As you stare at your phone, scrolling through endless bubble tea options and wondering if that powdered mix will ever satisfy, it’s important that you know there are better-tasting alternatives. If you’re looking for truly exceptional boba in Vaughan, here’s where to start.
Gong Cha Richmond Hill
$ | (905) 884-8880 | WEBSITE
Same delicious Gong Cha bubble tea, but in Richmond Hill. Their Richmond Hill location is open for hanging out and studying every day starting at noon. If you’re customizing, you can choose your sugar and ice levels to get your drink just right. Otherwise, just pick from favorites like taro milk tea or strawberry milk tea.
Real Fruit Bubble Tea
$$ | (888) 896-1829 | WEBSITE
At the southern end of Vaughn Mills mall, Real Fruit Bubble Tea serves some excellent mango diamond slush with real fruit pieces as well as some perfectly refreshing coconut sherbet with boba on the side. Order both of these things, and throw in a mango slush if walking exclusively through one corner of the mall has left you parched. Just use the self-order kiosks for pickup, or go online for delivery.
Noon Moment(Finch)
$ | (416) 901-3533 | WEBSITE
Whether it’s for takeout, delivery, or indoor seating, the Finch location of Noon Moment is where you should be getting bubble tea in the area. Just like their other spots, this place serves a bunch of smoothie variations (including standout ones with mango and durian), as well as delicious bubble teas.
Hero Tea Yonge Street
$ | (416) 223-1712 | WEBSITE
With the variety of drinks they serve, Hero Tea almost qualifies as a dessert café. This Vaughan spot has mango sago tea and fruit slushes, as well as well-balanced and visually appealing bubble tea. But mostly, Hero Tea is a bubble tea destination. It’s a go-to for a solid mango sago tea or refreshing fruit slush. Order ahead at 905-303-8888 for pickup, or check out their kid-friendly indoor seating if you’re in the Yonge Street area.
SUFICUP AURORA
$ | (905) 503-5121 | WEBSITE
Suficup Aurora opened in Vaughan a few years back and has become our go-to for bubble tea and sweet treats in the neighborhood. Try the boba with perfectly chewy tapioca pearls and super fresh crepes that hit all the sweet, creamy, satisfying high notes. Give them a visit or place an order there. They’re also open late on weekends for indoor chilling.
hey Niu Niu Yonge and Sheppard
$ | (647) 832-1608 | WEBSITE
Hey Niu Niu Yonge and Sheppard serves bubble tea every day, making it a perfect spot for a quick, satisfying drink. It’s located right near the Yonge and Sheppard intersection, in case you’re in the area and want to pick up a coconut custard cup or some sakura lychee with aiyu jelly on your way home.
The Campus Bubble Tea
$ | (416) 551-3835 | WEBSITE
The Campus Bubble Tea will wonderfully brighten your day for about $6. That’s what most drinks run here, and one beverage is truly all you require. Try the Original bubble milk tea with brown sugar and tapioca pearls in a creamy, authentic base. For pickup or delivery, call the shop directly or order through their app.
Bambu Dessert Drinks
$ | (905) 738-8589 | WEBSITE
When we visit Bambu Dessert Drinks near Vaughan Mills Mall, we always make sure to get at least one dessert drink. Try the smashed avocado dessert drink with boba and coffee jellies, or the traditional iced Vietnamese coffee with coffee jellies. You can stop by the cozy shop with limited seating to study or work, where the friendly staff will help you choose from their unique menu every day.
Kung Fu Tea on Highway 7 (Richmond Hill)
Kung Fu Tea on Highway 7 is a Richmond Hill staple, and, even now, it’s still where you should be sipping a large purple taro milk tea with warm brown sugar pearls or a refreshing mango slush with those delightfully squishy pearls. They’re serving up those light and airy egg waffles too, though one might occasionally be a tad overdone. This spot is, however, cash-only, so be sure to bring enough for your drinks and maybe a snack from the counter.
Also, parking in the plaza can be tricky, so you might need to loop around to find a spot.
Kraft Tea Bubble Tea – Woodbridge
$ | (905) 605-5088 | WEBSITE
In case you’ve been put in charge of picking a spot for a casual hangout, get Kraft Tea’s Taro Ice Cream with Taiyaki that comes with creamy taro ice cream, a warm fish-shaped waffle, and chewy boba pearls. It’s sort of like opting for “D, all of the above” on a bubble tea ordering test (and it’s always the right answer). Then make sure to order the Brown Sugar Matcha Latte without telling anyone about it – it’s our favorite thing here and you’re not going to want to share.
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice
$ | (905) 237-1686 | WEBSITE
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice at the corner of Yonge and Weldrick has kept me and my friends refreshed for many visits now. Everything on their extensive menu is good, but I particularly recommend the classic milk tea with pearls, the fruit tea options, and any of their fresh juice blends. The staff are always friendly and efficient, and the drinks come out quick.
With plenty of parking available and a large sitting area that includes tables and a bar spot for solo guests, it’s a convenient spot whether you’re meeting friends or just stopping by. The accessible washrooms inside make it easy for everyone to enjoy what many consider the best bubble tea in town.
Tea Shop 168 (Shops on Yonge)
Given that it’s often quite busy at Tea Shop 168 in the Shops on Yonge, opting for takeout is a practical choice if you’re craving their Litchi Coconut jelly beverage or want to sample their standard selection of bubble teas. You can swing by for a refreshing drink or to-go order any day from 10:00am-9:00pm.
Sugar Rain Cafe
$ | (647) 229-5797 | WEBSITE
Another reliable bubble tea and cafe spot in Vaughan is Sugar Rain Cafe. Get the taro cake, which tastes soft and delicious with real taro chunks and will only feel more comforting as you savor each bite. If you’re sharing, the cream cake will probably be the crowd favorite. It comes with fresh mangoes that add a slight sweetness into the cream, contains no additives or saccharin, and feels light and comfy to eat. Sugar Rain Cafe also has reasonable prices and cost-effective lunch specials.
TasteT House
TasteT House in Vaughan has an extensive menu ranging from classic milk teas to creative slushes, with everything from the recommended Chocolate Oreo Slush and Taro milk tea to the popular fresh fruit series. The tapioca pairs perfectly with any “Milk” Teas (which you should try). They open daily with specials, and you can order for pickup or delivery.
Cafe Daily
$ | (647) 352-2499 | WEBSITE
For cozy dessert spots in the North York area, Cafe Daily is there for you. It’s a hidden gem for a solid bowl of bingsu or cinnamon brick toast, and roughly 90% of the items on the menu cost less than $15. Don’t overthink this. Just stop by for a visit or call ahead for takeout.
Bubble Tea & Me
$ | (905) 881-8232 | WEBSITE
If you’re in Vaughan, you should be telling everyone you know about Bubble Tea & Me. It’s been around for years, serving drinks and desserts you may not have found elsewhere in the area like condensed milk toast and specialties from their nostalgic menu. Whatever you do, order the bubble tea. This drink has a pleasantly smooth and creamy consistency, and it makes for great company with board games or the arcade console.
The red velvet cheesecake was also excellent, with a rich texture that pairs perfectly with their affordable offerings. This spot is pure comfort, with people meeting friends there for years, coming for drinks with their crew, and having great chill sessions. They’ve really upped their game over the years, adding more choices to their menu both in terms of food and drinks, all of which are at a very reasonable price.
The twinkle lights and cozy setup create a peaceful atmosphere that feels like being at someone’s house. The staff are praised for their friendly and attentive service, making sure everything is just right. This long-standing restaurant has maintained its high quality, making it a beloved local favorite where you can transport yourself to the most chill hangout spot.
Kung Fu Tea on Bayview (Richmond Hill)
$ | (905) 237-5060 | WEBSITE
The Pearl Earl Grey Milk Tea at Kung Fu Tea on Bayview deserves its own documentary or at least a ceremonial unveiling by someone in a crisp apron. Grab that drink, and get the Mango Green Tea with Egg Waffles and Tiramisu from Nonna Lia. This exceptional bubble tea spot in Richmond Hill also has everything from the 38 Milk King to the Strawberry Yogurt Slush, and it’s currently welcoming both families and remote workers.
Visit their comfortable location, or call ahead for your post-workout refreshment.
TP Tea (Commerce Gate)
$ | (905) 597-8358 | WEBSITE
TP Tea is open, and this information should make you feel two to three times better than when you weren’t sure if you could get your hands on this borderline-perfect bubble tea spot in Vaughan. The mango pomelo sago with tea jelly is a non-optional order, and we highly suggest you try their strong milk tea. It’s rich and flavorful, and you want it. Arrive before 8pm for pickup, as tapioca often runs out in the evening.