In Asia, the bubble tea trend has long moved away from fruit teas to focus on strong oriental teas.
Brands like Chagee and Molly Tea lead the way there.
Here in Vancouver, the fresh fruit tea craze has dominated for the last couple of years, with MACU Tea being one of the top names in the scene.
But things are changing.
Recently, Chayan, a Molly Tea dupe that first started in London, opened in Richmond with overwhelming success.
Now, one of the biggest players from China is set to join the party.
Since launching in February 2021, Molly Tea has expanded rapidly, with over 700 stores across China by 2024.
Molly Tea just opened their first Canadian outpost in Toronto, and they have their sights set on Vancouver next.
Molly Tea is all about Jasmine tea.
They use the best mountain tea leaves, scented with fresh flowers, to craft beverages that bring the beauty of Chinese tea culture into everyday life.
Their main product lines include the Fresh Milk Tea Series, Snowy Whipped Series, and Fresh Oat Milk Tea Series, all with Jasmine tea at their core.
The Canadian Molly Tea team told Noms Magazine that they plan to open in Vancouver in 2025.
Our source suggests that the first Vancouver location may open as soon as late February 2025 in Richmond.
Molly Tea was unable to confirm or share any details.
But Richmond seems like a likely choice given all the new high-rise developments with retail units and the always-popular Union Square Shopping Centre as a prime spot for bubble tea shops.
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