Brianna HarrisonIn a city that thrives on cultural diversity, one thing that unites Torontonians is a shared love for the irresistible charms of bubble tea.
Join us as we navigate through the bustling streets to uncover the hidden gems and must-try bubble tea shops that Toronto has to offer.
Encounter Tea
Address: 439 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2G6
Phone: +1 877-592-8987
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Encounter Tea is a Canadian tea brand that was founded in 2019 and serves a variety of tea-based drinks, including milk teas, fruit teas, and smoothies. The company’s mission is to “let everyone meet with joy.”
The shop also has a unique and modern atmosphere, making it a popular spot for people to relax and socialise while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Pro Tip:
Try their famous printed foam where you can choose an image you want to appear on your drink’s foam.
YGO Lab
Address: 100B Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1G6
Phone: +1 416-925-5915
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Originally established in Taichung, Taiwan in 2018, YGO Lab has gained a loyal following for its creative and delicious bubble tea drinks. It’s a popular spot for bubble tea lovers, especially among students at the nearby University of Toronto.
The shop uses high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create a delicious and authentic bubble tea experience. They offer a variety of tasty toppings, such as tapioca pearls, popping boba, and grass jelly.
Pro Tip:
Ask for a special dome lid to enjoy the creamy top layer of your drink without getting too messy.
Kung Fu Tea
Address: 264 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2E4
Phone: +1 416-260-1519
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Kung Fu Tea is a popular bubble tea chain with several locations throughout Toronto. They’re known for their high-quality ingredients, various interesting flavours, and fresh-brewed tea.
You can adjust the sweetness level to your taste and choose from a variety of milk options, including oat milk, almond milk, and lactose-free milk. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a delicious and customizable bubble tea experience in the city.
Pro Tip:
The shop gets really busy, especially on hot days, so expect around 10 minutes of waiting time before receiving your drink.
Boba Tea & Juice
Address: 62 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 4A6
Phone: +1 416-342-0065
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Boba Tea & Juice is a small popular bubble tea shop that offers a wide variety of bubble teas, along with juices, smoothies, and milkshakes. Their drinks are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins.
They offer some of the most competitive prices in Toronto, making the shop a great option for anyone looking for a delicious and affordable bubble tea experience.
Pro Tip:
They also have plant-based milk options for those looking to try vegan bubble tea.
Boba Boy
Address: 368 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G9
Phone: +1 416-519-5694
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Boba Boy is a popular bubble tea shop with multiple locations across Toronto and Vancouver. They pride themselves on using fresh, high-quality ingredients and brewing their tea daily to ensure optimal flavour.
The shop has a loyalty program where you can earn points towards rewards. They also offer catering services for special events and gatherings.
Pro Tip:
The shop also serves delicious Vietnamese food. Just ask the server which dishes are available and give them a try!
Real Fruit Bubble Tea
Address: 660 1/2 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K9
Phone: +1 888-896-1829
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Real Fruit Bubble Tea is a popular chain with multiple locations across Canada and the United States, including several in Toronto. They’re known for using real fruit in their drinks, offering a variety of healthy and refreshing options.
All of the fruit used in their drinks is fresh and never frozen, resulting in a superior flavour. There are many unique and delicious flavours to choose from, including seasonal offerings.
Pro Tip:
Parking spots near the shop are often taken but you can also order their drinks through ubereats!
Palgong Tea
Address: 53 Bloor St E, Toronto, ON M4W 1A9
Phone: +1 416-642-3884
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Palgong Tea is a Korean bubble tea chain that has gained popularity in Toronto and throughout Canada. Their name, “Palgong,” which translates to “80” in Korean, represents the ideal temperature in Celsius to brew tea.
The shop is committed to creating a warm and nurturing environment through its tea blends and customer service. They often feature traditional Korean design elements, creating a unique and inviting space to enjoy your bubble tea.
Pro Tip:
You can’t adjust the ice and sweetness level on some of their drinks so make sure you ask the server before finalizing your order.
The Alley
Address: 382 Yonge St Unit 1, Toronto, ON M5B 1S9
Phone: 1 416-597-2200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
The Alley is known for its commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods. They also prioritize aesthetics, creating beautiful and visually appealing drinks.
The shop boasts a modern and inviting atmosphere with sleek design elements, comfortable seating, and ample space. They provide a relaxed and enjoyable environment to catch up with friends while savouring their delicious tea.
Pro Tip:
The Alley is one of the few bubble tea shops with a collaborative multi-purpose room. Take advantage of their individual working pods and spacious lounge area where you can whip up your laptop and get some work done.
Yifang
Address: 672 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2A6
Phone: +1 647-748-0666
Yifang is a popular bubble tea chain from Taiwan that has expanded to several locations in Toronto. Known for its fresh ingredients, traditional brewing methods, and commitment to quality, Yifang offers a delicious and authentic bubble tea experience.
Enjoy their refreshing and healthy options made with fresh fruit and tea, like the signature Golden Diamond Pineapple Green Tea or the Mango Fruit Tea, or their classic milk tea with various flavours like taro, matcha, and brown sugar pearl.
Pro Tip:
If you plan to become a regular, Yifang also offers membership that can earn you points, which can be used to purchase free drinks or free toppings.
OneZo Tapioca
Address: 2 Wellesley St W Unit2, Toronto, ON M4Y 1E7
Phone: +1 647-508-0308
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Known for its delicious bubble tea drinks, fresh ingredients, and commitment to quality, OneZo offers a fun and unique experience for bubble tea enthusiasts.
The shop is famous for its chewy and delicious tapioca pearls, made fresh daily using imported tapioca starch. Whether you’re a bubble tea aficionado or simply looking for a refreshing treat, OneZo is a great place to discover your new favourite drink.
Pro Tip:
You can order ahead through their website or download OneZo’s app to choose from their menu and order online.
Baroness
Address: 421 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T1
Phone: +1 647-995-8760
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Baroness Bubble Tea is a Canadian bubble tea chain with a focus on high-quality ingredients, unique flavour combinations, and a luxurious overall experience. They serve special refreshing drinks like the Brown Sugar Boba Latte and the Mango Slush.
They offer a diverse menu of bubble tea drinks, handcrafted with fresh ingredients and premium tea blends. The shop features bright lighting, comfortable seating, and free Wi-Fi, making it ideal for relaxing and enjoying your bubble tea.
Pro Tip:
Baroness is one of the few milk tea shops in TO that’s open until midnight, making it a great place to hang out and finish school or office work.
Machi Machi
Address: 575 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z2
Phone: +1 416-792-5569
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Machi Machi is a popular Taiwanese bubble tea chain that has captured the hearts of many in Toronto. Known for its premium tea blends, creative flavours, and minimalist-chic aesthetic, the shop offers a refreshing and delightful experience for all.
Choose from their classic milk and fruit tea flavours like taro, matcha, mango, or peach and customize your drink with a variety of toppings, including chewy tapioca pearls, popping boba, grass jelly, cheese foam, and more.
Pro Tip:
There’s always quite a lineup at Machi Machi so if you can, visit during off-hours on weekends to avoid long waiting times.
Xing Fu Tang
Address: 1800 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2J 5A7
Phone: +1 416-490-6248
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Saturday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Xing Fu Tang is a popular bubble tea chain known for its unique “stir-fried” brown sugar milk tea. With several locations across Toronto, Xing Fu Tang offers a delicious and visually appealing bubble tea experience that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Their signature brown sugar milk tea features a caramelized brown sugar coating stirred inside the cup before the milk tea is added, creating a visually stunning and delicious experience.
Pro Tip:
If you’re used to sweet bubble milk teas, Xing Fu Tang might be too bland for you. Go for their brown sugar series for the full experience!
Ten Ren’s Tea
Address: 454 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G9
Phone: +1 416-598-7872
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Ten Ren’s Tea is a renowned Taiwanese tea brand with a rich history spanning over 60 years. They offer traditional tea ceremonies, providing an immersive tea preparation and appreciation experience.
The shop also offers beautifully curated gift sets with a variety of teas and accessories, making them ideal for any occasion. With its diverse selection of high-quality teas and unique experiences, Ten Ren’s is a destination for a truly tea-riffic time.
Tru Tea
Address: 2348a Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 1B6
Phone: +1 416-253-1888
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Tru Tea is a Canadian-based bubble tea chain with several locations in Toronto. It aims to redefine the bubble tea experience by focusing on high-quality ingredients, creative flavour combinations, and a modern aesthetic.
A drink to try out is their freshly brewed tea topped with house-made mozzarella cheese foam. They’re also known for their refreshing fruit teas made with real fruit, like Golden Mango Green Tea and Super Kiwi Boost.
Pro Tip:
Aside from their fruit teas and milk teas, Tru Tea also has desserts like birthday cakes and assorted French pastries that you could pair with your beverage.
Fruiteao
Address: 109 McCaul St Unit 39, Toronto, ON M5T 3K5, Canada
Phone: +1 416-850-3768
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
If you’re looking for an affordable but yummy bubble tea, Fruiteao is your go-to spot. They’ve been operating since 2009 and have garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews and a long list of regulars since then.
Fruiteao offers a variety of fresh fruit teas, juices, slushes, smoothies, and of course, milk teas with delicious boba pearls. And, despite their cheap prices, their ingredients are always fresh and their tea is always freshly brewed, which is just awesome.
Pro Tip:
Instead of going for the usual milk tea, try ordering one of Fruiteao’s famous fruit teas and pair it with your favourite boba pearls! Our go-to is their fresh passion fruit tea.
