ChaChao Opens First Store in Singapore - The Tea War | ENGLISH

CHACHAO SG

As competition in China intensifies, some tea chains are seeking new avenues for growth by venturing into overseas markets (especially Southeast Asia). One of them is ChaChao. At the end of 2024, the brand launched its first store in Food Alley at 190 Lor 6 Toa Payoh.

ChaChao at Lor 6 Toa Payoh - Source: ChaChao Singapore

Since its founding in 2008, ChaChao (茶巢) has expanded significantly, reaching approximately 800 outlets across 15 Mainland China by 2024.

Similar to Chagee, ChaChao also offers different types of tea beverages, such as: fresh milk tea, chinese tea, bubble tea, lemon tea, fruit tea, grass jelly beverages, and coffee.

ChaChao's tea beverages - Source: ChaChao Singapore

ChaChao's featured beverages include brown sugar bubble tea, Tieguanyin milk tea with cream, Jasmine milk tea, Guanyin lemon tea, Nine Rhymes Jasmine Tea, and For Good Youth Milk Tea.

Customers can also utilize self-ordering machine with NETS as payment method.

Recently, Naixue (also known as Nayuki) returned to Singapore with first outlet in Jewel, Changi Airport. Other chinese brands also plans to do the same. While expansion into Southeast Asia has been beneficial for many brands, the long-term sustainability of this strategy remains to be seen.

Also read about: Tiong Bahru Plaza Welcomes KKV's 1st Store in Singapore 

THE OTHERS

Some tea chains that recently entered Singapore (2024-2025):

BINGXUE (冰雪时光)

With approximately 3,000 locations worldwide as of 2024, Bingxue (owned by Jinan Baodao Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd.) specializes in ice cream and tea drinks, similar to Mixue. Its first Singaporean store is located in Junction Nine Mall.

Bingxue at Changi City Point - Source: Bingxue Singapore

CHAPANDA

ChaPanda, known as Cha Bai Dao (茶百道) in Mainland China, probably stands out as one of the largest tea chains on this list. As of fiscal year of 2024, the company boasts 8,395 stores + 8,382 franchised stores across China. ChaPanda Singapore operates under Fresh Tea Everyday Pte. Ltd. is also owned by the company. Its first Singapore outlet opened at SCAPE Orchard Link.

ChaPanda storefront - Source: ChaPanda SG/Instagram

ChaPanda focuses on mid-range pricing with tropical fruit tea as its main menu. This includes Mango Pomelo Sago, Coconut Tea, and Shine Muscat Grape Jasmine Tea.

KEBUKE

Known for its distinctive dog mascot, Kebuke is a Taiwanese bubble tea chain founded in Taichung in 2008 and now boasts over 200 locations. While the chain primarily focuses on bubble tea, its Singapore outlet (CIMB Plaza) also features cheescake as side menu.

Locations:

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• CIMB Plaza
• Taste Orchard
• The Cathay
• Sembawang Shopping Center

SILK.

Originated in Hong Kong, Silk recently expanded to Singapore with its first outlet in Orchard Gateway. Compared to other chains on the list, it is pretty small (5 outlets, as of 2024). Their signature beverage is Smooth King, a Hong Kong style bubble milk tea featuring honeycomb.

A MARKET TOO SWEET TO AVOID...

Driven by market saturation in Mainland China, many tea chains are expanding overseas. Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore is one of the main target. Now, the question remains: Can these new entrants compete and beat established brands like LiHO Tea, KOI The, and Gong Cha?