BACK then when the bubble tea craze and “Instagrammable” bubble tea places haven’t invaded Cebu yet, Cebuanos had a go-to place for catching up with friends, studying out or simply getting their milk tea fix. It was this playful and colorful bubble tea house with extra large teddy bears on its cozy couches, with the colors pink, green and orange in its interior. With its distinctive bubble tea choices and its cushy ambiance, the brand branched out in SM City Cebu, Cebu IT Park and Escario Central after the success of the opening of its main branch in the North Reclamation Area.
Familiar at the same time nostalgic, right?
Bubble tea fans since 2009 surely remember Bubble Bee Tea House. The good news: The “OG” is back (FYI, its main branch has not closed) in the city, specifically in Maxwell Hotel on Escario St. It has a new branding, fresh aesthetic, the same top service but an upgraded menu.
At this new, colorful bubble tea house, every spot is Instagram-worthy including its concrete bleachers with built-in circular tables and round-shaped yellow suede cushions, a private room with a glass ceiling that allows natural light into the room and cloud-like benches near the polished concrete counter.
The 75-seat re-branded bubble tea house represents the vision of owner Cherith Tan inspired by her travels. “With all the milk tea craze right now, we wanted to set ourselves apart. Our new logo is yellow, symbolizing freshness,” she said.
With the new branding, Cherith shared that Bubble Bee Tea House now focuses on freshness, fresh in terms of brewing tea per order using its Teapresso machine, mixing it with fresh fruits and getting more creative with its drinks. The team also innovated and upgraded many of their raw ingredients to a higher quality.
Bubble Bee Tea House expanded its menu and now serves Creative Mix, Panna Cotta, cofits La Rou Fan rice box, a Taiwanese braised pork belly, and XL Chicken inspired by Taiwan’s Hot-Star large fried chicken, and desserts aside from its famous flavored milk teas and milk tea with pearls.
While most milk tea owners are introducing new flavors and unconventional ways to enjoy this well-loved sugary treat, Bubble Bee Tea House brings in to the milk tea world its Boba Toast, a special toast topped with cream cheese and boba. The new bubble tea house also houses a curated art store beside its meeting room.
Bubble Bee Tea House is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 midnight, and 12 noon to 12 midnight on Sunday.