Ultimate Guide to Bubble Tea in Morningside Heights

From Milk Tea to Fruit Tea, Bubble Tea is the perfect companion for your day. If you know me, you know I love to treat myself to bubble tea so I’ve compiled my personal recommendations for bubble tea shops in Morningside Heights near campus. Enjoy!

1. Möge Tee (971 Amsterdam Ave)

Taste: 4.6/5

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Möge Tee is a popular bubble tea shop among Columbia students. The shop is bright and Instagrammable. Quite a few folks were hanging out about as I walked in. They offer various types of drinks, including Fruit Tea, Cheese Foam Tea, and the renowned Crème Brûlée Milk Tea. Their milk teas are prepared nicely and have a strong tea scent with soft and chewy tapioca bubbles, and I could say that Moge Tee has a lower sweetness level compared to its competitors. However, the price is a little bit more than average. My recommendation is Super Fruit Black Tea–a fresh drink for your study time!

2. Gong Cha (2810 Broadway)

Taste: 4.8/5

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Gong Cha, meaning "tribute tea for the emperor," was established in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2006. With dozens of outlets across the city, Gong Cha is one of the top choices for Bubble Tea in New York City. Gong Cha is well-known for its Milk Foam, a whipped texture and harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, making it the ideal partner for their freshly brewed teas.  The price is about average, and you will find various kinds of drinks with several choices of toppings. The outlet near campus only serves the grab-and-go crowd because there aren't many tables, but you can order in-store pick-up through their mobile app to avoid longer waiting times. Their Pearl Black Milk Tea is something that you would not miss.

3. Tea Magic (2878 Broadway)

Taste: 4.5/5

Google Rating: 3.9/5

Tea Magic is the closest bubble tea chain to Columbia's main campus, where you can try numerous tea drinks, crepes, and frozen yogurt. The staff is super kind and makes the experience a great one. Their drinks have a higher level of sweetness compared to those of their peers. Unlike the other shops that close early, Tea Magic is open until 11 p.m., so if you’re looking for a late bubble tea joint, definitely go to Tea Magic. My advice is to check out their Honey Jasmine Green Tea, and don’t forget to add jelly to make it even better!

4. Shiny Tea (2667 Broadway)

Dav’s rating: 4.7/5

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Shiny Tea is another Taiwanese bubble tea chain in New York City. This shop serves authentic tea at a very reasonable price. It's about a 15-20 minute walk from Columbia's main campus—a pretty far walk compared to other tea shops. I’ve heard people say that this is the best bubble tea in all of NYC. Try their Signature Classic and Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea and I am sure you will not regret :)

There are many amazing bubble tea shops in NYC. Make sure you try these drinks while you are in the Morningside Heights area!