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Richmond has long been a haven for bubble tea lovers, and there’s no better time to celebrate than on National Bubble Tea Day, April 30. What began with a handful of local stalls just a few decades ago has evolved into a vibrant scene brimming with international chains, creative independents, and trendy newcomers. One hotspot is Union Square, known for its dense concentration of bubble tea spots where you’ll find over half a dozen bubble tea spots all within steps of each other—but great sips can be found all across the city. Whether you’re a milk tea purist or someone who loves fruity blends and creative toppings, there’s no shortage of options here.
Locals tend to have their favourites, but there’s always a new spot waiting to be discovered. If you’re ready to sip your way through Richmond, here are some standout bubble tea spots worth visiting along with our recommended flavours to try.
Peanut’s Bubble Tea
Richmond Public Market, 8260 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC
A Richmond staple since 1994, this family-run stall inside the Richmond Public Market has been serving traditional Taiwanese bubble tea long before the city’s scene exploded. Peanut’s introduced many locals to sweetened black tea with milk and chewy tapioca pearls—and continues to win loyal fans with its no-frills, nostalgic charm. Alongside their classic drinks, their freshly made wheelcakes—golden and round pastries filled with a variety of fillings—are also a local favourite and pair perfectly with a bubble tea in hand.
Don’t miss: the Original Milk Tea with Pearls—a classic blend of black tea, milk, and warm tapioca, shaken with ice and poured fresh.
CHOOWEE BEVERAGE & CAKE BOUTIQUE
#155 – 6386 Number 3 Rd, Richmond, BC
Tucked into a busy corner across from CF Richmond Centre, ChooWee offers a cozy spot to satisfy both your bubble tea and dessert cravings. Freshness is at the heart of everything they serve—think fruit-forward teas made with real ingredients and light, fluffy cakes baked daily. Whether you’re on a shopping break or just passing through on the Canada Line, it’s a sweet little stop worth making.
Don’t miss: the Fruit Tea Series, featuring vibrant blends packed with fresh fruit pieces and customizable sweetness levels. Pair it with a slice of their chiffon cake for the perfect pick-me-up.
TEA INDUSTRIES
#195 – 6386 Number 3 Rd, Richmond, BC
Tea Industries offers a futuristic twist to your bubble tea experience. As the first in B.C. to introduce a fully robotic barista, this spot has become a fresh local curiosity. Drinks are crafted by “Toffee,” a robotic arm that measures, shakes, and pours with impressive precision, ensuring each cup is consistently delicious. Beyond the novelty, Tea Industries prides itself on using natural ingredients, real cane sugar, and fresh tea bases, resulting in clean, vibrant flavours.
Don’t miss: the Japanese Roasted Milk Tea—a nutty brew expertly crafted by Toffee for the perfect balance of flavour.
COCO
Various locations, Richmond, BC
With five locations in Richmond, including one inside CF Richmond Centre, this Taiwanese mega-chain is known for their energetic vibe, playful branding, and sprawling menu. CoCo strikes the perfect balance between reliable classics and inventive new drinks. Whether you’re after a nostalgic milk tea, a refreshing fruit blend, or a toppings-packed treat, CoCo’s consistent quality and speedy service make it an easy favourite for both longtime fans and first-time visitors.
Don’t miss: the 3 Guys—a rich, creamy milk tea with pudding, chewy tapioca, and soft grass jelly. Prefer fewer toppings? Go for the 2 Ladies (no grass jelly).
Lovin Tea
2040 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, BC
Lovin Tea brings a distinctive charm to Richmond’s bubble tea scene with its cute and cozy pink interior. Inside, you’ll also find four private mahjong rooms, which provide a fun and social space to enjoy a drink with friends, whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking for a unique way to hang out. Open until 1 a.m., it’s the perfect place to get a late-night bubble tea fix or keep the fun going if your game runs late.
Don’t miss: the Camellia Oolong Milk Tea—a smooth, floral and aromatic blend that highlights the natural depth of oolong with every sip.
Macu Tea
#1316 – 8368 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC
Located in the bustling Union Square, Macu Tea stands out among the area’s many bubble tea spots for its commitment to fresh ingredients and creative fruit-forward drinks. This Taiwanese chain specializes in fresh fruit teas and cheese foam-topped drinks, and it’s not uncommon to see a lineup stretching out the door—especially on weekends. With a focus on natural ingredients and bold fruit flavours, it’s become a go-to for those seeking a fruit-forward alternative to traditional milk teas.
Don’t miss: the King of Mango, a juicy seasonal favourite layered with fresh mango chunks, mango juice, and Macu’s signature cheese foam. It’s a rich, fruity indulgence that hits the spot—especially on sunny days.
Hanlin Tea House
#1300 – 8368 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC
Also located in Union Square, Hanlin Tea House is a well-known name in Taiwan—often credited with inventing the original pearl milk tea back in the 1980s. Their Richmond location offers a cozy, library-like setting with bookshelves lining the walls, making it a popular study spot for students and tea lovers alike. In addition to classic and specialty teas, they also serve cake slices for a light dessert alongside your drink.
Don’t miss: the Taro Mochi Latte a creative twist that blends earthy taro with chewy mochi for an extra layer of texture and flavour.
Chayan
#1108 – 8368 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC
Also part of the growing tea scene at Union Square, Chayan is a UK-based brand that blends modern aesthetics with classic tea traditions. Chayan is a UK-based tea brand bringing a more boutique-style bubble tea experience to Richmond. With a focus on fragrant teas and less sweetness, it’s a great option if you’re craving something a little more refined. The menu blends traditional and modern tea shop vibes, offering something a bit different.
Don’t miss: the Pu’er Frappe—a creamy, blended twist on the classic fermented Chinese tea known for its earthy, rich flavour and smooth finish. If you’re curious about more complex tea profiles, this one’s worth a try.
HeyTea
#1063 – 8368 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC
Originating from mainland China, HEYTEA is credited with sparking the cheese tea craze and continues to draw fans with its stylish branding and inventive menu. The Richmond location in Union Square is sleek and minimalist, offering a polished spot to explore their signature Cloud series—drinks topped with a smooth, velvety cheese or milk foam for added richness. Alongside their core menu, they regularly release seasonal specials featuring unique fruit blends and limited-time flavours.
Don’t miss: the Coconut Cloud Matcha—a refreshing blend of coconut milk layered with HEYTEA’s signature matcha-infused cloud foam. It’s light, creamy, and just sweet enough, tapping into the growing love for all things matcha.
Sweet7
#1131 – 8368 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC
Cementing Union Square’s reputation as a bubble tea hotspot, Sweet7 is the latest addition to the area’s growing bubble tea scene. Best known for their mango creations, Sweet7 also offers drinks featuring avocado, strawberry, and other seasonal fruits. The menu is straightforward but packed with tropical flavors, making it a great stop for anyone craving something fruity and indulgent.
Don’t miss: the Mango Pomelo with Jasmine Jelly—a deliciously refreshing drink featuring fresh mango, juicy grapefruit, and jasmine jelly in a coconut milk and jasmine green tea base.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Bubble Tea Basics
Whether you’re a bubble tea enthusiast or a first-time sipper, Richmond’s vibrant tea scene has something for everyone. If you’re new to bubble tea, start with a classic milk tea and tapioca pearls to experience the traditional flavors and signature chewy texture. Most shops let you customize your sweetness and ice levels—70% sugar and less ice is a popular choice for a balanced flavor, but you can always adjust based on your preference.
Not sure where to start? Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their recommendations. Other than tapioca pearls, many places also offer fun add-ins like taro balls, grass jelly or coconut jelly. But if you’re feeling unsure, you can always keep it simple and enjoy your drink without any toppings—just the tea itself can be refreshing and delicious.
With so many creative takes and cozy spots to discover—like the nostalgic charm of Peanut’s Bubble Tea, the futuristic vibe at Tea Industries, or the late-night fun at Lovin Tea—Richmond is a bubble tea lover’s dream. Grab a friend—or a few—and sip your way through the city’s best bubble tea spots. Your next favorite drink might just be one stop away.
Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Tourism Richmond