Tea, an enduring legacy from British colonialists, has woven itself into the fabric of Dhaka’s culture, making tea sessions a quintessentially Dhakaite experience. However, in 2023, the tea narrative has taken an exciting turn with the advent of Boba Tea—a flavoured drink adorned with tapioca pearls. Dhaka’s streets now boast an array of cafes serving diverse variations of bubble tea, marking a departure from traditional tea culture. The Business Standard delves into the most buzzworthy boba teas in town.
Brown Sugar Cheese Tea by Gotcha
A stalwart in the boba tea scene, Gotcha has carved its niche with the iconic Brown Sugar Cheese Tea. This classic concoction comprises imported brown sugar, black boba pearls, milk tea, and a crown of cream cheese. The cream cheese, sourced from Taiwan, imparts a delightful creamy and salty undertone, elevating the drink’s richness. Gotcha offers additional topping options, such as burning grass jelly, pudding jelly, and coconut jelly. The Brown Sugar Cheese Tea stands out as a paragon of perfection in milk tea, leaving behind a subtle creamy aftertaste.
Classic Milk Tea by Koi Thé
Koi Thé, a distinguished international chain originating from Taiwan, takes the lead among Dhaka’s upscale boba destinations. The Koi Milk Tea, a hallmark of the brand, features raw black tea directly imported from Taiwan. The drink, devoid of local ingredients except for water, presents a harmonious blend of raw black tea and milk, coupled with the preferred level of sweetness. The golden tapioca pearls add a chewy element that distinguishes Koi as a top choice for Dhakaites, leaving a lasting impression with its smooth and creamy texture.
Brown Sugar Milk Tea by Chamichi
Chamichi, a contender in Dhaka’s boba tea resurgence, puts its unique spin on the Brown Sugar Milk Tea. Launching around the same time as Koi Thé, Chamichi has rapidly ascended the ranks with its slightly sweeter take on the classic. While the milk tea’s taste is subtly overshadowed by the richness of its components, the combination of cream cheese and golden bubbles proves delightful towards the drink’s conclusion. Notably, Chamichi introduces a distinctive touch with popping boba pearls, a rarity in Dhaka, serving as the star element in their fruit-based drinks.
As Dhaka embraces the boba tea craze, these establishments redefine tea culture, offering a fusion of tradition and innovation.
