Taiwan’s renowned milk tea brand, Chicha San Chen, has officially arrived in Houston, opening its doors in Chinatown at 9750 Bellaire Blvd. The grand debut has already created a buzz, with eager tea lovers lining up for up to two hours to experience the brand’s signature, meticulously brewed teas and boba creations.
Founded in 1998 in Taichung City, Taiwan, Chicha San Chen has grown into an international sensation, boasting locations across multiple countries and in several U.S. states, including California, Utah, New York, Georgia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
What sets Chicha San Chen apart from typical boba shops is its obsession with tea quality and precision brewing. The brand uses an innovative “tea-spresso” machine, which applies high-temperature pressurized extraction—similar to an espresso machine—to make each tea fresh to order.
Unlike many other tea shops that pre-brew tea in batches or rely on instant powders, Chicha San Chen ensures every cup meets the highest standards of aroma, flavor, and texture.
Even the packaging is thoughtfully designed: when ordering multiple drinks, customers receive them in a stylish cardboard sleeve with a twine handle, giving the experience an artisanal touch.
Prices reflect the brand’s premium quality, starting at $5.50 for a classic brewed tea and reaching $7.50 for a milk tea with chewy boba pearls. Yet, tea connoisseurs seem more than willing to pay for the superior taste and craftsmanship. Among the most popular choices are green tea and osmanthus tea, a delicately floral blend with notes of apricot and apple.
For those seeking something adventurous, the menu also features a spiked Wonderland drink, blending Bailey’s Irish Cream, oolong green tea, White Gourd tea, and vodka.
Beyond its drinks, Chicha San Chen offers a tea-tasting experience, allowing guests to explore Taiwanese Li Shan oolong tea, which is roasted at five different levels to highlight its unique characteristics.
The Texas expansion of Chicha San Chen is led by Chloe Weng, Vera Pei, and Jinjing Weng, who first discovered the brand in Los Angeles. After launching their first Texas location in Austin in 2023, they expanded to Carrollton in January—and now, Houston.
“Tea is our go-to drink, just like coffee is for others—it’s part of our lives,” says Chloe Weng. “We chose this brand because it measures everything perfectly at each step, ensuring the best cup every time.”
With its commitment to authenticity, quality, and an elevated tea-drinking experience, Chicha San Chen is poised to become a must-visit destination for milk tea lovers in Houston.
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