Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, transcends the simple concept of a drink to become a true cultural experience that has captivated palates worldwide.
Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, this fascinating beverage quickly became a global sensation. In Montreal, bubble tea is not just a passing trend; it has rooted itself in the urban fabric, offering residents and visitors a multitude of variations to explore.
Characterized by its tapioca pearls, which add a unique texture at the bottom of each glass, bubble tea harmoniously blends infused tea, milk, and often sweet elements such as syrups or fruits. While traditional recipes remain popular, notably the classic milk tea with tapioca, Montreal is also a stage for innovative creations that incorporate green and black teas, fresh fruits, and even flavored jellies for a contemporary touch.
This article will guide you through the best places in Montreal to discover bubble tea in all its forms. Whether you are looking for the classic recipe that made this drink famous or wish to try modern and bold variants, Montreal offers a range of choices that satisfy all tastes.
Multiple locations
Thé Perlé Banh Mi shines on the Plateau Mont-Royal with its two locations, excelling in the art of blending Asian flavors. Their signature pearl tea offers house-infused lattes in enticing variations such as Brown Sugar and Strawberry Coulis, complemented by a selection of refreshing infused teas. Cold tea enthusiasts will enjoy delicious flavors like peach and blueberries. Additionally, Thé Perlé Banh Mi also offers excellent banh mi sandwiches at competitive prices, perfect for a tasty and affordable meal.
Multiple locations
With over 20 years of experience in the world of bubble tea in Montreal, L2 Bubble Tea offers a diverse taste experience across its 14 locations. The selection of drinks includes pearl teas, lattes, and smoothies, allowing everyone to customize their beverage. Traditional flavors like coconut mingle with original creations such as the matcha smoothie with red beans. L2 also offers vegan options, including algae extract-based sparkling pearls. Customers are invited to choose from a variety of bases-tea, milk, juice, or coffee-and add toppings such as tapioca pearls or coffee jelly.
100 Rue Saint-Antoine O, Montréal, H2Y 1J6
Since its inception in Taiwan, Dont Yell At Me has quickly earned its place as a prized destination for lovers of top-notch bubble tea and coffee. Located in Old Montreal, the café stands out for its milk teas and fruit teas, as well as its high-quality coffee. Options like the Japanese matcha latte or Jasmine tea immerse visitors in the richness of Taiwanese tea. Green teas with mango and lychee, as well as Roselle with honey, are perfect for a refreshing break. The Ceylon milk tea with maple syrup is a tasty fusion that delights the palate. Each day also offers a chance to discover their daily Wheel Cake, an authentic Taiwanese pastry.
Multiple locations
Maison O Thé offers a varied range of premium milk teas and unique bubble tea creations across its Montreal locations. Among the choices, enthusiasts can enjoy matcha variants including coffee, red beans, and salted caramel, or opt for refreshing fruit teas like honey, lemon and lychee. The "Cloud" series features teas enriched with a light foam, offering flavors such as matcha and jasmine green tea. Each visit is a chance to discover a new story in the growing family of Maison O Thé.
Multiple locations
At One Babo, every drink is a celebration of the diversity of tea. One Babo stands out in Montreal by offering an assortment of teas from Taiwan, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka, and providing a multitude of bases such as soy, almond, and oat milk. Among the standout choices, the iced jasmine tea latte and the Taro Slush accompanied by pudding and boba are distinguished. Offering an extensive range from traditional Hong Kong milk tea to modern creations like maple milk tea, the café captures the essence of Taiwanese boba while incorporating local influences. The menu also includes refreshing fruit infusions like white grape and grapefruit teas, ensuring a new experience with each visit.
2077 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa, Montréal, H3A 2M3
The Majesthé Bistro Bar, located in the heart of downtown Montreal near McGill University, offers a unique experience where bubble tea meets mixology. The "Princess Peach" cocktail cleverly mixes rum and peach schnapps, enhanced with a touch of lychee jelly, transforming each drink into a visual and flavorful work of art. The restaurant also offers a selection of Taiwanese fusion dishes, revisited with a modern twist. Favorites include grilled lamb chops, Kalbi beef, and Taiwanese noodle and beef soup, each offering a fusion of traditional and new flavors.
Multiple locations
Coco Fresh Tea, launched in Taipei in 1997, quickly became a major player in the global bubble tea market, with key locations in Montreal such as Chinatown, downtown, and Côte-des-Neiges. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Coco offers an extensive range of drinks, from Multi-flavor Milk Tea to the Fresh Milk series, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Options range from simple black or green teas in the Pure Tea series to complex creations like the Rose Salt Milk Cap, each paying homage to tradition while innovating. Visitors to Coco can also discover the Yakult series, which adds a probiotic touch to the offering. Coco's international presence attests to its popularity and commitment to offering both traditional and modern teas.
Multiple locations
Since its arrival in Montreal in 2018, Presotea, originating from Taiwan and rich in five generations of tea production expertise, is revolutionizing the art of infused tea. Using espresso machines to extract the essence of freshly prepared teas upon order, the chain combines tradition and innovation to guarantee exceptional quality and freshness. Favorites include avocado, strawberry-mango, and taro iced frappés, as well as the "Panda" milk tea and mango green tea with boba jelly. The passion fruit and fresh lime tea, enriched with aloe and basil seeds, demonstrates Presotea's creativity.
1256 Rue Guy, Montréal, H3H 2T4
The Alley, located in the heart of downtown Montreal, is distinguished by its Brown Sugar Deerioca series, with unique options such as Deerioca Matcha and Deerioca Fever. Each boba is homemade, following a meticulous process from dough preparation to cooking in natural cane sugar syrup. This rigor is reflected in the selection and roasting of tea leaves, offering creations like the Winter Melon Latte and Royal No 9, enriched with blueberries. For those who prefer less sugar, refreshing alternatives like the Apple of my Eye are also available.
Multiple locations
Chatime, a global pioneer in bubble tea with locations throughout Montreal, offers a variety of unique drinks. Their Iron Goddess Milk Tea, made from Tieguanyin oolong tea, offers a deep flavor that you can customize with fresh milk, oat milk, or their special signature milk. Other favorites include the Chatime Roasted Milk Tea, based on Japanese roasted tea, promising a rich and aromatic experience.
Multiple locations
Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea, located in Guy-Concordia and Chinatown, offers an authentic Taiwanese tea experience. Using only organic and fresh ingredients, Yifang serves specialties like Yifang fruit tea and Grapefruit Mango Frappé with Sago. The most discerning will appreciate the yifang egg pancakes, a specialty distinguished by its authenticity and quality, reflecting Yifang's commitment to traditional craftsmanship.
Multiple locations
Shuyi Tealicious, located in Brossard and Chinatown, reinvents the tea offering in Montreal with its innovative assortment. The Strawberry Mochi Latte combines the sweetness of strawberries with the soft texture of mochi, offering a unique taste experience. The Brown Sugar Plant Milk offers a refreshing plant-based alternative to traditional milk teas. Innovating further, the Mango Cheese Green Tea daringly blends exotic fruit with cheese for a surprising drink. Finally, the Jumbo Fruits Party captivates with its abundance of fresh fruits, ensuring unmatched freshness.
Looking to find all the bubble tea locations in Montreal? Check out our dedicated section here.
