Winnipeg’s bubble tea scene is brimming with sweet, chewy delights, but finding that perfect spot where the pearls pop and the tea truly shines can be a quest. Whether you’re chasing that nostalgic tapioca texture or hunting for the next trendy milk tea creation, here are the top spots to sip, savor, and maybe get a little lost in a sea of boba bliss.
Xing Fu Tang
$ | (204) 691-8889 | WEBSITE
While it’s great for a quick boba fix, Xing Fu Tang also works well as a spot for a relaxed afternoon when you’re downtown. The space is located in a modern storefront, but the interior feels more like a cozy Asian café where friends might sip tea next to colorful notepads and decorative tiles. Chinese wisdom tiles hang along the bright walls while wooden benches function as comfortable seating.
There’s also a corner section with interactive elements like the wishing wall where we like to try whatever the staff feels like recommending (probably the brown sugar bubble tea or the fruity yogurt bubble tea with fruit chunks).
KHAB Tapioca – Empress
$ | (204) 306-5388 | WEBSITE
Thanks to the quick, kind service and eco-friendly packaging, KHAB Tapioca – Empress is one of the only spots in Winnipeg where boba lovers can reliably grab a perfectly balanced drink on the go. That alone makes this place special, but the creative options like the “I Make My Man-go Crazy” mango smoothie or the Kiwi Che & Chill help, too.
The staff is excellent and the atmosphere is pleasant, with fresh fruit slushies and customizable sugar levels (this is a bubble tea shop, after all) lining the menu. Plus, one of the most popular online ordering systems in town is right at your fingertips, so on busy days you’ll probably see customers juggling their phones, reusable cups, and little peach bits waiting for their Thai tea or black milk tea.
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice
Winnipeg’s most reliable bubble tea destination is CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice’s unassuming spot in a strip mall. The clean, no-frills facility keeps things straightforward even when the take-out counter is busy with regulars.
They offer a variety of flavors including brown sugar milk tea with pearl and pudding, and their unique options are impressive even for a bubble tea shop, featuring creamy, delicious drinks like bubble gaga and Green tea Lemonade with Sago, both of which showcase the consistent great taste they’re known for. Not only is this a good choice for an affordable treat, it’s also our favorite spot to brighten the day with a Matcha or Red Bean Green Matcha bubble tea.
Asia City Express (Jefferson ave)
$ | (204) 632-1631 | WEBSITE
We’ve already discussed how great Asia City Express can be for bubble tea (hello, coconut milk tea), but their compact indoor space has plenty of counter seating for people-watching and relaxing after work. It can get packed during the summer, when people tend to linger around sipping slushies, Korean corndogs, and that standout potato hot dog.
Plus, they have friendly staff including Sophia and a girl with glasses who are both welcoming and first come, first served, as well as a walk-up counter serving sunshine-friendly drinks like bubble teas, slushies, and the simpler cousin to a fancy cocktail: a classic coconut milk tea.
Banh Mi King
$ | (204) 775-9323 | WEBSITE
The counter at Banh Mi King feels like a bustling market stall in Saigon, with steam rising from pho bowls and the scent of charbroiled pork filling the compact downtown space. They like to display their popular egg tarts and shrimp salad rolls prominently, while the friendly staff creates a welcoming atmosphere for grabbing something quick like the deluxe beef pho or the crispy Saigon cut banh mi.
During lunch, there’s usually a steady line, including regulars who know to arrive early before the favorites sell out and newcomers discovering why the charbroiled pork sandwich is considered the best in Winnipeg. The reasonable prices make it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, though the service could move a bit faster during peak hours.
Chatime
$ | (204) 786-2081 | WEBSITE
When you want to beat the summer heat (literally or figuratively), or just want to impress friends from out of town while also avoiding the usual coffee shops, start your afternoon at Chatime, the bubble tea spot on that Winnipeg strip. The welcoming space has great drinks and fun vibes, including the regular milk tea with pearls that tastes like a classic did, indeed, just get a perfect upgrade.
And, if you end up staying a little longer than you planned, there’s plenty of Uno cards and building blocks to work through while you sip your Chocolate Banana smoothie or try the oat milk substitute.
Icey Snow
$ | (204) 222-8282 | WEBSITE
Icey Snow’s cozy interior is removed from the bustle of Winnipeg’s busy shopping districts. So, it’s a great place to catch your breath (and have a sweet treat) in the neighborhood. The giant wooden boba with sticky notes adds a playful touch and, despite its modest size, the atmosphere isn’t very touristy. No matter what time you go, there’s usually a mix of families with kids, students studying together, and friends catching up after work.
Twenty-four bubble tea flavors highlight creative, fruity, and creamy favorites like Mango Madness, strawberry bubble tea, and Mango Creamy Slush, and there’s a fun customization program so you can tailor your drink exactly how you like it.
LE Tea
$ | (204) 416-3130 | WEBSITE
Unlike most bubble tea spots, LE Tea has quickly built a devoted local following. Their bright, comforting space is where you go to relax and refresh in Winnipeg—lots of people are holding colorful drinks with chewy boba, chatting with friends, or scrolling on phones while enjoying the welcoming vibe. One corner has cozy seating with warm lighting and clean tables that’s perfect for solo visits and sipping something sweet and taro-infused.
The other area features communal benches and modern stools hosting groups of friends drinking mango soda from tall cups and milk tea from sturdy containers. And, if you’re feeling generous, the staff are just a few steps away offering free drinks with super friendly service.
D&J Tea Bar
$ | (204) 414-8808 | WEBSITE
D&J Tea Bar’s actual space is compact, but the shop has large windows that stay open when the weather permits. It’s common to see groups of friends and students chatting over their drinks, which makes this spot feel more like a neighborhood hangout than just a tea shop. The staff aren’t afraid to get creative—ask for the Brown Sugar Oreo Cocoa Boba, their signature blend of rich brown sugar, crushed oreo cookies, and creamy cocoa, with soy milk available for dairy-free options.
The service is consistently excellent, though be aware the interior can get a bit warm during busy hours.
Banza Noodle & Tea House
$ | (204) 306-4188 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving something comforting after a long day, few places will satisfy you as thoroughly as Banza Noodle & Tea House. You’re immediately enveloped in warmth and flavor. A beautiful wooden interior, soft amber lighting, and cozy booth seating frame the relaxing space, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by friendly, attentive service throughout your meal.
As long as you’re in the mood for generous portions, push through the affordable prices that make this spot accessible and make your way to one of their signature dishes—both the Banza Beef Noodle Soup with its hot and spicy broth and the spicy Akuma Miso Ramen are crafted to perfection all day long.
