Welcome Back, Gong Cha

After a brief hiatus, the much-missed bubble tea brand reopened on Dec 1 at SingPost Centre. We tasted some of its classic faves — plus new drinks — and tell you what’s good and what’s not.

- Yip Jieying

Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong Cha broke Singaporeans’ hearts in May this year when it abruptly exited the local market due to franchising rights woes. The Singaporean company who had been running the Gong Cha franchise here had unexpectedly announced that they were giving up its franchise rights and converting all its 80 Gong Cha outlets to a new brand it created, called LiHo, which introduced newfangled flavours like Cheese Teas.

But, plot twist! Gong Cha later announced that it was making a return, this time under a new master franchisee headed by a CEO who had co-founded the soya bean-centric Mr Bean dessert chain.

The first comeback Gong Cha outlet opened on Dec 1 at the SingPost Centre in Paya Lebar. Another two outlets, one “in the Orchard area”, will be opening soon. The company also plans to introduce cafes with dine-in seats.