Chase the Perfect Chew with the Top 10 Bubble Tea Finds in Penang!
My cousins are the reason I fell hard for bubble tea—one sip of their brown sugar boba, and I was hooked! We even turned it into a game in Penang, arguing over which shop had the chewiest pearls like it was world-class competition.
Since then, we’ve hopped around Penang tasting everything from rich milk teas to fruity mixes and playful toppings. Some spots nailed the perfect chew, others surprised us with flavours that instantly made our favourites list.
Keep reading if you’re craving your next boba fix! Get ready to indulge yourself with our list of the most unforgettable bubble tea spots in Penang that we always go back to!
Beigongcha (The Prestige)
– Media credit: beigongcha_my
Address: Unit 4, The Prestige 8, Gat Lebuh Gereja
Contact details: +601124320199
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $
Beigongcha grabbed our attention with its bold tea flavours, especially when you’re craving something fragrant and smooth. You’ll like how their Tie Guan Milk Tea brings out a clean tea aroma while still feeling light to sip.
The space isn’t crowded during off-hours, so you get a relaxed spot to enjoy your drink. Their Dahongpao Milk Tea stands out if you want something richer, and pairing it with salted milk foam gives a nice contrast.
You’ll taste the roasted notes instantly, and reduced sugar keeps the balance just right. It’s the kind of drink you’re happy to linger with rather than rush through.
Pro tip: Go straw-free for milk foam drinks so you get the full layers of flavour. If you’re unsure what to order, ask for their tea-based signatures because they tend to be the most consistent.
SomeTea
– Media credit: sometea.my
Address: 10, Lebuh Campbell, George Town
Contact details: +60143262796
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
SomeTea stood out to us the moment we tried their mango-based drinks, especially the one loaded with fresh fruit and sago. You get a thick, dessert-like texture without feeling heavy, and the half-sugar option keeps everything nicely balanced.
The shop is calm on weekday afternoons, which is great if you like sipping in a quiet space. You’ll also enjoy how their classic teas taste clean and full-bodied, thanks to the way they brew them.
Even their simpler milk teas let you taste the tea first before the sweetness kicks in. The seating area is simple but cosy enough for a quick break or a slow catch-up.
Pro tip: Their fruity drinks shine the most with less ice, so you don’t dilute the flavour. If you’re trying them for the first time, stick with their fruit-forward signatures as they tend to be the most memorable.
Love Corner
– Media credit: lovecornertea_malaysia
Address: No 67-1, Farlim Square, Jalan Pisang Embun, Kampung Melayu
Contact details: +60162287898
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Love Corner surprised us with how much variety they pack into one shop, especially with their beancurd pudding series. You get to choose between original or pandan, and each bowl comes silky smooth with your pick of toppings.
It’s a fun option if you like something softer and lighter than the usual milk tea. Their drinks lean towards the richer side, especially the smoothies with cookies, mint, and chocolate blends.
You’ll notice they use strong flavours, so every sip tastes satisfying without feeling too sweet. The shop itself feels casual and relaxed, making it easy to hang out while waiting for your order.
Pro tip: If you’re grabbing the beancurd pudding, pair it with mango or black glutinous rice—they add great texture. For drinks, ask for less ice to avoid diluting the flavours, especially with creamier options.
Mixue
– Media credit: mixuemy
Address: 170-06-05, Gurney Plaza, 06, Persiaran Gurney
Contact details: +601159582950
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $
Mixue is one of those spots you drop by when you want something quick, cold, and familiar without overthinking your order. Their soft-serve is always the highlight, especially if you like a large portion at a budget-friendly rate.
You also get freshly squeezed lemon drinks that taste bright and refreshing, which is great on a hot Penang afternoon. This outlet keeps things simple with a small seating area and steady air-conditioning.
You’ll notice the service is fast, making it easy to grab a drink on the go. The boba options lean sweeter and creamier, and they stay consistent across visits.
Pro tip: Go for their soft-serve with toppings if you want the most value—it holds up well even in warm weather. For tea-based drinks, ask for a quick shake before taking your first sip to help balance the flavours.
Bo Plan
– Media credit: boplan_rajauda
Address: 6488, Jalan Raja Uda, Lucky Park, 12300 Butterworth
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $
Bo Plan gives you that calm, cosy feeling the moment you step in, which makes it an easy go-to when you’re catching up with friends. The space is comfortable, nicely decorated, and filled with seating options—even spots with power outlets if you plan to stay longer.
Their drinks stand out because the flavours are intentionally balanced, especially the winter melon milk and guava blends. You also get simple snacks that pair well with their drinks, like dumplings, tiramisu, or the mochi matcha brownie.
Each item leans toward lighter sweetness, which is great if you prefer something refreshing instead of heavy. Even the fruit-based drinks feel thoughtful, with bits of real fruit adding some texture.
Pro tip: Their tiramisu pairs surprisingly well with their citrus-based drinks, giving you a refreshing contrast. If you’re planning to sit longer, pick the side seats with outlets; they’re usually the quietest corner of the shop.
Coolblog
– Media credit: coolblogmalaysia
Address: Mydin Mall Bertam, Bazaar Lot B-02, 2243, Jln Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir
Email: [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $
Coolblog is one of those bubble tea spots you turn to when you want something familiar, comforting, and quick. Their original milk tea still hits the spot because it has the classic, no-fuss flavour—smooth tea notes, creamy finish, and just the right sweetness when you customise it.
It’s a simple drink, but the consistency makes it one of the best picks on their menu. You also get their Harimau brown sugar milk tea, and it’s great if you prefer something indulgent.
Even their newer drinks, like coffee-based blends or seasonal flavours, are easy to enjoy when you want something different. Most of their outlets are takeaway-friendly, but the service is quick and cheerful, making it easy to grab a drink while running errands.
Pro tip: Try pairing the Harimau bron sugar milk tea with light ice—it brings out more of the caramel flavour. If you want that classic tea aroma, stick with the original milk tea at 50% sugar for the best balance.
Happy Bear & Friends
– Media credit: happybearandfriends
Address: 2, Jalan Besar, Taman Cegar, 14100 Simpang Ampat
Contact details: +601155599818
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $
Happy Bear & Friends is the kind of store you drop by when you want bubble tea and something warm to eat. Their brown sugar pearl milk tea is one of their bestsellers with its caramel-like flavour and chewy pearls, and you can add jelly if you want something even more fun to sip on!
It’s a simple drink, but the tea notes are stronger than expected, which makes it an easy favourite. Besides drinks, they offer a surprisingly wide menu of noodles that draws a steady crowd every morning.
You get options like wanton noodles, curry noodles, and kway teow soup—each one comforting and full of flavour. Portions are generous, and it’s great when you want a proper meal before cooling off with tea.
Pro tip: Swing by early if you’re aiming for noodles because they sell out fast. And if you want a drink that balances sweetness well, pick the brown sugar milk tea with less sugar for a smoother finish.
CHAGEE
– Media credit: my.chagee
Address: 1943 & 1944, Auto City River Park, Jalan Perusahaan
Contact details: +60108252198
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
CHAGEE is a great pick when you want bubble tea that leans more towards true tea flavour than heavy creaminess. Their Lapsan Souchong, Da Hong Pao, and Ceylon blends are memorable because you can taste the leaves instead of just sweetness.
It’s also one of the few spots where you get consistently smooth drinks, whether you’re dining in or grabbing them through drive-thru. The outlet itself feels calm and cosy, so you can sit comfortably if you need a break between errands.
You’ll find quick service and a straightforward ordering process, which makes the whole experience easy. The staff also pay attention to details, which is a big plus when you want your drink made properly.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure where to start, pick one of their classic black tea blends with reduced sugar to taste the tea. And if you’re eating nearby, grab your drink before sitting down because their ice and texture hold up well even after some time.
Tea Expert Macalister
– Media credit: my.teaexpert
Address: 109-D, Jln Macalister, 10400 George Town
Contact details: +601112028818
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 10 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Tea Exper Macalister is a solid pick when you’re craving bubble tea late at night and want something brewed with real care. You get a wide spread of drinks here, from fruity teas to creamy blends, and even sugar-free options that still taste balanced.
It’s the kind of place where you can actually taste the tea instead of just the sweetness. The shop itself feels comfortable with clean prep areas, cool air conditioning, and enough space for you to sit and unwind.
You also get the choice of indoor or rooftop seating, which makes it easy to hang out depending on your mood. Even simple things like easy nighttime parking add to the experience, especially in a busy area like Macalister.
Pro tip: Try ordering any fruit-based drink with less ice to bring out the natural flavours. And if you’re staying to chill, the rooftop area is a quiet corner that’s great for longer conversations.
Black Ball
– Media credit: hangry_pauline
Address: 1st Avenue Mall Ground Floor ,G-01D &G-01D, 182, Jalan Magazine
Contact details: +60165336347
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Black Ball is a great stop when you want a menu that is full of Taiwanese-style bowls, chewy toppings, and creamy drinks that hit the spot without being overly sweet. It’s one of those places where textures like tang yuan, tapioca, and grass jelly are just as enjoyable as the flavours.
You’ll also find shaved ice options and soya-based treats if you prefer something lighter. The drinks come out quickly, and the consistency across their bowls makes it easy to find a favourite.
The space feels modern with plenty of seats, so you can relax while enjoying your drink. What sets this bubble tea shop unique is how satisfying everything feels, from the chewy pearls to the smooth soya ice!
Pro tip: Go for a bowl with both warm and cold elements if you like layered textures. And if you’re unsure what to pick, ask about their seasonal combos—they often introduce fun mixes you might not notice on the menu.