Bubble tea has well and truly taken over KL and PJ. Stroll through any of the area’s busy neighbourhoods and you would be hard-pressed to miss at least one bubble tea shop promising the perfect cup, whether it is a familiar favourite or a brand new spot that has just opened its doors.
Sure, the hype that once had people photographing every cup for their Instagram feeds may have quietened somewhat. Boba is no longer the shiny new obsession it was a few years ago, and the novelty of yet another bubble tea opening has largely worn off. But make no mistake, Malaysians have not lost their taste for it. If anything, the drink has simply settled into something more enduring, an everyday staple rather than a fleeting trend.
It is not difficult to understand the appeal. In a city where the heat rarely lets up, a tall cup of chilled milk tea loaded with chewy pearls offers a small but reliable comfort. Over the years, the drink has also come a long way from its humble origins, with more flavours, textures, and creative combinations than ever before.
KL and PJ now have no shortage of options to suit every kind of drinker. You might find yourself queuing for a Charcoal Oolong Milk Tea at Chatto, or seeking out the honeyed notes of a Golden Bubble Milk Tea at KOI Thé. Some spots have built devoted followings over years of consistent quality, whilst others have only just opened their doors and are already turning heads.
Whether you sip one occasionally as a treat or consider yourself a seasoned connoisseur with opinions on tapioca textures, this guide has something for you. Here are 10 bubble tea spots across KL and PJ that deserve a place on your radar.
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @heytea.malaysia)
10 of the best bubble tea spots worth trying in KL and PJ right now
1 /10
ChattoIf you are after something a little more refined than your average boba shop, Chatto is the place to go. The Halal-certified handcrafted tea bar features a Japanese interior concept and prides itself on developing unique recipes for its teas. The minimalist atmosphere makes it equally suited to a solo work session or a long catch-up with a friend, and the menu offers drinks that are not overly sweet, though they can be customised to personal taste.
Chatto uses premium tea leaves flown in from all around the world, mainly from Shizuoka Japan, Taiwan and China to craft its boba teas. Their Charcoal Pearl Oolong Milk Tea is smooth, and the oolong hits just right without being overly sweet. For something warmer and nuttier, the White Pearl Milk Hojicha is another crowd favourite, blending roasted Hojicha tea with milk and white pearls for a uniquely satisfying flavour.
Chatto @ Sungai Besi
Address: Lot 4, Jln Sungai Besi, Chan Sow Lin, 57100 Sungai Besi, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
Chatto @ UOA Business Park
Address: Unit 11-3A, Level 1, UOA Business Park, Jalan Pengaturcara U1/51, Kawasan Perindustrian Temasya, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact: 011-72674827
Operating hours: 9 AM – 8 PM (weekdays) | 10 AM – 6 PM (Sundays only, closed on Saturdays)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @chatto.my)
2 /10
KOI ThéKOI Thé has been a fixture in the Malaysian bubble tea scene since it first arrived, and for good reason. The Taiwan-based franchise takes pride in its bubble tea-making process, ensuring every ingredient is freshly prepared and brewed to perfection. What truly sets KOI apart is its signature pearls.
Their Golden Bubble Milk Tea is a blend of creamy milk tea with KOI’s very own golden bubble pearls, all made using only natural ingredients that give a nice, chewy texture in every bite. If you prefer something a little less rich, the Matcha Latte with Golden Bubble is a worthy alternative that marries earthy green tea with those same bouncy pearls.
KOI Thé @ The Gardens Mall
Address: The Gardens Mall, Lot LG-211, Lower Ground, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2201 2850
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
KOI Thé @ The Exchange TRX
Address: Lot C85, Concourse Level, The Exchange TRX of, Lingkaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-3051 2029
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @koithemalaysia)
Check out more KOI Thé locations here
3 /10
The AlleyThe Alley is one of those places that is very hard to walk past without stopping. The brand prides itself on crafting its own sugar cane syrup and making its tapioca pearls, nicknamed ‘Deerioca’, from scratch using only quality ingredients. The pearls have a chewiness to them that pre-made alternatives simply cannot replicate, and the bestselling Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk combines a blend of fresh milk with homemade sugar cane syrup and those chewy tapioca pearls. Beyond the brown sugar classic, The Alley also offers a solid selection of fruit teas and milk tea variations for those who want to venture off the beaten path.
The Alley @ Puchong
Address: 10, First Floor, Jalan Kenari 6, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Contact: 018-224 1522
Operating hours: 12 PM – 10 PM (Mondays to Thursdays) | 12 PM – 11 PM (Fridays to Sundays)
The Alley @ Plaza Arkadia
Address: Artea Dream Work Sdn. Bhd., E-G-12, Blok Eaton, Plaza Arkadia, No. 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana, 3, Jalan Intisari, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-6270 9919
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM (Sundays to Thursdays) | 11 AM – 12 AM (Fridays and Saturdays)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @thealley.my)
4 /10
Gong ChaGong Cha has been around long enough to be considered a true institution in the Malaysian bubble tea scene, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Originating from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Gong Cha specialises in a variety of freshly brewed bubble tea using only the finest tea leaves.
Their two signature drinks are the GC Signature Green Tea and the GC Winter Melon Tea, both freshly brewed teas topped with a creamy layer of fresh milk foam. The Winter Melon Tea in particular has a gentle, natural sweetness that makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer something lighter and less heavy on the palate. That said, if it is a proper boba fix you are after, the Dolce Milk Coffee with Pearl is well worth an order, a gentle caffeine kick paired with chewy pearls that makes for a surprisingly satisfying combination.
Gong Cha @ Pavilion Damansara Heights
Address: Lot P1.04.00, Level 1, Pavilion Damansara Heights, 3, Jalan Damanlela, Pusat Bandar Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-7932 5328
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
Gong Cha @ The Exchange TRX
Address: Lot L2.OS.05, Level 2, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-7932 5328
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @gongchamy)
Check out more Gong Cha locations here
5 /10
DabobaDaboba sits comfortably at the premium end of the bubble tea market, and the quality of its drinks justifies every ringgit. The Taiwan-based brand first made its mark at SS15 Subang Jaya, though that original outlet has since closed. Fortunately, there are still several Daboba outposts scattered throughout the Klang Valley, each serving the same diverse range of tea-based beverages that earned the brand its following, from fruit teas and cheese teas to fresh teas, with the Roasted Brown Sugar and Honey Golden Pearl series remaining the star attractions.
Daboba @ IOI City Mall
Address: 1st Floor, FK-7, Beside Ice Skating Ring, IOI City Mall, Lbh IRC, Ioi Resort, 62502 Putrajaya
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 9.30 PM (weekdays) | 10 AM – 9.30 PM (weekends)
Daboba @ Rawang
Address: No.103A, Pst Kommersial Anggun City, 1, Jalan Anggun City 1, Taman Anggun, 48000 Rawang, Selangor
Contact: 011-2327 8889
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10.30 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @dabobamalaysia)
6 /10
Ben Gong's Tea & DessertA somewhat newer name on the KL bubble tea circuit, Ben Gong’s Tea & Dessert has quickly earned a loyal following for the quality of its drinks. Their Gold Oolong Milk Tea is one of the best around if you like a richer, slightly roasted note that still works well with boba and a light cheese foam.
For something a little more floral, the Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea is subtle but smells incredible, and it is a great option for those who want something a bit different from the usual brown sugar or matcha offerings.
Ben Gong’s Tea & Dessert @ LaLaport
Address: G-71, LaLaport Kuala Lumpur, Mitsui Shopping Park, 2, Jln Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 019-233 1868
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM (Sundays to Thursdays) | 11 AM – 11.55 PM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Ben Gong’s Tea & Dessert @ Kota Damansara
Address: D-G-11, Sunway Nexis Mall, 1, Jalan PJU 5/1, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: 016-745 1868
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11.50 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @bengongstea.my)
Check out more Ben Gong’s Tea & Dessert locations here
7 /10
HEYTEAHEYTEA has made a name for itself by doing something the bigger chains often overlook, and that is balancing creativity with genuine tea quality. The menu leans into fruit-forward combinations and cheese foam toppings. The Coconut Mango Boom is a crowd favourite for good reason, it is lightly creamy and refreshing without tipping into cloying sweetness.
What sets HEYTEA apart from many of its competitors is how seriously it takes customisation. Sugar levels, ice levels, and topping choices are all genuinely flexible here, and the staff are attentive enough to make sure your drink lands exactly the way you want it. If you are new to cheese tea and have been curious about it, this is a solid place to start.
HEYTEA @ Mid Valley Megamall
Address: Lot G(E)-007, Ground Floor, Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-4817 7705
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
HEYTEA @ The Exchange TRX
Address: C.07.0 – C.10.0, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2301 1408
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @heytea.malaysia)
Check out more HEYTEA locations here
8 /10
HercaaWhile most bubble tea spots lean on the same rotation of brown sugar and taro, Hercaa has carved out its own identity with a menu built around avocado and Belgian chocolate combinations that are rich, indulgent, and genuinely different from what you will find elsewhere. The Avocado Kurma is a particular standout. It is thick and naturally sweet, with a depth of flavour that keeps you coming back for another sip.
For those who prefer something lighter, the Watermelon Lychee drink is a fruity option that works especially well on a hot afternoon. Prices are reasonable, and the occasional promotions make trying a few things at once slightly easier to justify.
Hercaa @ LaLaport
Address: LG1-FH20, LaLaport, City Center, 2, Jln Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 012-304 9648
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
Hercaa @ Pavilion Bukit Jalil
Address: Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 011-5376 8162
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @theisabellee)
9 /10
LiHO TEAOriginally from Singapore, LiHO TEA has found a home in KL and PJ, bringing with it a reputation for simply delicious drinks and good customisation. The menu skews creamier than most, with the Coconut Avocado and Golden Avocado series sitting at the top of the bestseller list. Both are thick and satisfying without feeling heavy, particularly if you dial the sugar down to around 30 percent.
Dairy-free options are available, sugar levels are flexible, and the staff tend to be genuinely helpful when it comes to guiding you towards something that suits your taste. It is not the flashiest spot on this list, but the drinks are consistently well-made.
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @liho_malaysia)
Address : 2-35, Lingkaran SV2, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala LumpurPhone : 03-9286 8882
10 /10
MixueView this post on Instagram
If there is one spot on this list that proves you do not need to spend a lot to drink well, it is Mixue. The Chinese brand has expanded rapidly across Malaysia, and it is not hard to see why. The Supreme Milk Tea is creamy, nicely balanced, and far better than its price point would suggest, and the Lemon Jasmine Tea is a refreshing option for those who prefer something lighter.
Beyond the drinks, the Super Boba Sundae has become a crowd favourite in its own right, a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with brown sugar pearls that is simple and satisfying. For a wallet-friendly everyday option that still delivers on taste, Mixue is hard to beat.
Mixue @ UOA Bangsar
Address: LGF-02, LOWER GROUND FLOOR, MENARA UOA BANGSAR, 5, Jalan Bangsar Utama 1, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 011-2112 7663
Operating hours: 12.30 AM – 10.30 AM, 11.30 AM – 12 AM (opens daily)
Mixue @ Gateway Mall
Address: Lorong Gateway Mall, Kampung Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 011-2112 7663
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
Check out more Mixue locations hereNote : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
