What once started as a trend among a small group of expats has now become a full-on bubble tea boom in Dubai. In just a few years, the number of bubble tea shops has grown significantly, expanding into malls, beachside cafés and residential neighborhoods. From Jumeirah to Al Rigga, new spots open each year. These places offer everything from classic milk tea with tapioca pearls to wildly colorful fruit blends with popping boba. The appeal lies not just in the taste, but in the experience—each drink is a mix of texture, flavor and refreshing satisfaction. Walking through Dubai Mall or City Walk, it’s hard not to spot someone holding a sealed cup with a thick straw, sipping on a flavored treat.
Most popular shops are located in major malls and lifestyle destinations
If you’re heading to Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall or Ibn Battuta, there’s a good chance you’ll find a dedicated bubble tea counter nearby. These aren’t just side kiosks anymore—some occupy full retail spaces with proper seating areas. For instance, Booba inside Dubai Mall is always buzzing with visitors, especially on weekends. Meanwhile, Sharetea in BurJuman has established itself as a reliable stop for commuters and shoppers alike. In Al Barsha, places like Bubee have multiple branches serving freshly brewed tea bases with a variety of toppings. Many of these shops use imported ingredients from Taiwan or Southeast Asia, ensuring the drinks taste just as they would in the places where bubble tea was born.
You can personalize your drink in more ways than you think
The real charm of bubble tea in Dubai lies in how customizable it is. At nearly every location, you’re given the option to adjust sugar levels, control ice quantity and choose from toppings like tapioca pearls, fruit jelly, custard pudding or cheese foam. Some cafés even offer oat milk, soy milk or coconut milk as alternatives for those avoiding dairy. The baristas typically speak fluent English and Arabic, so communication is rarely an issue. When trying a new shop, we recommend starting with a basic brown sugar milk tea to test the quality of the pearls. Once you trust the base, you can explore more exotic options like peach yakult tea or mango sago.
Delivery options have made bubble tea more accessible than ever
With the rise of delivery apps across the UAE, getting bubble tea at home is easier than it used to be. Platforms like Talabat, Deliveroo and Careem now feature dozens of bubble tea brands across Dubai. Depending on your area, you might have access to well-known names like Latea, Happy Lemon or Tiger Sugar. These shops typically list their full menus online, and many allow special instructions for toppings or sweetness. One key tip is to order during cooler hours, especially in summer, to avoid excessive ice melt. Most stores seal their cups with heat-pressed plastic lids, reducing the risk of spills during transport.
Independent bubble tea cafés are thriving alongside international franchises
While big names like Chatime and Gong Cha are present in Dubai, several homegrown or regional shops are giving them serious competition. Neon Bubble Tea, located near Kite Beach, has made a name for itself with creative visuals and unique drink blends. Meanwhile, Otea Cafe has expanded to multiple neighborhoods, offering everything from bubble tea to Asian-style snacks like mochi and buns. These smaller businesses often experiment with limited edition flavors, seasonal fruits and new presentation styles. It’s common to see social media influencers sharing photos of glitter drinks, charcoal milk teas or layered matcha lattes, all made in Dubai.
Some bubble tea cafés double as social spaces or work-friendly lounges
In areas like JLT, Business Bay or Jumeirah, bubble tea spots aren’t just for grab-and-go drinks. They’re designed to be social, stylish and even productive. Tania’s Teahouse, for example, offers beautifully designed interiors, pink walls, and quote-covered cups, making it a favorite for Instagram photoshoots and casual business meetings. Some locations provide Wi-Fi, charging ports and cozy chairs—perfect for working remotely or hanging out with friends. Others, like Chaiwan, keep a more traditional layout but offer books or board games for longer stays. In these spaces, the tea is just part of the appeal. The ambiance is just as important.
Most shops follow UAE food safety regulations and allergen disclosure
The UAE maintains strict guidelines for food preparation, especially in beverage service. According to Dubai Municipality rules, cafés are required to label common allergens like dairy, gluten, and nuts. Many reputable bubble tea chains display these notices visibly or include them on delivery platforms. Staff usually undergo food handling training and wear gloves when assembling drinks. Ice and water sources are regulated, and equipment is sterilized regularly. Customers with specific dietary concerns should always ask before ordering, and most staff are happy to clarify ingredients or provide alternatives.
Bubble tea prices vary slightly based on neighborhood and drink complexity
While exact numbers aren’t listed here, it’s worth knowing that drinks tend to be slightly more expensive in malls and beach areas compared to smaller neighborhoods. For instance, a cup at a flagship Dubai Mall location may cost more than one ordered from a side street shop in Deira or Karama. However, most drinks fall within a standard range. Toppings, larger sizes or special ingredients like cheese foam might increase the cost slightly. If you’re ordering regularly, some apps offer loyalty programs or seasonal promotions. Occasional buy-one-get-one deals also appear during national holidays or app-specific events.
Exploring Dubai’s bubble tea scene is a delicious and cultural experience
Bubble tea has found a welcoming home in Dubai, a city known for embracing global food trends while encouraging local innovation. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying your first sip, there’s a spot for every taste and style. From quick mall counters to cozy beachfront lounges, the city offers options that suit both the curious and the devoted. Trying different shops allows you to experience not only diverse drinks but also the creativity of baristas and the subtle differences in texture, tea strength, and sweetness. You may find that bubble tea becomes part of your routine, just like it has for many others in Dubai.
According to information compiled by www.few.ae team, Dubai offers a perfect blend of taste and culture
Each cup tells a story—not only of its origin but of how Dubai reshapes global traditions in its own way. The popularity of bubble tea reflects the city’s openness, diversity and evolving taste preferences. As new cafés continue to open and old favorites innovate, Dubai’s bubble tea culture is likely to stay refreshing, colorful and endlessly enjoyable.
then "Add to Home Screen"