ChiCha San Chen

Stopped by during work to grab boba and had to try this place since they brew their tea fresh and they did not disappoint. The tea was perfectly brewed, smooth, and refreshing, and the boba was super fresh with the perfect chewy texture. I ordered the passion fruit green tea, and my friend got the classic milk tea, which was rich and balanced. You can really taste the quality here.

This bubble tea spot is my absolute fave, even with only 4 locations (Austin, Houston, Carrollton, and CA - I'm stalking them everywhere!). What sets it apart is the tea is freshly brewed right when you order. Plus, the prices are super reasonable and the quality of the tea is on point. Definitely worth a visit (or four)! They are awarded 3-star by the International Taste Institute.

Great service. We tried the bubble tea and green tea. Both were good but I would have preferred the green tea without the pink tapioca jellies. It made it too sweet. 8/10 Tea

Absolutely love this spot—if you’re a tea lover, you need to stop by! All of the tea is brewed fresh, and the variety is incredible—from bold, darker blends to light and fragrant oolongs. We especially enjoy trying their seasonal specials, and love that you can also buy their loose leaf teas and tea bags to enjoy at home. The staff is super friendly and helpful, especially if you’re not sure what to order or want a recommendation based on your taste. They’re always happy to guide you. There’s a good amount of seating, making it a great place to hang out with friends or family. And bonus points—the bathroom is very clean, which always adds to the experience. Don’t forget to sign up for their rewards program so you can earn points toward future drinks and treats!

I went in for classic milk tea yesterday. I stood near the counter for a while but no one greeted me. Yes, I knew there’s a online order booth nearby. It made me a little bit upset. Then I ordered my drinks, and it took me a while to get those. I mean they have five people over there, no one is queuing or picking up any orders. Fine. Got my drinks, everything tastes so different from previous experiences since their opening day; the milk tea was okay for the sweetness but hardly can taste the black tea. Is something missing in it? Also, we went for the lime mousse milk tea and it was also not offered yesterday in the menu. Lastly, I went to the restroom and it was dirty on the toilet seat. Okay, yesterday was all off for my weekend tea time experience. Yes, and I need to clean up my table before I enjoyed my order.

Seriously authentic + delicious tea. I will literally drive to Austin for the osmanthus oolong tea w/mousse (25% sweet, no pearls). 10/10 quality! Order online before you go or go with time because the lines can be long. Worth it though.

We recently visited Chicha San Chen, and even though we were a little nervous at first—it’s not exactly the same bubble tea style we’re used to—we ended up being pleasantly surprised. The quality of the tea really shines through, and every drink felt carefully prepared and thoughtfully balanced. Despite the crowd and the long line, the staff kept things moving, and we got our drinks quicker than expected. So glad Houston finally has one of these! Definitely looking forward to my next visit.

One of my favorite boba spots in Austin! They have high-quality tea that they make to order and the boba is the perfect consistency. You can also adjust ice amount and sweetness level. When it's in season, the taro series is tasty. I also enjoy their Ding Dong Oolong Latte or a Jasmine Milk Tea.

Chicha San Chen is easily one of my favorite boba spots in all of Austin. This place actually lets the tea shine -- real, rich, legitimate tea flavor that isn't drowned out by milk or sweeteners. It's a rare find, and they nail it every time. Their boba is some of the best I've ever had: fresh, chewy, and perfectly cooked. One of my go-to combos is boba with taro, and it never disappoints. If you care about high-quality tea and perfectly balanced drinks, Chicha San Chen is a must. It's truly on another level.

This is one of the better boba tea options. They have a good menu of really well balanced teas, that are brewed using a special machine that almost looks like an espresso machine. The presentation is really nice even though it's always a take out cup. Definitely recommend if you're tired of the sugar-loaded Dubai chocolate 14k gold labubu bobas and want something more sophisticated.

we had originally gone to the Seattle location so we were hoping that this one would be similar. The dong ding oolong tea is so good! It did not disappoint. However, their cream cap in Seattle is lactose free and we were told here that they are not. Things that kinda bummed me out were that the Seattle location had a vibe where the whole place smelled like fresh tea, and the workers were super nice. Here, everyone was polite enough, maybe appeared mildly annoyed but not a huge deal. The place smelled like mixtures of cleaning chemicals and the bathroom was super sticky. The drinks are good. Not sure if I'd make the 1.5 hour trip again for them but now I know!

Great service. We tried the bubble tea and green tea. Both were good but I would have preferred the green tea without the pink tapioca jellies. It made it too sweet. 8/10 Tea

Call me a hater but i finally caved and decided to give san chen a try. I did not believe all the hype but thought i had to give it a try first. The store itself was very clean and cute, they had a lot of different tea selections which felt more premium. I decided to opt in for a classic oolong boba tea and here are my thoughts: it doesnt taste like a classic boba tea. You can tell the tea is more premium BUT they don't add milk snd i dont think they add enough milk powder. It didnt satisfy my boba tea cravings unfortunately. The boba balls itself were well made. Sweet and high quality. Not sure if i'll be back because it is overpriced and i can get better boba at other shops for cheaper and better! But to each their own! Not BAD boba, just not what im used to

Not really changing my review besides adding that lines go way quicker now. It's still almost always busy every time I go, but the line moves fast. It just might be hard to find seating there. And it's definitely hard to find parking because the lot is so small. DO NOT PARK AT THE JACK IN THE BOX NEXT DOOR. The location is closed and boarded up, so it may seem like you can park there, but they will boot your car for trespassing if you park there and you'll have to pay to get it off . They literally have people camping there to make sure no one parks there. But they wait til you leave so that they can boot your car first.

ChiCha San Chen is a must stop for tea lovers. I've been here a few times now and the quality has been excellent each time. Their teas have been fragrant and fresh. Their boba texture is perfect. I enjoy the Dong Ding Oolong Tea. If you come when it's busy, parking can be difficult because of the small lot and service can become slow. I recommend going on a weekday to avoid the busy weekend rush.

If you're looking for brewed to order quality tea, this Taiwanese bubble tea shop has it. I was wanting something unique and was surprised by a chocolate-giving tea: cassia black tea with mousse. I also loved the fresh taro milk tea that comes with taro balls

I was so excited finally can try this place , the reason I give two stars is My first impression the Ambiance cold , the sitting area is dirty and rip , second the front cashier we're on her phone at all TIME , I order the High mountain tea has blank flavor is like drinking water this is the worst tea I ever drink , will not recommend don't waste your money .

So expensive for how much they give you but the tea is some of the best in Austin. I also love their loose leaf oolong tea you can buy at the counter. If you come when it's busy, service can be incredibly slow and the space is tiny so it gets cramped quickly (very pretty though).

Literally some of the best boba out there. The teas and the milk teas are all fantastic you truly can't go wrong with any drink you get. I will say I think some of the employees need training because none of the knew how to apply a gift card. There is also a kiosk to order if you don't want to stand in line. 10/10 recommend!

ChiCha has very high-quality boba. I got the honey osmanthus oolong tea per my friend's recommendation, and it was amazing. You can watch them brew the tea, and you can tell they care a lot about the quality. It was expensive for a small cup at $7.31, but it was well worth the price. I got it with tapioca, and the tapioca tasted really good. They are less sweet than most boba shops around here as they are more authentic to their Taiwanese origin. I got the "perfect" sugar level (100%), and it was actually perfect for me. I usually get 50% at other places, and it tasted similar to that. I have heard people who really like sweet drinks tell me that they would want to get 200% sugar here. I don't know if they do that here.

Absolutely love this spot--if you're a tea lover, you need to stop by! All of the tea is brewed fresh, and the variety is incredible--from bold, darker blends to light and fragrant oolongs. We especially enjoy trying their seasonal specials, and love that you can also buy their loose leaf teas and tea bags to enjoy at home. The staff is super friendly and helpful, especially if you're not sure what to order or want a recommendation based on your taste. They're always happy to guide you. There's a good amount of seating, making it a great place to hang out with friends or family. And bonus points--the bathroom is very clean, which always adds to the experience. Don't forget to sign up for their rewards program so you can earn points toward future drinks and treats!

I love Chicha San Chen! This is my first time having it at this location. The place is so cute for photos :) the servers were kind! Our drinks: Dong ding oolong tea with cherry blossom konjac Bubble volcano

The most perfect boba tea. PERFECT. Not too sweet, made from high quality tea, the flavor was refined and the drink had a wonderful balance to it. My drink also was topped with a thick and creamy, salty and sweet, DECADENT mousse on top and WOW. WOW WOW WOW. The boba was perfectly fresh and chewy. I keep saying perfect because that's the best word to describe these drinks and this place. PERFECT. The staff is kind. It takes a bit of time for your tea to come out and it gets crowded, so it might be better to take your drink to go.

Delicious boba! The store is located in an unexpected spot next to a bank. It's always very busy with a long line. The line movies fairly quickly though. I got the standard milk tea and my friend got a peach tea. Both were delicious and some of the best boba I've had in Austin. The downside is that it is definitely on the pricier side ($8) and the quantity is less than that of other places. Worth the splurge now and again!

If you love tea, ChiCha San Chen is an absolute must. Every drink here tastes like it was crafted with real care -- rich, fragrant, and perfectly balanced. You can tell they use high-quality tea leaves because the flavor is so fresh and aromatic, whether you go hot or iced. I got the Dong Ding Oolong with cream and it was next-level -- smooth, floral, and creamy without being heavy. The sweetness level and ice options let you customize exactly how you like it. They also have fun seasonal specials that are worth trying. The staff is friendly, patient, and always happy to help if you're not sure what to order. Service is quick even when it's busy, and the drinks are consistently spot-on. The shop itself is clean, modern, and has a calming vibe -- perfect for enjoying your tea or catching up with a friend. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and honestly, it's hard to go back to other boba spots after coming here. Highly recommend ChiCha San Chen if you want tea that's a cut above the rest.

Drinks are consistent and very obviously high quality. The tea flavors are strong and the boba pearls are always perfectly chewy. The staff here are kind and will explain the teas to you very well. There are tea samples for you to smell and sometimes samples to drink. Definitely a nice opportunity to learn more about the history of the teas if it isn't too busy inside.

I'd been hearing how amazing Chicha San Chen is for boba, so I finally had to see what the hype was about--and let me tell you, totally worth it! What made it even better? They had their limited-time Boba Blind Boxes in stock (cue my inner child squealing ). I rushed over on my lunch break, ordered a bubble milk tea, and grabbed a blind box because... priorities The tea? So good. You can actually taste the difference--it's brewed fresh for every single drink and you can tell. Super smooth, great flavor, and not overly sweet. As for the blind box... I was so stoked to pull Taro Milk Tea! So cute, and it totally made my day. Definitely coming back--both for the drinks and maybe just one more blind box... maybe.

One of my fav boba spots in town! You can't go wrong with anything in the menu, just pick something that sounds fun and go for it! Service is friendly and quick and they'll give you recommendations if you get overwhelmed with the options

Stopped by for a mid day pick me up and got the green tea with mousse. The tea itself was super fragrant and strong, just what I needed to wake me up. I went with 50% sugar, which let the tea's natural bitterness shine through nicely. The mousse on top was sweet, creamy, slightly salty, and balanced out the bold tea flavor perfectly. Definitely a solid choice if you like your tea strong but smooth. Their high mountain poochang mango tea is also a solid option.

Made a visit to Austin and was craving boba. I decided to try the award winning Chicha and this was next level. I guess I'm used to chains and casual boba places but it felt elevated from the string held cup, to the well wrapped straw. Lots of different boba tea options were a bit overwhelming but I appreciated they were just simple tea choices. Ultimately opted for a high mountain with passion fruit and a taro ball. Drink was delicious and wall the taro wasn't actually a single ball (as I wouldn't guessed). The taro was delicious and I would easily make a meal out of it just eating it on its own as a side.

Yes, your boy found another Chicha in another state. Still sad I missed out on the Toronto location but that's another story. Store front wise, this is a relatively large space and there's seating along the sides. Still probably not a stick around type of place though. Drink wise, chicha is very consistent across the branches and this location still has a prominent tea flavor with all their drinks. I finally got to try the seasonal taro drink and got the milk tea with taro balls and taro paste. It was really good, nicely chewy taro balls and slightly sweetened taro paste. I wish it had more of a taro flavor to the tea but its a milk tea with taro and not a taro milk tea. Regardless, another A+ for this franchise and glad there's one sort of close to me. Can't wait till they open one up in Houston!

This was my first time trying Chicha San Chen, but had heard pretty good things about it from a friend who loves boba tea. Went there on a Saturday evening around 9 PM and the place was pretty packed. Limited seating inside since they were so busy, so we ended up taking our drinks to-go. The menu is also somewhat overwhelming at first glance but essentially you choose your tea base + flavor + topping & can customize your sugar/ice levels. Osmanthus Oolong Tea with Boba (4/5) - Really classic favor, boba was nice and chewy - Portion size is on the smaller side - Price: $7.50 Overall I feel like this is a solid spot for boba in Austin, although it's on the pricier end since the portion sizes aren't very big. Flavor is good though and I would go back to try some other flavors!

Do you like bubble tea and appreciate the aroma of tea? Do you appreciate aromatic tea diluted slightly in milk? If so, Chicha San Chen likely meets your needs. Snuggle up to the Wells Fargo location near a Jack-in-the-Box on a peninsula bounded by Highland Mall Blvd, Airport Blvd, and Huntlanf Dr. Enter, and be greeted by a staff member or kiosk. They have small samples of dry tea for you to smell if you are uncertain of your choice. Then, place your order, obtain a receipt with a number, and then play the waiting game. Take a seat on the benches lining the sides of the establishment, or if you're lucky, nab a tiny table. Retrieve your beverage once your order is called. Admire your freshly made beverage with a twine crafted holder. The tape-seal proof of unadulterated goodness. Enjoy, standing up, sitting down, driving around, or wherever life takes you. Honestly, you can't really go wrong with ordering something from here unless it's a tea that doesn't meet your preferences. I'm partial to their Milk Tea with Taro Balls and Taro Paste (with green tea, 0% sweetness, no ice), although I also enjoy their Cassia Black Tea and Ding Dong Oolong Tea in cream / milk form. Nowadays, their taro beverages seem to be available daily, which is a nice change from when they initially opened and those items were available only on weekends.

Such a fantastic first experience! The staff are knowledgeable and very kind, really welcoming as well! I bought the High Mountain Tea with Mousse, 50% sugar and less ice, and it is absolutely perfect for a midday pick-me-up!

Sad they were closed during Thanksgiving day, but at least they were open the next day! Parking lot is a busy as ever, though we got lucky that a spot opened up. It's a slightly awkward part of the road so getting in/out is slightly annoying. The tea is fantastic as ever. They individually and freshly brew EACH drink. It's like the perfect extraction since they use a machine not unlike an espresso machine, which apparently was custom designed for the company. They measure the loose-leaf tea, put it in a portafilter and bam you get your tea. Not overly bitter and just the right amount of sweetness (note: less sugar than most places!) The boba is great too! This place is busy! There are seats but it's not great for extended studying, likely on purpose since this store is small and there's soooo many people that come through during the day.

Went on a Saturday during the evening time, there was enough sitting in the inside. Many tables available. Wait time was about 5-10 minutes for the drink. We got a brown sugar boba drink and it tasted good (we'd rate it a 7/10.) Family friendly and very noise level is good enough to have a conversation or work.

I must preface this review saying that since their grand opening there have been quite a few changes. In the beginning I really liked how they allowed you to really customize your drink from the percent sugar and ice level to picking your toppings as well as your tea of choice. I especially liked how they even let you sample the different teas which honestly did taste better. However, now they streamline your options which I guess is helpful if you are more indecisive. Although I prefer more choices, the popular drinks they highlight honestly aren't bad. I just wished they had the taro balls available more consistently as the few times we've visited it's been hit or miss. Oh also the price is a bit higher but I do like a stronger tea presence and their presentation is so nice.

The few times I've been here it hasn't been crowded so the drinks come out fast. You can order at the counter or order at one of the kiosks. The location is a bit random and unappealing from the outside. But once you step inside, its simplistic decor is quite inviting, you can see them make the drinks fresh in front of you. Their milk tea with taro ball and taro paste is my go to order. Have tried a few other items which were solid too. The drink carrier is cute and unique. It is on the pricier side for boba; they only offer one size and it's not that big hence 4 stars instead of 5.

Their tea was really yummy and strong. I think their base drink isn't too sweet which I liked as well. I think it is really pricey though because it's around $7 for a small drink. I think it's worth to try though because the drinks are good! There usually is a line but it goes by pretty quickly and the drinks come out fast. There are small tables inside and the workers are nice.

I ordered the Dong Ding Oolong Tea with Mousse! I love their boba tea because it is freshly brewed. I highly recommend getting the mousse. The mousse has a slight cheese flavor in it but it complements the oolong tea. There is a long line but we ordered on their website so we just went inside and picked it up immediately. There is some seating inside and it gets crowded because of the long lines but overall, great food.

This place was very very good. I got the dong ding tea with honey which the cashier said they liked and it was exactly what I wanted. The boba was so fresh and chewy, better than everywhere else I've been. The drinks came out quick and everyone was so nice. This is such a cute spot to go for a quick drink. 11/10 recommend!!

Highly rated for a reason! Every time that I come to Austin, I always stop by Chicha because the drinks are legit! Not too sweet, aromatic tea freshly made before you, and I also like that you could custom make your drink. My favorites are the Green Milk Tea with Taro and Taro Balls and the DongDing Tea. I love the cup holders too! One thing about the drinks is that it's a little pricy at $7 each cup but the quality is great so. Overall, 9/10.

Amazing milk tea spot! Came here on a Friday night and the place was pretty popping. I ordered the High Mountain Pouchong Tea with Lemon Juice and Mousse. So good! I let my friends try it and they both agreed mine was the best pick of the night. This was my first time here and I can't wait to stop by again!

My favorite milk tea in Austin. The drinks feel light and refreshing at 25% sweetness and less ice, and there's always multiple unique tea types I'm drawn to like the cassia, pouchong, and osmanthus depending on my mood. There are options to smell each at the front and the baristas are patient as you make your selection. The vibe of the store is bright and modern. The boba is always perfectly chewy. Even the cups are tightly sealed with a sleeve and carrying string as a nice touch. We've never had a problem finding parking in the connected lot. Everything seems thoughtful and intentional, making it a 5-star tea experience!

Cute little bubble tea shop. Got a black milk tea with boba and a green tea with taro paste and boba. Tea is fresh and lends a great flavor to the drink. Real Taro paste with little chunks -- delicious add. Boba is cooked through nicely and not too soft. Service was quick and friendly. Love the little carriers.

This store is visually amazing. You can watch them make the drinks and it's beautiful. Everything is measured and meticulous. The only downside is it's a little intimidating coming in to order. This isn't a typical boba tea shop with a bunch of colorful fun flavors. Everything is simple and focused on the flavor of the teas. I ordered a black tea with mousse. I think I was expecting it to be a milk tea but that might have been my own misunderstanding. Wish there was more of a description of each item when you use the iPad. Cassia black tea with mousse: 7/10 I got this with less sugar and ice. It honestly tasted like a muted version of cereal milk. I liked it but maybe not for $6. The packaging is very cute but I don't think I appreciate tea enough have it be worth the price.

I heard this one of the best boba places in Austin, so I thought to give it a try! I walked in, and the layout and atmosphere is so cute. It's modern, comfy, and can hold a good amount of people. I love how you can see everything being freshly brewed and created. I got the Dong Ding Oolang Latte and it was perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, but it tasted fresh and flavorful. The boba texture and taste was great too. The workers are incredibly friendly and quick! The drinks are put in the most adorable cup holders and they're good portions. Will definitely return!

Reviewed Jan 2025 I'm cautiously optimistic about giving this place a 5 stars because quality can go down soo easily with austin food establishments. I however really like their tea - what made them stand out with competitors. Very fresh and crisp! They allow you to customize sweetness as low as 50, 30% and light ice etc. I dont like my boba super sweet so I usually do 30% Had their Taro milk green tea with taro balls and taro paste. It taste very good and tea is refreshing. Good boba chewiness too. Note that the taro balls are not exactly the texture of standard boba. This made a great sweet treat 8.5/10 The oolong milk tea boba is also good but not as flavorful 8/10 They do all counter ordering and orders came out within 10 mins or so depends on how busy it is

Don't come expecting classic milk tea. It's actually fresh brewed tea like you'd make with a tea bag at home and you have to pay extra to add milk/cream. I got the green tea since that's what they're known for, added mousse and tapioca. It was just OK, 6/10. The beverage tasted like something I could make at home, nothing special. And the tapioca was too firm and not that sweet, I've had much better. The drinks are also over priced, $7+. The ambiance was very clean and aesthetic, seems like a cool place to hang out if you can find seating (it's pretty small). Service was mediocre, they didn't smile or offer suggestions so we just ordered at the little kiosk to not be a bother. Overall it was just a mid experience. Won't be coming back.

One of the best boba spots in Austin! From the easy ordering to the large menu, there is something for everyone. The teas are fragrant, tasty, and the boba is cooked perfectly. A great stop for anyone needing to get their boba/tea fix!

Got the no sugar ice free classic milk tea. Pretty good tea flavor if you like the tea flavor to be strong. Also good to sit down to enjoy the tea to chat w friends too. Good ambiance. Service is pretty good. They recommended different flavors based on my preference. Will try out other flavors next time.

I've tried a lot of boba places over the years and Chicha San Chen is by far the best boba shop. I tried this place the last time I was in Austin and I knew I needed to go back because the drinks were so memorable. I got a couple drinks this time and the best one is the High Mountain Pouchong Tea with orange. The tea itself is really flavorful with a light orange taste which didn't overpower the drink. The shop itself is really spacious, but it gets so busy that it's very hard to find seating. It's very busy on the weekends, but the people who work there are really fast and they're all very nice.

I love the quality of the tea and cute packaging here. The drinks were made very fast and the staff are always friendly. I hope they have more locations in Austin so I wouldn't have to drive far.

Finally tried out this place and it was fantastic! I will say I loved the aesthetic of the place and the ambiance and their ordering system a little bit more than the drink itself but maybe that's because I got regular sugar instead of less. All in all a decent place for boba, priced like other spots in Austin but this place has prettier packaging! Service was helpful and quick.

No question this is the best boba tea shop in town flavor-profile wise. I usually adjust the sweetness level at other shops but Chicha's recommended 'perfect' is approximately equal to a 70% sweetness at other shops - my ideal! Friendly service with lots of workers prepping drinks. I like that you can see the meticulous process of creating the drinks and that the employees take pride in the presentation by wiping away any spillage. I think it's odd you can't add more than one topping (i.e. boba and mousse) but alas. Thankful that the initial long lines have calmed down and I highly recommend coming when the store opens (11am on weekends).

This place seems very different from all the rest: "Founded in 1998, Chicha San Chen's success has brought Taiwanese milk tea to another level. The company sources teas grown and hand-picked on Lishan Mountain in Taiwan. CSC is renowned for their expertise in tea brewing, and has been awarded what's referred to as the equivalent of three Michelin stars from the International Taste Institute". Is this boba tea shop worth the hype? I think so. Their tea really is excellent. My go-to order is the Dong Ding Oolong Tea with fresh milk, add boba, 30% sweet, little ice. At $6.75, it's on the pricy side, but gotta treat yourself sometimes!

The menu here is both intimidating and unique at the same time. The intimidating part is the number of combinations/decisions you need to make if you aren't feeling anything on the best sellers list. The unique parts are the dairy options like cream and mousse and the taro ball and konjac toppings. They brand themselves as bougie tea people, and I would agree, the tea flavor in their drinks is very strong and smooth, but subtle (wonder if it's because they "grind" it?) It is quite mesmerizing watching them use their fancy espresso looking machines though. And walking through the doors, you get the vibe that this is bougie boba so I agree with the $$$. But I love getting the taro ball topping here. It has the taro flavor and texture but in a boba form. So I'll pay the ridiculous price because it is THAT good. This location there usually is a wait and they have a self-service kiosk. The sugar standard here is definitely less sweet too. 100% here is probably 70% sweet at another chain. There's also only one size.