Bubble tea is like happiness in a cup - a cold brew that has been in Singapore for as long as we can remember. But now, cheese teas are taking over; why fix something that ain’t broken?
For bubble tea addicts – and there are countless of them in Singapore – it’s the end of an era. It’s now time to say goodbye to Gong Cha, a well-loved bubble tea brand in Singapore. Instead, the brand will be taking on a new business challenge and creating a revitalised batch of homegrown brews and other beverages, all under a new name, LiHO. But these creations are coming with a cheesy twist.
In case you’re wondering what all the hubbub is about, here’s the gist. Originally from China, cheese tea has gained popularity amongst tea enthusiasts, encouraging many companies to come up with their own versions across Asia. And now, this trend – as most trends do – has finally arrived in Singapore. LiHO’s variety of brews is wide (smoothies available too!), with its signature cheese teas embellished with a cheesy foam layer on top.
Not quite a tea fan, I opted for something safer: LiHO’s Cheese Mango Smoothie ($6.90, only available in large). I was pleasantly surprised by its one-of-a-kind, complex blend of flavours. One word came to mind: intriguing. The sweetness of the mango, followed by the kick from the slight – and not at all overwhelming – saltiness from the cheeses (Gouda, being one of them) infused in the thick, cream froth were two flavours I’d never expect to work together.
LiHO is set to replace all 80 Gong Cha outlets islandwide by June this year. I guess it’s time to bid farewell to old-fashioned bubble tea and embrace yet another brand-new tea culture!
LiHO, #03-29/30 Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067