Over the years, we’ve seen bubble tea stores come and go – from the good ol’ days of Sweet Talk, to big-name chains like Koi, Gong Cha and LiHo taking over the BBT game. And it seems like the craze isn't going anywhere, with plenty of up-and-coming brands springing up on our sunny island in recent months. If you’re looking to switch up your go-to order, here are five new ones to get your boba fix from.
 

Heytea

Heytea needs no introduction. Touted as the OG creator of cheese tea (yes, even before LiHo), the highly-raved Chinese tea connoisseur has finally made its way to Singapore and opened to much fanfare. Aside from their specialty tea offerings, you can also get your hands on their Singapore-exclusive ice-cream flavours such as Durian Ice Cream ($4.80) and Salted Egg Yolk Ice Cream ($4.80). Just be prepared to join in the queue – it’ll be worth it. #B4-29 ION Orchard, 10am-10pm (Mon to Sun)

TaiGai

If fruit teas are your cup of tea, look no further than TaiGai. Originating from Shenzhen, the novelty tea brand has recently set up their first ever overseas outlet in Singapore earlier in September. Come for its exotic floral-scent teas, but stay for their signature Fruity Milky Kiss series – a refreshing combination of fresh blended fruits and milk cheese that are equal parts sweet, creamy and velvety. For starters, go for their best-selling Strawberry Pulpy Kiss ($6.80) which comes topped with a strawberry-blended milk cheese crown that will have you smitten at first sip. #B2-34 NEX Serangoon, 10am-10pm (Mon to Sun)

Bober Tea

Located conveniently in the heartlands of Bishan, Bober Tea is an artisan bubble tea joint famed for its colourful array of Instagrammable concoctions. Not to be missed is the Brown Sugar Fresh Milk ($3.80), which is delightfully complemented by their 65 degrees brown sugar coated pearls. Oh, and did we mention how adorable their takeaway packaging is? You can walk away with these cute carriers, or get your drinks dabao-ed in their reusable Buber Bottles. Talk about saving the environment, one bottle at a time. #01-01, 200 Bishan Rd., 11am-10pm (Mon to Sun)

MuYoo

If you fancy a healthier option to your regular cheese tea, consider giving MuYoo a shot. The homegrown label offers a selection of fruit-based beverages that come topped with their iconic Cheese Cloud, which is said to be made from naturally derived milk powder instead of artificial creamer. At their newest concept store situated outside Bedok Mall, it also incorporates a bakery serving up fresh breads and pastries in addition to their beverage offerings. #01-94 Bedok Mall, 9am-11pm (Mon to Sun)

Answer Tea

Have a question you don’t have an answer for? Answer Tea may be able to help you out. Simply write your questions on the cup holder and you’ll get your answer printed on top of the froth of your drink of choice – it’s edible ink, so don’t worry. If you’re here for the ‘gram, we highly recommend the Lemon Butterfly Milk Tea (from $4.20) which has a gorgeous blue hue derived from butterfly pea flowers. #B2-06 Dhoby Ghaut MRT, 11am-10pm (Mon to Sun)

A version of this story first appeared on Teenage.