Are these affordable bubble tea options truly a bargain, offering quality and taste as rumored, or do they simply cater to the budget-conscious preferences of customers? To answer this, our reporter surveyed, experienced, and compiled reviews from patrons about the top 5 notable 10k bubble tea shops currently trending in Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Viên Viên Bubble Tea – “Top Choice Among Students”
Price Range: 7,000 – 29,000 VND
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Viên Viên is a familiar name among the youth, especially students in the Tan Phu area. From its launch, the brand has made waves with its unique marketing strategy: selling bubble tea for just 7,000 VND per cup during the initial days. This unbelievably low price quickly attracted a large number of young customers.
The bubble tea at Viên Viên is highly praised for its strong tea flavor and balanced sweetness. Customers often rave about the black tea and green tea variants as crowd-pleasers. The chewy, sweet tapioca pearls add a delightful texture. The menu offers a variety of flavors like red grape tea, kiwi green tea, and red grape tea, along with toppings such as pudding and jelly, providing ample choices for customers.
A drawback is that the shop primarily serves takeaway orders, with limited seating. Additionally, the brand is sometimes confused with other similarly named chains. However, with its affordable pricing and consistent quality, Viên Viên deserves its spot as a favorite affordable bubble tea destination.
2. Chợ Lớn Bubble Tea – “Traditional Excellence”
Price Range: 10,000 – 25,000 VND
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Chợ Lớn, a longstanding brand in District 6, is cherished by generations for its traditional recipes. The shop stands out for maintaining its classic flavors, avoiding trendy, overly complex variations.
The black tea with milk is a customer favorite, featuring a robust tea flavor and creamy milk, paired with large black tapioca pearls—a signature of the shop. Priced between 10,000 and 25,000 VND, it’s an ideal choice for students and those who appreciate simplicity and tradition.
The shop’s small space and focus on takeaway orders are minor drawbacks, and it’s sometimes confused with other similarly named shops. Nonetheless, its consistent flavor and affordable prices have sustained its popularity over the years.
3. Châu Viên Bubble Tea – “Refreshing and Mild”
Price Range: 10,000 – 25,000 VND
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
While Viên Viên is known for its bold sweetness, Châu Viên captivates with its refreshing and mild flavors. The traditional bubble tea and peach tea are highly recommended for their gentle, non-overwhelming taste, perfect for those who prefer less sweetness.
The chewy tapioca pearls and various toppings like jelly and pudding create a harmonious balance between tea and milk. However, the flavor can become diluted as the ice melts, so it’s best enjoyed while the drink is still fresh and flavorful.
With reasonable pricing and a simple yet convenient setup, Châu Viên has built a loyal customer base, primarily students and office workers in the Tan Binh area.
4. Tam Hảo Hong Kong Milk Tea – “Vintage Hong Kong Vibes”
Price Range: 7,000 – 20,000 VND
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tam Hảo is a favorite among young people seeking unique ambiance. Unlike many budget bubble tea shops, Tam Hảo offers a 1980s Hong Kong-inspired decor, evoking a vintage and highly Instagrammable atmosphere. It’s one of the few affordable bubble tea spots that provide a distinct visual experience.
The signature traditional Hong Kong milk tea boasts a strong tea flavor and creamy milk, reminiscent of childhood tastes. The diverse toppings, from tapioca pearls to glass jelly, further enhance the drink’s appeal.
The shop’s small space and focus on takeaway orders are minor drawbacks. Its marketing efforts are limited, relying heavily on word-of-mouth and social media. However, this approach fosters a sense of authenticity and closeness with customers.
5. Phi Phi Bubble Tea – “Nostalgic Flavors”
Price Range: 10,000 – 35,000 VND
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Phi Phi, a small yet highly regarded bubble tea brand, is celebrated for its unique recipes. The signature Phi Phi bubble tea offers a rustic, familiar flavor that evokes memories of schoolyard drinks.
A major plus is the use of fresh ingredients and handmade toppings, providing a safer option compared to other budget brands. The chewy tapioca pearls, creamy pudding, and various jellies create a delightful texture. The tea flavor is mild and subtly sweet.
Some customers note that certain branches have slightly overpowering flavors, hinting at artificial additives. Nevertheless, with its reasonable pricing and welcoming atmosphere, Phi Phi remains a worthwhile choice for those seeking affordable yet quality bubble tea.
After reviewing these top 5 affordable bubble tea shops in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s clear that low prices don’t compromise quality. Each shop offers unique strengths: Viên Viên for its bold tea flavor, Châu Viên for its refreshing mildness, Tam Hảo for its vintage ambiance, Phi Phi for its nostalgic taste, and Chợ Lớn for its traditional consistency.
A common limitation is their small spaces, primarily catering to takeaway orders. This is understandable given the low prices, which restrict significant investment in infrastructure. Flavor consistency may vary across branches due to differences in preparation. However, for just 10,000 to 20,000 VND, customers can enjoy a budget-friendly bubble tea experience without sacrificing essential flavor. This is why these affordable bubble tea shops continue to captivate the youth community.
Affordable bubble tea is more than just a budget-friendly trend; it reflects the practical needs of a large customer base, especially young people. If you’re seeking a memorable yet affordable bubble tea experience, visit one of these top 5 shops and judge for yourself if 10k bubble tea truly lives up to the hype.
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