#tea central

Just last year, I barely cared about tea. I only drank tea if it's offered for free in Chinese restaurants. As you can see, I was more of a coffee addict back then (well, up until now actually). Haha. Then there came a time for my love for frozen yogurts too. But nowadays, new markets are emerging to challenge the coffee and froyo industry such as milk tea which is currently making waves in the market. It is due to the numerous milk tea joints that I have been converted to becoming a milk tea enthusiast. Hihihi.

It has been about half a year now since I started my cravings for milk tea. And I'd say my love for it continues to grow as more and more stores open up and newer flavors are formulated and re-invented. :9

At this point, let me share with you some of my milk tea hot spots.

1. TEA CENTRAL

'Twas my sister who first introduced me to milk tea, specifically Royal Milk Tea with Pearls, and that was by Tea Central. This was also "the" incident which ignited my taste buds to this milk tea craze. Since then, I'd ask her to buy me a cup whenever she comes home every weekend. :)

  Location: 2nd floor D' Students Place Taft Avenue

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2. HAPPY LEMON

Heard a lot of great reviews regarding this one before trying it. I was even more pushed to trying it out the moment I learned that Chris Tiu is one of its owner/endorsers. My personal fave is Cocoa with Rock Salt & Cheese, although technically, that's not milk tea. :D

  My first Happy Lemon encounter was with my Momma at Eastwood. Now they have branches in Greenhills, Rockwell, and Trinoma Mall.

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3. SERENITEA

I am an avid reader of fashion blogger Tricia Gosingtian and it was by reading her blogs and tweets that influenced me into trying out Serenitea. I had Wintermelon milk tea on my first drink there. Apparently, that was also my last up to this moment because the store locations are quite far from my place. :(

  Location: Unit 1 Ground Floor, Eastwood, Cyber & Fashion Mall

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4. CHATIME

I was very fortunate on my first drink at Chatime. They just recently opened their store in SM North Edsa at that time which was why me and my friends were able to avail of their Buy 1, Take 1 promo. What I like about Chatime too is that they have a loyalty card which allows you to get a stamp for every drink you order, and then and if you fill up the card you get a free drink. I was not able to finish filling up my card though. :P

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5. MOONLEAF

I've heard so much about Moonleaf from my batch mates since they kept on visiting its store in Maginhawa St. However, I am not familiar of the place and did not have any agenda around the store's vicinity. It was only last week after I got my license from PRC, that I was able to try Moonleaf since they now have their branch in St. Thomas square. This store, by far, is my latest addition to the milk tea stores I've visited.

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6. GONG CHA

Ah yes! My favorite milk tea place! Despite its pricey drinks, it lives up to its tag line, "Tea fit for royalty." Because of my so much love for their milk teas, I even made a separate post right after my first encounter. Perhaps what makes me long for Gong Cha milk tea is "the" Gong Cha Milk Cream. It is an add on which costs Php 40, but is free if you order the Gong Cha House Special drinks. It is definitely something you should try! :D

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7. BUBBA TEA LICIOUS

And last, but not the least, is Bubba Tea Licious which I visit every now and then for their Php 55 large Royal Milk Tea with extra pearls. It's the nearest milk tea store from my place and the cheapest too! During my sudden desires for milk tea, I instantly resort to BTL to satisfy my cravings. It has also been a habit for me to buy and drink this whenever I go to SM Fairview.

  There you go! Seven stores from the many, many milk tea joints in the Metro. I had a TEA-RIFFIC experience with each of them. I'll continue to explore more milk tea flavors and so, the battle of the best milk tea continues...