If you walk past any café or street in Vietnam’s cities, you’ll likely see groups of young people holding colorful drinks with chewy black pearls at the bottom. Yes – we’re talking about Vietnam bubble tea! Known locally as “trà sữa”, this sweet, creamy, and chewy drink has become a cultural obsession among Vietnamese youth.
Let’s dive into the world of Vietnam bubble tea and other trendy beverages dominating Vietnam’s café scene.
🍹 What Is Bubble Tea?
Bubble tea, originally from Taiwan, is a drink made from milk tea and tapioca pearls (also called boba). Over time, Vietnamese stores have taken the basic recipe and created a wide variety of flavors, toppings, and styles.
Popular bubble tea flavors in Vietnam include:
Classic Milk Tea – black tea with milk and pearls
Brown Sugar Milk Tea – rich, sweet, and Instagrammable
Matcha Milk Tea – green tea lovers’ favorite
Fruit Tea – refreshing and perfect for hot weather
Cheese Foam Tea – topped with a salty-sweet cream layer
Many stores also offer jelly toppings, pudding, aloe vera, and fruit bits, letting customers customize every drink to their liking.
💡 Fun fact: Some young people in Vietnam drink bubble tea daily as a lifestyle habit – it’s that popular!
📍 Where to Get Bubble Tea in Vietnam
You can find bubble tea shops everywhere, from shopping malls to sidewalks. Here are a few famous chains and local brands loved by Vietnamese youth:
The Alley – known for aesthetic cups and rich brown sugar pearls
KOI Thé – a Singaporean brand with strong tea bases
Gong Cha – one of the most recognized international tea brands
TocoToco, Phúc Long, and Tiger Sugar – all local favorites with loyal fans
👉 Check out our Vietnam Street Food & Drinks Guide for more drink hotspots.
👉 Learn about global bubble tea trends on BubbleTeaSupply.com
🌟 Other Trendy Drinks Loved by Vietnamese Youth
Aside from Vietnam bubble tea, young people also enjoy:
Yogurt drinks (sữa chua uống) with fruit toppings
Macchiato teas with a layer of salted cream cheese
Ice-blended drinks like Oreo frappes and matcha smoothies
Seasonal fruit teas with mango, lychee, or passionfruit
Herbal teas for a healthier alternative
These drinks are not just for taste—they’re a social experience, often paired with hanging out at cafés, studying, or taking photos for social media.
🎯 Why Is Bubble Tea So Popular?
Affordable luxury – most drinks cost between 30,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.25 – $2.50)
Customizable – endless combinations of flavors and toppings
Visual appeal – colorful, layered, and perfect for Instagram
Trendy vibe – every bubble tea brand has its own identity, often linked to youth culture
✅ Final Thoughts
Vietnam bubble tea has evolved into more than just a beverage – it’s a youth lifestyle. Whether you’re a local teen or a curious traveler, sipping on milk tea with chewy pearls is a must-try experience while in Vietnam.
With new flavors and café concepts emerging all the time, bubble tea culture in Vietnam shows no signs of slowing down.
