16 Must-Visit Hand-Shaken Drink Spots in Taipei for 2025! Beyond Bubble Tea – Drinks Selling Over 10,000 Cups Daily

With Taipei bursting at the seams with hand-shaken drink shops, it can be tricky to know where to start or which drinks truly stand out. Don’t worry—we’ve done the hard work for you! Here’s our handpicked list of 16 top spots across the city that cater to every craving, whether you’re all about rich tea flavors, fresh fruit blends, silky creamy drinks, or fun toppings. Get ready to discover your next favorite sip!

Meet UG, the exciting new brand from the famous hand-shaken drink chain "Xie Jiao Ting," now embracing cutting-edge AI technology to craft your favorite teas. Imagine getting your drink in a lightning-fast 7 seconds! What sets UG apart is its innovative "AI Smart Tea Machine," which expertly manages every step of the brewing process. This means each cup tastes consistently perfect, no matter who’s behind the counter. For those new to UG, the must-try is their signature "San Yan Shi Wu Mo." This drink goes through a unique three-step infusion that releases delicate floral notes, delivering a refreshingly smooth flavor—even if you skip the sugar!

Good news for tea lovers in Taipei—Bayao He Tea, the famous hand-shaken drink spot from Kaohsiung, has finally arrived in the city in 2024! Known for their signature “He Feng Tea,” this brand stands out in the bustling world of hand-shaken beverages. Their must-try is the “Grapefruit Awakening 307,” a delightful blend of red grapefruit and oolong tea that offers a refreshingly tangy kick. If you’re after something new, don’t miss their “Jiyun White Milk Tea” series, launched just last November. Made with oat milk, cream, and brown sugar, it’s quickly gaining a reputation as a luxurious treat for milk tea enthusiasts, perfectly balancing richness and subtle sweetness.

If you’re on the hunt for a standout drink in Taipei, let me introduce you to my top pick: the Daily Spring Fresh Milk Tea. What makes it special? It’s served with chewy taro balls and refreshing agar-agar, completely unsweetened and without ice—perfect for savoring the pure flavors. This spot really shines when it comes to toppings—you can mix and match two or three kinds, and the prices are friendlier than most other shops, which is fantastic news if you love customizing your drinks. But the real star here is their “Hand-Fried Tiger Sugar,” a caramelized delight that’s rich in flavor yet free from any bitterness. Don’t miss out on their “Ramen Pudding” either; made fresh every day, it has this wonderfully chewy texture that’s simply addictive.

If you’re wandering through Taipei and craving bubble tea, Soma is a must-visit. This trendy café has quickly become a favorite among social media lovers, thanks to its chic interior and eye-catching packaging that perfectly captures the vibe of today’s youth. While it used to draw long lines in the bustling Eastern District, it’s not just the look that makes Soma special. This spot earned the top honor at the Taiwan Milk Tea Festival, and for good reason. Their standout drink, the "Original Tea Olay," offers a beautifully balanced blend of rich tea and creamy milk that keeps me coming back every time I’m nearby. Trust me, it’s worth the stop!

If you’re wandering through Taipei and craving something a little different, A Muyu Day is a must-visit. This spot brilliantly blends the charm of traditional rice cakes with the fun, modern twist of hand-shaken drinks, making it stand out in a city full of beverage shops. Their buzzworthy creation, the “Daiwan Milk Tea,” made waves when it launched—so much so that people lined up just to try it, intrigued by its reputation for being a challenging yet rewarding drink. The name “Daiwan” cleverly plays on the Hokkien pronunciation of “Taiwan,” turning the classic Taiwanese snack “Grass Cake” into tiny pearl-like bites that pair wonderfully with creamy milk tea. It’s still a crowd favorite today. Don’t miss their oil-cutting buckwheat tea served with rice cake, either—the nutty aroma of the grains perfectly complements the soft, chewy texture of the rice cake, making it another top pick among locals and visitors alike.

In 2023, a fresh face arrived on Taipei’s vibrant beverage scene—Shuang Shiba Mu, a beloved hand-shaken drink shop that first won hearts in Tainan. Having become a regular back in Tainan, I was thrilled when this gem finally opened its doors in Taipei! The name itself is a clever nod to tea culture, blending characters to form the word for “tea,” highlighting how central tea is to their identity. Their packaging is as delightful as the drinks inside, making it a treat to hold and sip. I highly recommend trying their Red Heart Oolong Latte and Earl Grey Milk Tea—both burst with a fragrant, authentic tea aroma that’s hard to forget. One tip: the sweetness here tends to be on the lighter side, so if you usually like your drinks sweeter, consider bumping up the sugar level a notch. Personally, I’m a fan of going sugar-free, and these teas still deliver a rich, satisfying flavor without any added sweetness.

If you find yourself wandering the streets of Taipei, don’t miss a stop at Wutong No. 5—a hand-shaken beverage spot that’s been making waves lately. What sets this place apart? Their homemade tea jelly, especially the almond jelly and green tea jelly, which are absolute crowd-pleasers. What I love most about Wutong No. 5 is how wallet-friendly their signature drinks are. Take their star item, the almond jelly Wutong tea—priced at just 49 TWD, it’s a steal. The crisp, refreshing tea blends beautifully with the rich almond aroma, creating a flavor combo that keeps you coming back for more. On top of that, the shop often teams up with big-name brands to roll out limited-edition drinks and special packaging, making each visit feel fresh and exciting. It’s definitely a spot worth adding to your Taipei itinerary!

If you love oolong tea, Dezheng is a spot you simply can’t skip. This specialty shop focuses on three distinct roasted oolong bases: lightly fermented spring oolong, lightly roasted oolong, and heavily roasted oolong. If you’re like me, you might lean towards the deep, rich notes of the roasted oolong paired with fresh milk. But if you’re new to their menu, the standout is definitely the "Cheese Cream Topped Spring Oolong." It’s a perfectly smooth, non-bitter spring oolong crowned with a luscious, savory cheese foam that’s absolutely addictive. Pro tip: ask for a little less sugar to let the tea’s natural flavors shine through. Oh, and don’t miss out on their tea jelly, which is freshly brewed from oolong tea every single day!

If you find yourself wandering the streets of Taipei, you’ve probably noticed the buzz around Gua Ji, a beloved hand-shaken beverage brand with multiple locations across the city. It’s a go-to spot, especially during afternoon tea hours when office workers eagerly place their orders for delivery. Their standout drink? The Ruby Grapefruit—a refreshing blend of green tea and freshly scooped ruby grapefruit pieces. This drink strikes the perfect balance, offering a bright, tangy kick from the fruit paired with the soothing aroma of green tea. Even if you’re usually wary of sour flavors, this one’s crafted to please your palate!

And if you’re a milk tea fan, don’t miss their Red Milk Tea. It’s rich and bold, with a strong tea flavor that’s perfect if you like your milk tea on the intense side. Just keep your taste preferences in mind when ordering!

Heads up: Starting June 25, 2024, Gua Ji is expanding beyond Taipei with its very first Hong Kong branch, opening at Kwai Fong New Town. So if you’re in HK, your next favorite drink might be closer than you think!

If you’re a fan of fresh milk in your drinks, Ten Cups is a must-visit in Taipei. Unlike most hand-shaken drink shops that usually stick to just a couple of fresh milk options, this place goes the extra mile by teaming up with several local farms to offer at least four different kinds of fresh milk. Each variety comes with its own unique taste, and the shop proudly shares where each milk comes from, so you can really appreciate the subtle differences. For those who love exploring the flavors of fresh milk, Ten Cups is a real treat. Personally, I can’t get enough of their Iron Goddess of Mercy milk tea, especially when it’s blended with the smooth Initial Deer fresh milk. It’s a delicious way to experience the best of Taiwan’s local dairy.

If you’re on the hunt for the best fresh milk tea in Taipei, John Tea should be at the top of your list. This spot perfectly blends minimalist elegance with a touch of luxury, creating an inviting atmosphere for tea lovers. Their menu features an impressive range of black teas, each carefully detailed with its origin and unique flavor notes. Not sure what to pick? No worries — John Tea offers helpful suggestions on ice levels and sweetness, making it super easy for newcomers or anyone overwhelmed by choices. The star of the show is their "Strong Milk Tea," a rich and creamy combination of robust black tea and fresh milk that truly captures the essence of a perfect milk tea. And if you’re craving a bit of fun texture, adding tapioca pearls turns every sip into a chewy, satisfying treat!

If you’re on the hunt for innovative hand-shaken beverages in Taipei, Ma Gu Tea House is a name you won’t want to miss. Originally a top player in southern Taiwan, Ma Gu has brought its fresh fruit and agricultural-inspired creations to the capital, quickly winning over local fans. Their standout offerings include the ever-popular Cheese Series and the refreshing Mango Pomelo Sago. I had the chance to sip on their Cheese Mango, which boasts a wonderfully complex flavor, though I found it a touch on the sweet side. Priced at 95 TWD per cup, it’s a bit of a splurge compared to other hand-shaken drinks around Taipei. But don’t let that deter you—Ma Gu also serves up wallet-friendly delights like the Jin Xuan Double Q, a delightful combo of tapioca pearls and coconut jelly that many consider a hidden gem for both taste and value.

If you’re a fan of bubble tea, you might be feeling a bit nostalgic since Jen Zhu Dan recently closed its doors in Hong Kong. But don’t worry—this beloved spot is still going strong in Taiwan, and it’s definitely worth a trip. Jen Zhu Dan is famous for its brown sugar pearls, which are perfectly chewy and soaked in a rich, caramel-like brown sugar syrup that gives every sip a burst of flavor. Fair warning though: these drinks lean on the sweeter side, thanks to that signature brown sugar goodness. Besides the classic “Brown Sugar Pearl Fresh Milk,” I highly recommend trying their “Taro Fresh Milk.” It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, blending silky taro paste, chewy taro balls, fresh farm milk, and a swirl of vibrant purple sweet potato liquid. Trust me, it’s as delicious as it looks!

If you’re on the hunt for hand-shaken drinks that truly stand out, Da Ming Ben Wei Tea House is a spot you won’t want to miss. Their menu is packed with unique and crowd-pleasing options, but the star has to be the "Avocado Milk Foam" series. Even if you’re usually not an avocado fan, this creamy, dreamy concoction might just change your mind. Another gem is the "Roasted Sugar Buckwheat Jelly Milk Green"—a clever blend featuring chewy buckwheat tea jelly made from locally sourced buckwheat, perfectly matched with smooth Yulu Milk Green tea. And if you’re after something light and refreshing, the "Apple Yulu Green" is a winner. Just a touch of sugar brings out the apple’s fragrant notes without overpowering the green tea, making for a perfectly balanced and invigorating sip.

If you’re wandering through Taipei and craving something truly special, Crane Tea House is the spot to visit. Their standout offering? The Crane Top Red Tea – a brew that’s rich and fragrant without that usual bitterness that can turn some off. Even if you’re not typically a black tea fan (like me!), this one might just win you over. But here’s where it gets exciting: their two showstopper drinks, the “Sesame Pudding Crane Top Latte” and the “Thai Milk Pudding Crane Top Latte.” Imagine the nutty goodness of sesame pudding and the creamy sweetness of Thai milk pudding, both transformed into a delightful jelly-like texture, all mixed into a luxuriously smooth fresh milk tea. It’s a treat that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to sip—definitely worth a stop on your Taipei food adventure!

If you’re wandering through Taipei and craving a bubble tea fix, don’t miss the charming shop launched by the beloved YouTuber, 滴妹. From its inviting name to the warm, welcoming vibe, this bubble tea haven is designed to feel like a comforting hug in a cup. It’s been a hit since day one—not just because of its famous founder, but thanks to the genuinely tasty drinks that keep fans coming back for more. One standout on the menu is the “Comforting Cotton Blanket Green Tea,” where a luscious, salty-sweet milk cap perfectly complements the fresh green tea beneath. Another crowd-pleaser is the “Good Morning Red Pearl Olay,” a fragrant black tea blended with rich, creamy milk. What’s really great is you get to customize your drink, choosing either a bold tea or extra-thick milk to suit your taste. Just a heads-up: these drinks lean towards the sweeter side, so you might want to tweak the sweetness to your liking!

Getting your bubble tea fix delivered in Taipei won’t break the bank. Plenty of bubble tea spots run their own delivery services, and if you spend enough, you might even score free delivery. For the best deals and freshest drinks, it’s a smart move to order straight from the official websites or apps of popular brands, alongside using your favorite delivery platforms!

If you’re visiting Taiwan, adjusting the sweetness of your drink is something you’ll want to get the hang of. Locals usually don’t think twice about it, but for travelers, it’s a key detail! In Taipei, it’s pretty common to ask for your drink with half the usual sugar, though I personally like to skip the sugar altogether. My tip? Try a sip first to see how sweet it is, or don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their advice. Keep in mind, if you don’t mention your preferred sweetness, your drink will come with the regular sugar level—so if you’re sensitive to sweetness, be sure to speak up!

If you find yourself wandering through Taipei’s bustling streets, you’ll notice something pretty cool about the local hand-shaken drink shops: whether you want your drink hot or iced, the price usually stays the same. This means you can pick whatever suits your mood without worrying about extra costs. That said, a handful of places might charge a little more if you ask for no ice at all. Lately, many shops have started offering options like "less ice" and "no ice," with the key difference being that "less ice" drinks might still have tiny ice bits floating around. Want to be sure? Just take a quick peek at the menu beforehand—most spots make these choices clear, so you can order exactly how you like it.