Heytea: China's Premium Bubble Tea Phenomenon (2026 Guide)
Everything about Heytea—the brand that invented cheese foam tea. Best drinks to order, how to skip the line, and locations across Shanghai.
Heytea: The Original Cheese Foam Tea
Heytea (喜茶) pioneered the cheese foam tea craze that swept Asia and beyond. Founded in Guangdong in 2012, this premium milk tea brand now operates over 100 locations in Shanghai alone, serving up the creamy, savory-sweet drinks that made the category famous.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Stores | 100+ |
| Price Range | ¥20-35 (roughly $3-5) |
| Popular Items | Cheese foam tea, fruit tea |
| Wait Time | 5-30 minutes |
Why Everyone’s Obsessed
The Cheese Foam Factor
Heytea’s signature innovation: a thick layer of whipped cream cheese sitting atop your tea. The technique—tilting your cup to get both foam and tea in each sip—creates a unique sweet-savory experience unlike any other bubble tea.
Value Proposition
| Comparison | Price |
|---|---|
| Similar drinks elsewhere | $7-10 |
| Heytea in Shanghai | $3-5 |
That’s roughly 50% cheaper than comparable offerings in other international cities.
Best Menu Items
Cheese Foam Series (芝士茗茶)
| Drink | Chinese | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese Green Tea | 芝芝绿妍 | ¥25 | ⭐ Signature, rich green tea |
| Cheese Oolong | 芝芝金凤茶王 | ¥27 | Premium oolong base |
| Cheese Jasmine | 芝芝茉香 | ¥25 | Floral notes |
Fruit Tea Series (水果茶)
| Drink | Chinese | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mango Pomelo Sago | 多肉芒芒甘露 | ¥32 | ⭐ #1 bestseller |
| Grape Burst | 多肉葡萄 | ¥29 | Fresh grapes |
| Peach Passion | 多肉桃桃 | ¥28 | Sweet and fruity |
Milk Tea Series (奶茶)
| Drink | Chinese | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bubble Milk Tea | 波波奶茶 | ¥19 | Best value |
| Brown Sugar Bubble | 黑糖波波奶茶 | ¥22 | Richer flavor |
💡 First Timer? Go for the Mango Pomelo Sago (多肉芒芒甘露). The mango + coconut + milk tea combo is their most popular for good reason.
How to Order
Method 1: WeChat Mini-Program (Skip the Line)
Order ahead, pick up when ready—no waiting in queue.
Steps:
- Open WeChat → Search → “喜茶GO”
- Launch mini-program
- Allow location → Select nearest store
- Choose drinks → Customize
- Pay via WeChat Pay
- Wait for pickup notification → Collect at store
Method 2: In-Store
- Queue (5-30 minutes)
- Point at menu or show this guide
- Pay via WeChat/Alipay/cash
- Wait for your number
- Collect when called
Customization Options
| Option | Choices |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | None (无糖), 30% (三分糖), 50% (五分糖), 100% (全糖) |
| Ice | No ice (去冰), Less (少冰), Normal (正常冰) |
| Toppings | Bubbles (波波), Taro balls (芋圆), Coconut jelly (椰果) |
💡 Pro Tip: 50% sweetness (五分糖) hits the sweet spot for most international palates. Full sugar (100%) is intensely sweet.
Popular Locations
Near Tourist Areas
| Branch | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nanjing East Road | Nanjing Road | Walking street |
| Huaihai Road | French Concession | Shopping district |
| Lujiazui IFC | Pudong | Before/after Shanghai Tower |
| Xintiandi | Xintiandi | Outdoor seating |
Flagship Stores
| Branch | Special Features |
|---|---|
| Jing’an Temple | Large space, more seating |
| Disney Town | Disney visit convenient |
Limited Editions & Collaborations
Heytea regularly releases limited-time drinks and brand partnerships:
| Recent Collabs | Details |
|---|---|
| Fendi × Heytea | Yellow cups, exclusive merchandise |
| Genshin Impact | Character-themed cups |
| Disney | Mickey Mouse limited edition |
💡 Pro Tip: Collaboration periods often include collectible cups and merchandise. Popular drops sell out quickly.
Price Overview
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic milk tea | ¥15-22 |
| Fruit tea | ¥25-35 |
| Cheese foam series | ¥25-32 |
| Limited editions | ¥30-40 |
Topping Add-Ons
| Topping | Price |
|---|---|
| Bubbles (波波) | +¥3 |
| Taro balls (芋圆) | +¥3 |
| Extra cheese foam | +¥6 |
Other Milk Tea Brands
Heytea isn’t your only option. Shanghai’s bubble tea scene is competitive:
| Brand | Character | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nayuki (奈雪的茶) | Heytea rival, has bakery | ¥25-35 |
| Mixue (蜜雪冰城) | Ultra-budget king | ¥4-10 |
| Yi Dian Dian (一点点) | Taiwanese style | ¥12-20 |
| CoCo | Taiwanese brand | ¥15-25 |
💡 Budget Tip: Mixue (蜜雪冰城) offers ice cream for ¥2 and milk tea for ¥6. Incredible value if you’re watching your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an English menu?
The app doesn’t have English, but stores have photo menus. Save the Chinese names from this guide and you’re set.
Is there caffeine?
Most tea-based drinks contain caffeine. Go for fruit-only options if you want caffeine-free.
Can I get it hot?
Yes—ask for “热的 (hot).” Great option for winter visits.
Is there seating?
Most locations have some seating, but it fills up during peak hours. Many customers grab-and-go.
Useful Phrases
| English | Chinese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 50% sweetness | 五分糖 | Wu fen tang |
| No ice | 去冰 | Qu bing |
| Hot | 热的 | Re de |
| Add bubbles | 加波波 | Jia bōbo |
Related Guides
- Shanghai Food Trio - The complete experience
- WeChat Pay Guide - Needed for ordering
- 48-Hour Shanghai Itinerary - Includes Heytea stops
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Menu items and prices may vary.
Other Guides
Haidilao Hot Pot: The Ultimate Service Experience (2026 Guide)
Discover why Haidilao is famous for its legendary service—free snacks, manicures, noodle performances, and of course, excellent hot pot.
Lamb Skewer BBQ: Shanghai's Hottest Dining Scene (2026 Guide)
The complete guide to Shanghai's famous lamb skewer restaurants. Reservation tips, what to order, and why this Inner Mongolian BBQ became a phenomenon.
RT-Mart Supermarket: Shanghai Souvenir Shopping Guide (2026)
What to buy at RT-Mart for snacks, drinks, and gifts to bring home. The viral shopping destination for budget-conscious travelers.