If it’s your first time in Taiwan, Trying to figure it out how to order bubble tea in Taiwan can feel surprisingly confusing.
You walk into a shop, look at the menu, and suddenly you’re asked questions you weren’t expecting:
👉 “How much sugar?”
👉 “How much ice?”
👉 “Any toppings?”
If you’re not familiar with how the system works, you might panic and just say “normal”… only to end up with a drink that’s way too sweet or too diluted.
Don’t worry — you’re not alone.
In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to order bubble tea in Taiwan step by step, including sugar levels, ice levels, toppings, and real examples so you can order confidently like a local.
Why You Need to Know How to Order Bubble Tea in Taiwan
Unlike many countries where bubble tea comes in a fixed recipe, Taiwan takes customization seriously.
Almost every bubble tea shop allows you to adjust:
- Sugar level
- Ice level
- Toppings
- Tea base
This flexibility is what makes Taiwanese bubble tea special — but also confusing for first-time visitors.
Understanding how to order properly means:
- You get the taste you actually want
- You avoid overly sweet drinks
- You experience bubble tea the way locals do
👉 If you’re looking for where to try the best drinks, check out:
Best Bubble Tea Shops in Taipei
Step-by-Step: How to Order Bubble Tea in Taiwan
Let’s break it down into simple steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Drink
Start by choosing your base drink.
Common options include:
- Pearl milk tea
- Fresh milk tea
- Brown sugar milk
- Fruit tea
- Oolong milk tea
If you’re unsure, start with:
👉 Pearl Milk Tea (珍珠奶茶)
👉 Want to explore more options?
Read: The Origin of Bubble Tea: Taiwan’s Iconic Foam Black Tea
Step 2: Choose Sugar Level (Very Important)
This is one of the most important parts of ordering bubble tea in Taiwan.
Typical sugar levels:
- 0% (no sugar)
- 30% (light sugar)
- 50% (half sugar)
- 70% (less sweet)
- 100% (full sugar)
What Sugar Level Should You Choose?
For most first-time visitors:
👉 50% sugar is the safest choice
Why?
- Taiwanese full sugar is often much sweeter than expected
- 50% keeps the balance between tea flavor and sweetness
Pro Tip
If you order drinks like brown sugar milk:
👉 You may NOT need extra sugar
(because the syrup is already sweet)
Bubble Tea Sugar Levels Explained (Detailed Guide)
Understanding sugar levels is key to mastering how to order bubble tea in Taiwan.
Here’s what they really mean:
100% Sugar
- Very sweet
- Traditional Taiwanese level
- Not recommended for beginners
70% Sugar
- Still quite sweet
- Good if you like dessert-style drinks
50% Sugar (Recommended)
- Balanced
- Most popular among locals
- Best for first-time visitors
30% Sugar
- Light sweetness
- More tea flavor
0% Sugar
- No sweetness
- Strong tea taste
Step 3: Choose Ice Level
Next, you’ll choose how much ice goes into your drink.
Options include:
- No ice
- Less ice
- Regular ice
Bubble Tea Ice Levels Explained
Ice level affects both temperature and flavor strength.
Regular Ice
- Standard option
- Most refreshing
- Slightly dilutes flavor over time
Less Ice (Recommended)
- Keeps drink cold
- Stronger flavor
👉 Best choice for most people
No Ice
- Maximum flavor concentration
- Good for takeaway
Pro Tip
If you want a stronger taste:
👉 Always choose less ice
Step 4: Choose Toppings
Now comes the fun part — toppings.
Taiwan bubble tea offers a wide variety of toppings beyond just pearls.
Popular Bubble Tea Toppings in Taiwan
Here are the most common options:
Tapioca Pearls (珍珠)
- The classic
- Chewy texture
- Must-try
Grass Jelly (仙草)
- Slightly herbal
- Soft texture
Aloe Vera
- Light and refreshing
- Slightly crunchy
Pudding
- Creamy and soft
- Dessert-like
Aiyu Jelly (愛玉)
- Light, citrusy jelly
- Almost zero calories
Pro Tip
First time?
👉 Choose:
- Pearls + milk tea
OR - Fruit tea + aloe
Step 5: Confirm Your Order
A typical order might sound like:
👉 “Pearl milk tea, 50% sugar, less ice”
That’s it!
Once you understand this structure, ordering bubble tea in Taiwan becomes very easy.
🧋 Bubble Tea Toppings Guide
Taiwan is famous for its wide variety of bubble tea toppings, going far beyond just tapioca pearls. Each topping adds a unique texture and flavor, making every drink customizable to your taste.
Here’s a quick guide to the most popular bubble tea toppings in Taiwan:
| Topping | Texture | Taste Profile | Best With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tapioca Pearls | Chewy | Slightly sweet | Milk tea, brown sugar drinks |
| Grass Jelly | Soft, smooth | Mild herbal | Milk tea, winter melon tea |
| Aloe Vera | Light, crunchy | Fresh, slightly sweet | Fruit tea |
| Pudding | Creamy, soft | Sweet, custard-like | Milk tea |
| Aiyu Jelly | Light, jelly-like | Refreshing, citrusy | Fruit tea |
| Red Bean | Soft, slightly grainy | Sweet, earthy | Milk tea, matcha drinks |
| Taro Balls | Chewy, dense | Nutty, mildly sweet | Taro milk tea |
How to Choose the Right Topping
If you’re not sure what to pick, here are some simple guidelines:
- First-time visitors: Tapioca pearls (classic choice)
- Hot weather: Aloe vera or aiyu jelly
- Dessert-style drinks: Pudding or taro balls
- Less sweet options: Grass jelly
Example Orders (Super Useful for Tourists)
Here are some real examples you can use:
Classic Order
👉 Pearl Milk Tea + 50% sugar + less ice
Less Sweet Option
👉 Oolong Milk Tea + 30% sugar + less ice
Refreshing Drink
👉 Passion Fruit Green Tea + 30% sugar + regular ice
Dessert Style
👉 Brown Sugar Milk + no extra sugar + less ice
🧾 Quick Bubble Tea Ordering Cheat Sheet
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a simple formula you can follow:
👉 Drink + Sugar Level + Ice Level + Topping
Example:
- Pearl milk tea + 50% sugar + less ice
- Oolong milk tea + 30% sugar + less ice
- Fruit tea + 30% sugar + regular ice + aloe
🧠 Pro Tip
If you’re unsure, just say:
👉 “50% sugar, less ice”
This works for almost every drink.
Taiwan Bubble Tea Menu Explained
Taiwan bubble tea menus can look overwhelming, but they follow a pattern.
Main Categories
- Milk tea
- Fresh milk
- Fruit tea
- Pure tea
Tea Bases
- Black tea
- Green tea
- Oolong tea
Milk Types
- Powder creamer
- Fresh milk
Pro Tip
If you want better quality:
👉 Choose fresh milk drinks
🧋 What Happens When You Order at a Bubble Tea Shop
Here’s what a typical experience looks like:
- You choose your drink from the menu
- Staff asks for sugar level
- Staff asks for ice level
- You choose toppings
- Pay and wait for your drink
Most orders take 3–5 minutes, and many shops will call your number when it’s ready.
🗣️ How to Order Bubble Tea in Taiwan in Chinese
Even though many shops accept English, knowing a few phrases can help:
- 半糖 (bàn táng) = 50% sugar
- 少冰 (shǎo bīng) = less ice
- 珍珠奶茶 (zhēn zhū nǎi chá) = pearl milk tea
👉 You can simply say:
👉 “珍珠奶茶，半糖，少冰”
Best Bubble Tea Orders for Different Preferences
- First-time visitors → Pearl milk tea
- Health-conscious → Green tea + 30% sugar
- Dessert lovers → Brown sugar milk
- Refreshing option → Fruit tea + aloe
Bubble Tea vs Fresh Milk Tea vs Fruit Tea
| Type | Taste | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Tea | Rich & creamy | Classic experience |
| Fresh Milk Tea | Light & natural | Less sweet preference |
| Fruit Tea | Refreshing | Hot weather |
Common Mistakes: How to Order Bubble Tea in Taiwan
Avoid these beginner mistakes:
1. Ordering 100% Sugar
👉 Too sweet for most visitors
2. Not Adjusting Ice
👉 Leads to diluted drinks
3. Choosing Too Many Toppings
👉 Can ruin the balance
4. Only Trying One Shop
👉 Taipei has hundreds of options
How to Order Bubble Tea in Taiwan Like a Local
Want to blend in?
Follow these tips:
- Choose 30–50% sugar
- Try different tea bases
- Explore smaller local shops
- Avoid only famous tourist spots
Where to Practice Ordering Bubble Tea in Taiwan
The best places to try:
- Ximending
- Yongkang Street
- Taipei night markets
👉 Read: Best Night Markets in Taipei – https://www.justaiwantour.com/raohe-street-night-market/
Final Thoughts: How to Order Bubble Tea in Taiwan is Easy
At first, ordering bubble tea in Taiwan might seem complicated.
But once you understand the basics — drink, sugar, ice, toppings — it becomes second nature.
Start simple:
👉 Pearl milk tea
👉 50% sugar
👉 Less ice
From there, experiment and discover your own perfect combination.
🚀 Want to Try Bubble Tea Like a Local?
If you want more than just randomly picking a drink from the menu, the best way to experience bubble tea in Taiwan is with a local who knows exactly what to order — and where to go.
At Justaiwantour, we don’t just show you famous spots. We take you to places locals actually visit, including hidden bubble tea shops, traditional tea houses, and some of the best street food locations in Taipei.
For a fun and immersive experience, you can join one of our curated food tours:
🍢 Ximending to Huaxi Night Market Food Tour
This tour is perfect if you want to experience Taipei’s vibrant street food culture at night. Starting from the trendy Ximending area, you’ll explore local snacks, classic Taiwanese dishes, and of course, stop by popular bubble tea shops along the way. As the tour continues into Huaxi Night Market, you’ll get to try more authentic local flavors that most tourists wouldn’t discover on their own.
👉 https://www.justaiwantour.com/trip/ximending-to-huaxi-night-market/
🍜 Yongkang Street to Raohe Street Night Market Food Tour
If you prefer a mix of daytime and evening food exploration, this route is ideal. Yongkang Street is known for its high-quality Taiwanese cuisine and boutique tea shops, making it a great place to learn how to order bubble tea like a local. The experience continues to Raohe Street Night Market, where you can enjoy a wide variety of street food and refreshing drinks, including some of the best bubble tea in Taipei.
👉 https://www.justaiwantour.com/trip/taiwan-food-yongkang-street-to-raohe/
Both tours are designed to help you:
- Understand how to order bubble tea confidently
- Discover different styles of Taiwanese drinks
- Taste a variety of local foods beyond just boba
- Experience Taipei like a local, not just a tourist
So instead of guessing what to order, let us guide you through Taiwan’s incredible food and drink culture — one cup at a time.
@rieeod have you been to #yongkang street in #taipei 🙆♀️✨ ✨ Yongkang Street is a tourist spot and some of the sellers can communicate in english ✨ So many popular restaurants you can try in this area #placetogo #taipei_taiwan #taiwan #taipeifood #taiwantiktok #taiwanfood #taiwanindonesia🇹🇼🇮🇩 #taiwantiktokers #taiwanfyp #fyp ♬ Taylor Swift megamix lyrics and song titles P2 – Silvy | Dutch Swiftie 🧡✨️
FAQ: How to Order Bubble Tea in Taiwan
How to Order Bubble Tea in Taiwan?
To order bubble tea in Taiwan, first choose your drink (such as milk tea or fruit tea), then select your sugar level, ice level, and toppings. A typical order would be:
👉 “Pearl milk tea, 50% sugar, less ice.”
What sugar level is best when ordering bubble tea in Taiwan?
For most first-time visitors, 50% sugar is the best choice. It provides a balanced taste without being overly sweet. If you prefer less sweetness, you can try 30%, while 100% sugar is usually too sweet for beginners.
What does 50% sugar mean in Taiwan bubble tea?
50% sugar means the drink contains half the standard sweetness level. In Taiwan, even full sugar (100%) can be quite sweet, so 50% is often recommended for a more balanced flavor.
What ice level should I choose for bubble tea in Taiwan?
The most recommended option is less ice, as it keeps the drink cold without diluting the flavor too much. If you want a stronger taste, you can choose no ice, while regular ice is the default option.
What are the most popular bubble tea toppings in Taiwan?
The most popular toppings include:
Tapioca pearls (boba)
Grass jelly
Aloe vera
Pudding
Aiyu jelly
Each topping adds a different texture and flavor to your drink.
Can I order bubble tea in Taiwan without speaking Chinese?
Yes, most bubble tea shops in Taiwan are used to tourists. Many menus include English, pictures, or numbers. You can also simply point at the menu or say basic phrases like “50% sugar, less ice.”
What is the difference between milk tea and fresh milk tea?
Milk tea usually uses powdered creamer, while fresh milk tea uses real milk. Fresh milk tea has a cleaner and more natural taste, while traditional milk tea is richer and creamier.
Is bubble tea in Taiwan very sweet?
Yes, traditional Taiwanese bubble tea can be quite sweet, especially at 100% sugar. That’s why many locals and visitors prefer ordering 30% to 50% sugar.
How much does bubble tea cost in Taiwan?
Most bubble tea drinks in Taiwan cost between TWD 40 to 80, while premium drinks can range from TWD 80 to 120, depending on ingredients and brand.
What is the best bubble tea for first-time visitors?
For beginners, the best options are:
Pearl milk tea
Brown sugar bubble milk
Fruit tea (for a lighter option)
These drinks give you a good introduction to Taiwan bubble tea culture.
Do all bubble tea shops in Taiwan offer customization?
Yes, most bubble tea shops in Taiwan allow you to customize sugar levels, ice levels, and toppings. This flexibility is one of the key features of Taiwanese bubble tea culture.
What should I avoid when ordering bubble tea in Taiwan?
Common mistakes include:
Ordering 100% sugar (too sweet for most people)
Choosing too much ice (dilutes flavor)
Adding too many toppings (can affect balance)
Where can I find the best bubble tea in Taipei?
Some of the best bubble tea shops in Taipei can be found in areas like:
Ximending
Yongkang Street
Shilin Night Market
Raohe Night Market
👉 You can also check our guide: Best Bubble Tea Shops in Taipei
What is aiyu jelly in bubble tea?
Aiyu jelly is a light, refreshing jelly made from a type of fig seed native to Taiwan. It has a slightly citrusy taste and is known for being low in calories, making it a popular topping for fruit teas.
Can I customize bubble tea for dietary preferences?
Yes, many shops offer options such as:
Less sugar or no sugar
No ice
Fresh milk instead of creamer
Some shops may also offer plant-based milk alternatives.