: 2261 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V3, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 423-5959
Price: $
Bubble Tea Bluemoon is for anyone who likes fresh fruit slushes with a bubble tea twist.
Their milky Pina Colada Slush tastes like a vacation in a cup. The creamy blend of coconut and pineapple is both rich and refreshing. If you’re feeling bougie, get their Royal Earl Grey Milk Tea. With the perfect balance of bergamot and creamy milk, it tastes like a sophisticated tea party.
Their tapioca balls are chewy and just the right amount of sweet, while the popping mango bubbles burst with vibrant flavor.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for a slush, ask them to mix it half-and-half with two flavors. This way, you can try different combinations from their menu. |
7. NUTTEA
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Address: 1958 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5, Canada
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday- 11 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +17786836783
Price: $
NUTTEA is best known for its incredible nut milk tea. Unlike most spots, they make their Nut Mylk fresh daily from real nuts like macadamia, hazelnut, and cashews, with zero preservatives or additives. It’s completely vegan, too!
My favorite is the Quinoa & Oatmeal Nut Mylk Tea. The combination of quinoa and oatmeal gives it a thick, smooth texture that’s so comforting. The taste is nutty and mildly sweet, and it has this unique, wholesome aroma that’s just irresistible.
The Matcha Nut Mylk Tea is also fantastic, combining the earthy flavor of matcha with the rich creaminess of the Nut Mylk. It’s perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for something extra special, try the Strawberry Tea with Nut Cream. The strawberry tea is light and fruity, while the nut cream adds a creamy richness that elevates the drink to a whole new level. |
8. Paragon Tea Room
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Address: 3361 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W6, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Price: $
Paragon Tea Room is best for anyone who likes unique tea blends.
I recently tried their Mango Hojicha, and it’s unlike anything else. The smoky Hojicha mixed with the sweet and tangy mango creates an incredible balance. It’s refreshing yet comforting.
The Classic Matcha Black Sesame is a must-try too. The earthy matcha and nutty black sesame combo is rich and bold.
Their pearls are great, but if you want something new, try the jasmine jelly. It’s a bit floral, but you hardly notice it once it’s combined with the milk tea.
| Pro Tip: For a caffeine boost, add a double shot of matcha to any drink. It makes the flavors more intense and gives you that extra kick to get through the day. Trust me, you’ll love it! |
9. Angelove Bubble Tea
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Address: 2228 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V4, Canada
Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +16045691268
Price: $
Angelove Bubble Tea is best for satisfying those sweet, bubble tea cravings.
The first time I went there, I tried the Banana Milk Tea. It’s like sipping on a creamy, liquid banana – not too sweet, just perfect. But one of my ultimate favorites is their Papaya Milk Tea. It’s so refreshing and fruity, like a tropical holiday.
Their Cantaloupe Milk Slush is another standout. It’s like eating a canteloupe directly with a spoon. While it’s not tea-based, you can still add tapioca pearls and brown sugar to make this drink even more lively.
| Pro Tip: This place is also combined with a photography shop! |
10. Hey I am Yogost
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Address: 509 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y4, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +16044087632
Price: $
Hey I am Yogost is best known for its unique rice yogurt drinks.
The Strawberry Rice Yogurt is so creamy and has this sweet yet tangy kick. The Red Dates Yogurt has a more earthy, slightly caramel-like taste that’s quite refreshing. And if you’re a fan of matcha, the Matcha Mochi Yogurt is like matcha heaven with chewy mochi bits!
The toppings are the cherry on top. My faves are the Jasmine Tea Jelly and Coconut Milk Jelly—both add an extra layer of flavor that’s just really good. And don’t even get me started on the Purple Rice. It’s chewy, hearty, and blends so well with the yogurt drinks.
| Pro Tip: You’ve got to try the Tiramisu Mochi Yogurt. It’s a perfect mix of tiramisu goodness and chewy mochi. Seriously, it’s worth every sip. |
11. NICETEA (English Bay)
– Media credit: nicetea_vancouver
Address: 1112 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1T2, Canada
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to PM
Phone: +16044889228
Price: $
Nice Tea is where you go for the best pudding milk tea you’ll probably ever taste. If they have the ingredients in stock, this is always my first pick. It’s creamy and smooth, with soft pudding chunks that add a fun and custard-like twist to the traditional milk tea flavor.
I have also developed a liking for their red bean milk tea. The red beans give it a subtly sweet and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich tea base. There’s something comforting and nostalgic about it too.
If you’re in a hurry, you can easily order for pickup or delivery using their direct ordering system.
| Pro Tip: Try the coconut jelly milk tea when you’re in the mood for something different. I love the way the coconut jelly adds a refreshing and tropical twist to the classic milk tea. |
12. Vita Villa Smoothies and Bubble Tea
– Media credit: vitavilla.ca
Address: 2708 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 3W2, Canada
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +16047323727
Price: $
Vita Villa Smoothies and Bubble Tea is best known for its real fruit smoothies and rich-flavoured bubble teas. Honestly, their drinks are just something you have to try.
The Rose Pearl milk tea tastes exactly as you’d expect—like roses. But it’s not overpowering or too floral.
And when it comes to their smoothies, you really can’t go wrong with choosing any of them. I admit I was a bit skeptical about the Avocado Honey Milkshake, but man, it’s delicious! The avocado adds a creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the honey perfectly.
| Pro Tip: You have to try their Organic Matcha Pearl Latte. The matcha is high-quality, giving it a rich and earthy flavor. |
13. Momono Tea Shop
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Address: 3010 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J8, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 1 PM to 7 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 1 PM to 8 PM
Price: $
Momono Tea Shop is for anyone who wants delicious fresh milk teas, fruit teas, and yogurt drinks.
The Sweater of Winter is my go-to. It’s a Ceylon black tea with fresh milk topped with mini chocolate balls. The tea is strong but sweetened perfectly by the milk and chocolate.
Momono, a pure yogurt blend with fresh peach, is their signature drink. It’s so refreshing, especially when you’re in the mood for something fruity and light.
If you’re in the mood for something filling, try Taro Meets Mochi. It’s taro milk with soft mochi and topped with cream cheese foam—it’s dessert in a cup. The mochi pieces are so chewy and delicious, you’ll want more with every sip.
| Pro Tip: They frequently update their menu and add new drinks, so each visit can bring a new surprise. Go ahead and treat yourself! |
14. MACU TEA
– Media credit: macutea.bc
Address: 1331 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 2B1, Canada
Hours: Monday to Sunday – Noon to 10 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 620-8808
Price: $
Macu Tea is the place to go if you like fruity bubble tea with cheese foam.
One of my favorites here is their Chi Chi Tieguanyin Oolong Milk Tea. It has a rich, slightly floral taste, with a creamy texture from the cheese foam. This is a luxurious treat, especially when paired with the chewy tapioca pearls.
Their variety of toppings, like coconut jelly and tiramisu foam, offers endless customization options for you. Plus, with the option to upgrade to a bottle size, it’s super convenient for enjoying on the go.
| Pro Tip: If you want a smoothie, try their King of Mango Smoothie. It’s fresh and sweet, and the bits of pulp make you feel like you’re eating a mango straight from the tree. |
