Bubble Tea: A Boba Breakthrough (Shanghai)

Yulann Teahouse (裕蘭茶楼):

At the top of both my Shanghai and global bubble tea rankings is Yulann Teahouse — a place that takes bubble tea in a completely different direction. It’s not your typical sugary treat; instead, it feels like a true homage to traditional tea culture, with brown sugar pearls added in as a gentle modern touch.

What makes Yulann stand out is its almost complete lack of sweetness in the tea itself. The focus here is pure, unmasked tea — brewed strong and clean, with all the natural depth and character left intact. It’s the kind of drink where you can really taste the leaf, not just the milk or syrup. It’s subtle, but also bold in its confidence to let the tea do the talking.

The brown sugar pearls add the only hint of sweetness — they’re beautifully chewy and naturally flavoured, offering a soft contrast to the unsweetened base without overpowering it. Instead of mixing sweetness into every layer, Yulann creates a balance where each component stays distinct.

This is bubble tea reimagined as a minimalist, tea-first experience. It won’t be for everyone — especially those used to sweeter cups — but for me, it’s easily the best I’ve ever had.

5 bobas/5

Mubai Tea (牧白 手作):

Coming in second on my Shanghai list is Mubai Tea, a shop that might not be flashy, but delivers a surprisingly refined brown sugar milk tea that’s easy to appreciate — especially if you like subtlety over sweetness.

What sets Mubai apart is its clean and balanced flavour profile. The tea has a gentle bitterness that lingers pleasantly, and it’s well-matched with a light, smooth milk. The brown sugar is noticeable, but far from overwhelming — just enough to round out the drink without covering up the tea. It strikes a really nice middle ground: not as intense or unsweetened as Yulann, but far more thoughtful than your typical sweetened chain shop.

The pearls are solid — not the most standout part of the drink, but still chewy, warm, and consistent. They act as a soft complement rather than the focus, which works well with Mubai’s more subtle style.

Mubai Tea might not scream for attention, but that’s what makes it so good. It’s calm, deliberate, and quietly confident — a strong second-place choice, and one I’d go back to any day.

4.8 bobas/5

Chan Mandi (陈文鼎):

In third place is Chan Mandi, a bubble tea brand born in Guangzhou and now making waves in Shanghai. That southern Chinese influence really shows — in the best way — through its rich sweetness and smooth, easy-to-love flavour profile.

The brown sugar milk tea here is classic and comforting. The tea isn’t super strong, but it’s present enough to add structure beneath the sweetness. The brown sugar is definitely the star, giving the drink a warm, caramelised richness that feels like a treat. Compared to more minimalist shops like Yulann or Mubai, Chan Mandi is noticeably sweeter and milkier — but that’s part of its charm.

The pearls are soft, chewy, and generously coated in syrup, enhancing the dessert-like experience. Everything blends together into a nostalgic kind of cup — less about precision, more about warmth and satisfaction.

Chan Mandi doesn’t aim for complexity, but it nails that sweet, crowd-pleasing vibe. It’s a great example of how regional styles can carry over and still feel fresh — and even in a competitive city like Shanghai, its Guangzhou roots help it stand out.

4.7 bobas/5

Chagee (霸王茶姬):

At number four is Chagee, and while it’s not technically a bubble tea spot — there are no boba pearls in sight — it still earns a place on this list for just how good the jasmine milk tea is.

The drink is fragrant, light, and smooth, with a floral note that hits you as soon as you take a sip. The jasmine flavour is pronounced but not perfumy — it tastes clean and intentional, like something you’d get from a well-curated teahouse rather than a chain shop. Without the weight of pearls or syrupy brown sugar, the tea itself takes centre stage, and it really shines.

One of the standout elements of Chagee is its presentation. The packaging is always on point, and I happened to get mine during their Ne Zha partnership, when the cup designs were especially striking — bold, stylised, and full of character. It made the whole experience feel a bit elevated, like something more thoughtful than your average grab-and-go drink.

Even without the boba, Chagee’s quality and attention to detail make it feel fully deserving of a spot in the top five. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more — especially when the tea itself is this good.

4.5 bobas/5

Heytea (喜茶):

In fifth place is Heytea, a brand that’s almost synonymous with upscale bubble tea in China — and honestly, it fits. It’s a little bougie, a little polished, and kind of exactly what you'd expect in a city like Shanghai.

The brown sugar milk tea here is smooth, well-prepared, and definitely sweet, but with a level of refinement in both flavour and branding that sets it apart from more casual chains. The tea is balanced — not super strong, but present enough to hold up against the sweetness — and the milk is velvety and rich.

What makes Heytea stand out isn’t just the drink, though — it’s the vibe. Everything from the store interiors to the minimalistic logo and limited-edition collabs is designed to feel premium. And that’s what makes it such a good reflection of the Shanghai lifestyle. There’s a bit of show, a bit of polish, and a definite sense of wanting things to look as good as they taste. Shanghainese people do tend to be a bit bougie, and Heytea leans into that — confidently.

It might not be the most tea-forward or groundbreaking on this list, but it’s enjoyable, reliable, and very on-brand for the city it thrives in.

4.5 bobas/5