Richmond Hill is a bubble tea town. The bubble tea town, if you ask us. And there’s no drink we crave more than boba (though taro milk tea and mango slush come pretty close). Nothing compares to chewy pearls, creamy milk, and sweet tea in one perfect cup. Studying for finals? Bubble tea. Celebrating a promotion? Bubble tea. Rough day? Bubble tea. We sipped our way across town to find the very best.
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice
$ | (905) 237-1686 | WEBSITE
When does bubble tea stop being just a drink and become part of your weekly ritual, like checking your phone or dodging weekend traffic? When it comes from CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, that’s when. Every bubble tea at this Richmond Hill spot is refreshing, but the flavors like taro, matcha, and brown sugar make them the most satisfying thing ever served in a cup.
The one that keeps us coming back is the classic milk tea, layered with perfectly chewy tapioca pearls and creamy milk on a base of strong, aromatic black tea.
Morning Cafe 摩檸茶室
$ | (905) 237-8008 | WEBSITE
We all think we can make a decent drink after grabbing some tea leaves and fruit at the grocery store. But making one so memorable that our thoughts drift to citrus notes and creamy foam? We’ll leave that to the people at Morning Cafe in Richmond Hill. Their beverages come in regular and large sizes—the last one being about as tall as a toddler’s arm.
They can be customized with everything from sweetened condensed milk to fresh grapefruit and chewy jelly, but the Cheese Foam Tea is the showstopper. It masterfully balances rich cream cheese topping with fragrant green tea. Pair it with crispy New Orleans wings or a simple chicken sandwich, and it will be the most essential refreshment you have in your possession next to your phone and keys.
Hana’s tea
$ | (905) 883-0666 | WEBSITE
Consider Hana’s Tea your new BFF. The Richmond Hill bubble tea shop makes delicious drinks and tasty snacks, all served in adorable teddy cups that add to the charm. They do everything well, from a standard mango green tea to the brown sugar milk boba, but the unique options are just as good. Try the mango slush with chewy tapioca pearls, or the refreshing fruit tea with real fruit chunks.
You know, when you’re looking for something “refreshing.” The crispy chicken karaage pairs perfectly with pickled beet tartar for a satisfying bite. The bright decor with neon lights creates a cozy atmosphere, and the welcoming owner ensures efficient service with a warm smile. Seating is limited but comfortable, making it a perfect spot for bubble tea lovers to enjoy a cute and relaxing experience.
The extensive menu includes pastries and hot snacks you won’t find elsewhere, and the staff are super friendly. The vibe is beautiful and relaxing, making Hana’s Tea a top recommendation for those seeking delicious drinks and a great atmosphere.
Royaltea (Hillcrest Mall)
$$ | (365) 550-0807 | WEBSITE
Like sipping on a tropical vacation in a cup, this mall-based bubble tea spot in Hillcrest specializes in drinks that always hit the spot. All of their slushies are must-orders, but we’re big fans of the mango-coconut slushie with mousse and tapioca. It blends sweet mango, creamy coconut, and fluffy mousse with chewy tapioca pearls. It’s refreshing but not overly sweet, so you won’t need to chase it with a gallon of water as you enjoy every sip.
What you will need is your phone nearby, since you’ll want pictures so you can reminisce about it later.
Gong Cha Richmond Hill
$ | (905) 884-8880 | WEBSITE
This Richmond Hill gem is on our list of best bubble tea spots, milk tea havens, and now study-friendly cafes. Like a cozy library nook or students finding the perfect study corner, Gong Cha is something that will stand the test of time. The cash-friendly spot has earned loyal status for good reason: sipping anything here feels like a shot of sweet refreshment. Their drinks are served with chewy housemade boba and showcase the true power of fresh ingredients and premium toppings.
You’ll usually find as many families as students filling the plush couches in a relaxed mood to grab something tasty, but the standout is the pumpkin pie milk tea, layered with creamy pumpkin flavor, sweet taro notes, and perfectly chewy pearls.
Kung Fu Tea on Highway 7 (Richmond Hill)
This Richmond Hill bubble tea destination, a welcoming and efficient spot in a busy Highway 7 plaza, serves some of the area’s best milk teas and slush drinks. Of course there’s a fantastic purple taro milk tea with warm brown sugar pearls, but the mango slush with squishy pearls is the refreshingly simple standout. Customize them with all the sugar levels you prefer, and be patient with parking—especially on weekends, when the lot fills up quickly.
Real Fruit Bubble Tea
$$ | (888) 896-1829 | WEBSITE
The bubble tea at Real Fruit Bubble Tea proves the power of persuasion. Because if you’re shopping anywhere in Hillcrest Mall, you’ll see people sipping their drinks and immediately convince yourself that you can’t live without one. The welcoming spot is a mall favorite—their fresh fruit is cut on the spot for juices and bubble tea that all balance sweetness, creaminess, and refreshment (if you add boba, which you should).
Our go-to is the mango bubble tea, which blends exceptionally fresh mango with creamy milk tea that works together in a fruity, satisfying dance. And since they offer quick service, you can (and should) add it to your shopping break and we wouldn’t judge you—nay, we applaud you.
Machi Machi
$ | (905) 771-8476 | WEBSITE
Machi Machi is a small, minimalist shop serving fun and flavorful drinks. You can choose everything from classic black milk tea with golden tapioca to unique jasmine tea with plum jelly, but when you’re really craving something special, there’s nothing better than their matcha drinks with thick foam toppings. Their creative containers hold matcha, creamy foam, and clear tapioca pearls.
The rich matcha and smooth foam complement the chewy, slightly sweet pearls perfectly, making one unforgettable dessert drink.
Chatime
$ | (647) 696-3855 | WEBSITE
Bubble tea at this Richmond Hill spot is oversized—it’s like someone fed them the “Drink Me” potion from Alice in Wonderland. Drinks can come in regular or you can pay $0.50 for an extra-large, and they’re all excellent. This is why if you’ve stopped by during afternoon rush, it may get as crowded as Yonge Street on a Saturday night. The nespresso oat latte with pearls is the way to go here.
The drink is bold yet has a beautifully smooth and creamy texture, and each sip is overflowing with fresh and chewy tapioca pearls. Just be sure to save room for a promo near the checkout line, because who’s drinking bubble tea without one?
Kung Fu Tea on Bayview (Richmond Hill)
$ | (905) 237-5060 | WEBSITE
Kung Fu Tea on Bayview has been a Richmond Hill staple for years, and they’ve spent that time perfecting their bubble tea. The comfortable, family-friendly spot is where you can get a refreshing Mango Green Tea or a creamy Pearl Milk Tea for around $6. The pearls here are perfect for adding texture and flavor without overwhelming the drink. Grab the 38 Milk King recommended by the owner and make all your friends jealous.