(photo credit: link)
A friend ordered a strawberry smoothie the other day and it was served in a cup with a domed lid. Nothing special, right? That’s how Starbuck’s frappuccino’s are served. But then I saw the straw and it was one of those large diameter straws. The ones that are used with bubble tea so that the tapioca pearls can be sucked up. That’s when it hit me again. The darned bubble tea craving.
I have no idea if I will be able to find this concoction in Dubai. But I do have one lead. A very vague lead: Karama. However, that is like saying: “Somewhere downtown,” or, “By the Mosque.”
It took me 3 attempts over a 2 month period, driving and walking around in circles, before I was able to find the Korean supermarket which was also located in Karama. And same effort to find the Thai supermarket. Also located in Karama.
Neither were easy to find because they were on side streets and everyone in Dubai gives directions like this: turn right at the post office, left at the house with the yellow awning, second right after the speed bump, straight at the roundabout, u-turn at the mosque, second right.
It’s no wonder there’s no postal delivery system to homes and businesses in Dubai! Street signs? What street signs?
Anyway, so I’ve been told that there may be a bubble tea place in Karama. (I am bolding this area because I cannot say Karama without narrowing my eyes and without a low growl coming from the back of my throat due to flashbacks of driving in circles.)
But, I’m always up for a little adventure and exploring. So what I think I’ll do is systematically weave in and out of streets until I find this place. Worse that can happen is I discover tons of other cool little shops and markets.
I heard there’s a fish market near there – maybe I’ll pick up some fresh seafood for dinner. And now that I know where the Korean market is – I can always stop by for some kimchi and Korean ramen.
Wish me luck!
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Tealand says
Thu, Apr 20, 2017 at 4:03 pmWohoo! Love this Blog and Bubble tea as well.
Nicola says
Thu, Dec 27, 2012 at 8:11 pmI am a bubble tea lover when I was a teenager! Since come to work in Dubai, I am so craving for real authentic bubble tea from Taiwan! Finally found Sharetea in Dubai Deria city center Metro station, Best bubble tea in dubai! People who was addict to Real bubble tea, try Sharetea!!!
Michelle Ahmed says
Tue, Dec 20, 2011 at 10:12 pmhttp://www.timeoutdubai.com/restaurants/features/…
Here is a list of 6 places in Dubai that have bubble tea. They will open another place called Bubbles & Boba in Dubai Mall in early January (Kiosk) they apparently have over 30 flavors of bubble tea.
John hopkins says
Thu, Nov 24, 2011 at 4:58 pmThey are called bubbles and bob a. It's a american led operation I believe with local partners. My friend is doing some work for them. Looks like they have a few shops launching at once.
Black Ginger says
Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 2:28 am@ Hopkins what is that franchise from? never heard there is a bubble tea franchise existing.
John Hopkins says
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 5:02 pmThere is new Bubble Tea Franchise opening in Dubai Mall and other locations in the coming month.
Eman says
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 at 6:05 pmI just wen to dragon mart yesterday, they have bubble tea at a place called sip and scoop also try there frozen yogurt ,its awesome. There area couple of them around the place so you should be able to find it
Varsha says
Wed, Jun 8, 2011 at 8:45 pmHey BB and Marwan, I am really interested in a bubble tea cafe, opening up in Dubai and I have fanastic ideas too.
We should bring something up in partnership.
Please feel free to contact me on kalwanivarsha@gmail.com.
Varsha Kalwani.
Charmaine says
Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 2:39 amSo what is the best place that is still open for bubble tea? Do they have "mocha" flavour? 🙂
marwan says
Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 3:22 amTo me, Sino Chai is still the best place and they open till 10pm. I have also heard that Noodle House have bubble tea, but I am not sure if it is good.
I am working on opening an outlet only for bubble tea and other types of drinks so I will let everyone know once it is open. Wish me luck 🙂
BB says
Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 9:19 pmMarwan, what are you thinking of doing? Perhaps we can discuss working together as I am in the business as well 🙂
Marwan says
Mon, May 23, 2011 at 7:56 pmIf you would like to try the real bubble tea then you should visit one of the only Taiwanese resturants in Dubai. Very good food and even better bubble tea. Search for Sino Chai Dubai. Enjoy 🙂
ginger says
Fri, May 27, 2011 at 9:55 pmHi Marwan, I have been to Sino Chai and love their bubble tea – especially the one that is served hot in a lovely glass teapot.
Mounib says
Sun, May 2, 2010 at 3:10 pmGuys i have a good news ,
I just opened the first and only bubble tea shop in the UAE,your waiting is over i have more then 18 flavors and of course the lovely chewy tapioca pearls .My shop name is Brain Freeze,it's located in Ghurair Mall in Reqqa street and soon will be expanding in many places .You are all most welcome
Mehmet says
Sun, Apr 11, 2010 at 4:47 pmHi every one. Those of you interested in having a bubble tea defintely try the dim sum resturant in Dubai Mall. Its called Ping Pong. Had one the other day was fantastic. I am also looking for those bloody pearls anyone any suggestions from where.
tammy says
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 at 3:54 ami found a place in International City China Cluster that serves authentic Chinese iced desserts(the ones with red beans and condensed milk) AND Tapioca Pearl Milk tea. I tried it and it was really good. here is the address:
Ice Cool
Dubai International City
China Cluster, Building C10, shop 16
mobile: 050-1814486
050-1814496
Good luck!
Juliette says
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 4:54 pmI think I saw some on the menu at Noodle House but I didn't try it, not a big fan of bubble tea.
Huma says
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 at 8:12 pmJoseph, Yani..the reason why i came across this website is because I want to open a 'Tea/Chai shop/cafeteria' … Im a local here, emirati and i the chai shop will have all kinds of tea from all around the world…my concept is cool..i have the investment required but will be open for partnership.
Let me know if anyone is interested. My email address is : huma252@hotmail.com
Look forward to hearing from you'll and if not..alll the very best for all those here who want to open their lil something of their own :-).
Yani says
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 7:26 pmJoseph, i am also looking at a similar bubble tea setup in Dubai. Let me know about your ideas.
joseph says
Mon, Aug 10, 2009 at 5:29 pmIs there any specified bubble tea shops in Dubai/UAE ?
What is the response from Dubai people if I start the Bubble Tea shop ? I have all the details from supplier and just working on that and looking for a proper space. If anybody like to join with me they are most welcome.
Kathy says
Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 2:51 amThe best cupcake I tasted so far is from the scrapbooking store near the Spinneys inUmm Suqueim. They open their kitchen and started selling designer cakes. My cousin had her baby shower and ordered cake and cupcakes from them. The design was reaally amzing, it was so beautiful you wouldn't like to eat it … and the taste was really good!.
But they take custom orders only and do not sell per piece. !
ashsca says
Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 6:07 pmKITSCH – do they have taro milk bubble tea???.. is this the real thing if not i aint wasting my time. the one time i rang em they said they didnt have straws!!!!
Alex says
Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 4:52 pmThe best Bubble Tea is at Kitsch and the best part is that you get to taste their YUMMY cupcakes – the absolute best in town – BY FAR. Honestly, Sugar Daddy's and the other cupcake places in Dubai don't compare, they taste like imitations of real New York style cupcakes whereas Kitsch is the real deal. People may complain about the price, but I diagree, I think each dirham is completely worth it… and like a lot of the readers, I know and LOVE my desserts 😉
Cupcake lover says
Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 10:14 pmLast week – sprinklez- wow the presentation is amazing however the cakes were a little dry.
Weekend – scrumptuous, small cupcake 5aed, large 15aed – very good cupcakes.
Yesterday afternoon- Sugar Daddy – Red velevt , medium size cupcake, 12 aed – better than scrumptuous!
yesteray evening – Kitsch cupcakes – one of each, 14aed to 16aed. Red chocolate one and peanut butter were good or ok really.
today – sammantha schnoor cupcakes 12aed each, homemade chocolate and vanila – amazing taste – yes like magnolia ny for sure. I savoured each bite and fell in love with them.
You can order them via the phone only or email.
And I dont know any of the owners – just love cakes.
Fastidious Babe says
Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 4:06 amYou can get bubble tea at the chinese place @ healthcare city..
my vote goes to sugar daddy's too..
and no, i don't know the owner of either shop XD
Noons says
Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 6:43 pmI bet all the people who have handed out negative comments about Sugar Daddys know the ownder of Kitsch.
Ive tasted both and Sugar Daddy's has definately got my vote, it is a fun, warm home cooked concept. I look forward to trying more.
Hamdan says
Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 1:59 amTo be honest ive had them both . I agree maybe sugar daddys is a bit too sweet. I have to say that the kitch one seems to be a bit more for grown ups not too sweet. They taste more real and u feel that the ingredients are maybe better quality… Ive never tried sruptious though …
Emma says
Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 2:34 amOh my god – i think both kitsch and sugar daddys cupcakes are both not good! And I love my cupcakes! They both taste so sweet and fake and they are just like other supermarket cakes. You must try Scrumptious cupcakes. They make the best cupcakes by far and their brownies are to die for! They taste so fresh and they look so cute. I dont think they have a shop yet but i found them at JBR at a market on The Walk yesterday. Check them out!
NJ says
Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 7:58 pmHey,
there is this juice bar at Dubai Fest City- don't remember the name it's at the food court near the cinemas. they have boba
Sarah says
Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 4:37 pmI am sooo excited. I have been craving bubble tea for so long and going to Kitsch today to see how good everything is!
sam says
Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 12:06 amkitsch cupcakes definitely tastier than sugar daddy's. sugr daddy's taste like supermarket cupcakes. and kitsch's mango bubble tea is really good. the bubbles were nice and chewy.
tamara says
Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 9:14 pmKitsch is soooooooo much better than sugar daddys.. they are cheaper but so much smaller at sugar daddys. and they all taste the same! i had the bubbletea at kitsch once and it was allright but the next time i asked for more flavor and that was much better. i love the vanilla bubbletea and all their cupcakes!! and the place looks much cooler, sugar daddy's looks like a nursery!
Lez says
Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 4:26 pmJust came back from Kitsch for Bubble tea and cupcakes. Bubble Tea was 20dirhams and cupcakes 14 dirhams each. It wasnt all that wonderful (watery and dense pearls). I prefer the boba tea at Chinese palace (6dirhams) at the food courts. Its the real milk tea powder with soft chewy pearls. The cupcakes at sugar daddy (Village plaza) are much much better than Kitsch and theyre cheaper at 12 dirhams each. Trust me..i like my deserts! The only nice thing at Kitsch were their cupcake boxes!
kish says
Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 7:48 pmi just called them at the jumeira beach rd location( tel # 3956963) and they said that they sell bubble tea!!! let me know if someone stops by…
~bubble tea lover!!!
kish says
Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 7:45 pmhere is a link to kitsch cupcake on facebook.. they have the address and a website whcih is under construction
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14507506732
Mari-Ann says
Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 3:46 pmkitsch cupcakes are in umm suquim 1/jumeirah 3, on the right-hand side just before the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club/KFC which are on the left.
Mimi says
Mon, Dec 8, 2008 at 9:33 pmSarah, can you tell us exactly where is kitsch cupcakes on beach road ( Jumeirah 1/2/3? Next to which major landmark?)? Has anyone tried tried them yet?
marby says
Sat, Dec 6, 2008 at 6:01 pmi am planning to open a bubble tea shop on the 2nd quarter of next year and i doubt it will be in Karama! 😉 want it to be in major malls, but perhaps i will be opening only 2 shops at first. maybe you can be my first great customer! 🙂
sarah says
Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 8:59 pmFINALLY BUBBLE TEA IS HERE……………………………….. APARENTLY they are serving them at kitsch cupcakes (YUM) on beach road
BD says
Wed, Nov 5, 2008 at 4:26 pmSure you can find Bubble Tea in Dubai. Although they are not as good as you can find them in Taiwan (of course) and they are generally too sweet here. Plus they dont “shake” it here. But still …. after craving for it for so long, a few sips of what they have here are still worth it 🙂
You can find them in the food courts. 1) MOE food court near the Magic Planet side. The one near to KFC Dh6 2) In Ibn Battuta food court. The last chinese counter opposite the Iranian counter. Dh 6
sarah says
Sun, Oct 26, 2008 at 10:40 pmconfirmed that a cafe selling bubbletea will be opening in november (someone i know works there). in jumeirah but don’t know where exactly. will find out and let u guys know
Nerissa says
Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 9:19 pmi've seen bubble tea being sold at chinese palace fast food for 6 dirhams. as far as i can remember, there are 2 flavors available. though i am not so sure that all chinese palace branches sold this, i'm sure ive seen it in ibn battuta,al ghurair, and deira city center.
sarah says
Thu, Oct 9, 2008 at 3:09 amI just heard from a friend that there will be a bubbletea bar opening next month in jumeirah! will keep you guys posted!
Mimi says
Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 12:43 amI am french-chinese living in Dubai. I was looking for those bubbles tea too! Let me know if you find any!!!
Juvy says
Sun, Dec 21, 2014 at 12:52 pmHi Mimi. Chatime is her in UAE. you can check locations in their website http://www.chatimecafe.com. Goodluck! 🙂
ginger says
Mon, Jun 16, 2008 at 6:34 pmthanks for the tip. i went over there a few weeks ago and they don’t have bubble tea 🙁
they had lots of fruity drinks but nothing with tapioca pearls.
Gautam says
Tue, May 6, 2008 at 3:13 pmYou can find great bubble tea at the restaurant at Dragon Mart at International City. Can’t recall the name of the restaurant there but its the only one in the mart and it starts with an S. Its right at the entrance of the mart. All the best!