The bubble tea scene in Birmingham is a battlefield. New spots pop up faster than I can decide what toppings to get, and then, just as quickly, they're gone. It's a true survival of the fittest, and honestly, if your boba is basically just a cup of sugary water with some squishy things at the bottom, you're not long for this world. So, for your drinking pleasure, I've compiled my hit list of the best places to get your fix.
First up, a bit of an outlier. Hey Tea is not a typical bubble tea joint. It's a fruit tea sanctuary. Forget your usual milky concoctions; this is all about that fresh, fruity goodness. Their grape and grapefruit teas are an absolute revelation. Full of real fruit chunks and so ridiculously refreshing, they're basically a health drink... if you ignore the sugar. Their matcha is also surprisingly good, a proper earthy flavour that puts the usual UK chain stuff to shame.
Directly opposite Hey Tea, you’ll find Oricha, the faithful guardian of traditional Taiwanese bubble tea. This is where you go when you want a classic done right. Their Fresh Taro Milk is a game-changer – creamy, a little bit starchy, and so comforting it's like a hug in a cup. For the purists, the Lishan or Osmanthus milk teas are divine. The tea flavour is strong but not overpowering, a perfect marriage of leaf and milk. It's what bubble tea was always meant to be.
If you're a tea fanatic like me, you'll appreciate Molly Tea. This is another Chinese import, but their focus is purely on the quality of their tea leaves. Their milk teas are brewed to have a serious, robust flavour. I'm talking a proper, grown-up tea taste that stands up to the milk and toppings. If you're someone who thinks most milk teas are a bit bland, Molly Tea is your new best friend. Just a warning, if you prefer a subtle flavour, this might be a bit of a shock to the system.
The name is a bit cheeky, I'll admit. It's easily confused with the big-name Gong Cha, which, let's be honest, didn't last long here. But don't let the name fool you. ALS Gong Cha is a worthy contender, and dare I say, even better than the original that closed down. This is classic Taiwanese boba at its finest. My personal go-to here is the Roasted Milk Tea. It has a gorgeous smoky, caramelised flavour that is truly unique and addictive.
Molly Tea
Hey Tea
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| Signature grape tea |
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| Top-notch Matcha |
Oricha
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| My favourite fresh taro milk - Google Image |
Molly Tea
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| Very eye catching pink cup - Google Image |
ALS Gong Cha
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| Located in Chinese Quarter next to indoor market- Google Image |
Honourable Mention: T4 (Unfortunately T4 is permanently closed in 2026)
T4 is the OG of Brum's bubble tea scene (after their temporary closure, it is re-opened now). Is it the best? Surely not. The bubble tea itself is decent, but nothing to write home about with all the new competition. What keeps me coming back is their hot food. Their crispy chicken is a thing of beauty, a salty, savoury slice of Taiwanese street food heaven. And the bubble waffle is a good treat to pair with a not-so-perfect but still-drinkable bubble tea.Final Verdict
For classic Taiwanese perfection, it's Oricha or ALS Gong Cha. For a fruit-filled escape, Hey Tea is your jam. And for a seriously strong brew, Molly Tea is the one.
Restaurant Info:
Hey Tea
Restaurant Info:
Hey Tea
Address: 23 Corporation St, Birmingham B2 4LP
Oricha
Address: 10 Corporation St, Birmingham B2 4RN
Molly Tea
Address: 79-84 High St, Birmingham B4 7TE
ALS Gong Cha
Address: Shop 3, Indoor Market, Pershore St, Birmingham B5 4RW
T4 Birmingham
Address: 116 New St, Birmingham B2 4NS
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