Hidden Gem Bubble Tea Spots in North York | Best Boba & Milk Tea Cafes 2025
Looking for the best bubble tea in North York? You're in the right place. North York has become Toronto's bubble tea capital, with everything from world-famous chains like Chatime and CoCo to hidden local gems serving handmade tapioca pearls and creative fruit blends. Whether you're a boba beginner wondering what to order or a seasoned enthusiast hunting for your next favorite spot, this guide covers the top 10 bubble tea cafes you need to try — complete with videos, insider tips, and exactly what to order at each location.
Bubble tea culture is thriving in North York — from Yonge & Finch's bustling strip to cozy corners across the neighborhood. Whether you crave creamy brown sugar pearls, fruity cheese teas, or hidden handmade tapioca, this list blends the best popular chains and local hidden treasures you'll love.
Video Overview: This guide showcases North York's top 10 bubble tea destinations, from iconic chains to hidden local favorites. Watch as we explore vibrant milk teas, creative fruit blends, and handmade tapioca pearls across the Yonge & Finch corridor. Perfect for planning your bubble tea crawl or discovering your new favorite boba spot in Toronto's bubble tea capital.
🧋 Top 10 Bubble Tea Spots in North York
Watch, explore, and plan your next bubble tea crawl through our favourite North York spots.
1. 🌟 Chatime – World's Most Loved Tea Franchise
📍 Multiple North York Locations
🥤 Try: Signature Pearl Milk Tea
A global favorite with smooth milk teas, chewy pearls, and seasonal specials like Thai Iced Tea.
2. 🥥 CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice – Classic Taiwanese Comfort
📍 Yonge & Finch, North York
🥤 Try: Taro Milk Tea or Strawberry Dreamer
One of the first Taiwanese franchises in Toronto, known for crowd-favorite taro and fun themed drinks.
3. 🦌 The Alley – Artisan Brown Sugar Boba
📍 5431 Yonge St
🥤 Try: Brown Sugar Deerioca Fresh Milk
Famous for its "Deerioca" pearls and beautiful Aurora fruit tea bottles perfect for photos.
4. 🎯 Gong Cha – The Customization King
📍 Yonge & Finch / York University
🥤 Try: Brown Sugar Milk Tea or Milk Foam Green Tea
Known for quality control and customizable sweetness — a go-to for reliable taste.
5. 🎤 Machi Machi – Jay Chou's Favorite
📍 5317 Yonge St
🥤 Try: Fresh Strawberry Latte with Panna Cotta
Chic aesthetics and dessert-style drinks with panna cotta or crème brûlée toppings.
6. 🌈 Mr. Sun Tea – Handmade Tapioca Gem
📍 5460 Yonge St, Unit 112
🥤 Try: Rainbow Tapioca Milk Tea
Hidden off Yonge, famous for freshly made in-house tapioca in fruity flavors.
7. 💫 Don't Yell At Me – Whimsical Café Energy
📍 5336 Yonge St
🥤 Try: Rose Lychee Sparkling Tea
Playful drinks and neon-lit vibes; founded by a Taiwanese celebrity.
8. 🥭 Shuyi Tealicious – Dessert Meets Boba
📍 37 Sheppard Ave E
🥤 Try: Mango Coconut Taro Ball Milk Tea
Imported from Chengdu, blending fruit teas with chewy taro balls and pudding layers.
9. ☕ Comebuy – Freshly Brewed Perfection
📍 4750 Yonge St (Emerald Park)
🥤 Try: Comebuy Original Milk Tea
Uses "Teapresso" brewing for deep tea flavor — a quiet favorite among boba purists.
10. 🍪 ITS TEA – Taro & Oreo Fusion
📍 5203 Yonge St
🥤 Try: Taro Storm (taro + Oreo blend)
New North York entrant making waves with rich dessert-style teas and sleek presentation.
Fresh mango bubble tea — a North York favorite.
🗺️ Plan Your Boba Crawl
Most of these bubble tea spots are concentrated along the Yonge & Finch corridor, making it easy to hop between cafes and compare your favorites. Here's how to plan your perfect boba adventure:
🚇 Getting There
TTC Access: Take Line 1 (Yonge-University) to Finch Station. Most bubble tea spots are within a 5-10 minute walk along Yonge Street.
Parking: Street parking available on side streets, or use Green P lots near Yonge & Finch.
Walking Route: Start at Finch Station and walk south along Yonge Street to hit multiple spots in one trip.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✅ Peak Hours: Avoid 3-6 PM on weekdays when students flood the shops
- ✅ Customization: Don't be shy — adjust sweetness (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) and ice levels
- ✅ Hidden Gems First: Try Mr. Sun Tea and Don't Yell At Me before they get too popular
- ✅ Seasonal Specials: Ask about limited-time flavors — they change monthly
- ✅ Loyalty Programs: Most chains offer stamp cards or app rewards
The joy of discovering your new favorite bubble tea spot in North York.
❓ Bubble Tea FAQ
- What's the difference between bubble tea and boba?
- They're the same thing! "Bubble tea" and "boba" both refer to Taiwanese tea drinks with chewy tapioca pearls. The name "bubble" comes from the frothy bubbles created when the drink is shaken.
- Which bubble tea shop in North York is best for first-timers?
- Start with Chatime or CoCo — both offer classic milk teas that are crowd-pleasers. Try a Signature Pearl Milk Tea at 50% sweetness to get a feel for the authentic taste.
- What should I order if I don't like tapioca pearls?
- Try alternative toppings like popping boba (fruit-flavored juice balls), pudding, aloe vera, or grass jelly. Many shops also offer fruit teas without any toppings.
- Are there dairy-free bubble tea options?
- Yes! Most shops offer fruit teas (naturally dairy-free) or can substitute regular milk with oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Just ask when ordering.
- How much does bubble tea cost in North York?
- Expect to pay $6-$9 for a regular-sized drink, depending on the shop and toppings. Premium drinks with special toppings (like cheese foam or panna cotta) may cost $8-$12.
- What's the best time to visit bubble tea shops?
- Visit during off-peak hours (10 AM - 2 PM or after 7 PM) to avoid long lines. Weekday afternoons (3-6 PM) are busiest due to students.
- Can I customize my bubble tea?
- Absolutely! Most shops let you adjust sweetness level (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), ice level (no ice, less ice, regular ice), and choose from various toppings. Don't hesitate to ask for modifications.
- What's brown sugar milk tea and why is it so popular?
- Brown sugar milk tea features handmade brown sugar pearls with a caramelized coating that creates beautiful tiger stripes in the cup. It's sweeter and richer than regular milk tea. Try it at The Alley or Gong Cha.
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