Gong Cha is a milk tea and bubble tea specialty chain that started in Taiwan. According to the brand story on its official website, a high-end tea shop opened by a Mr. Wu in Taiwan in 1996 became a word-of-mouth hit, so the recipes were standardized and more stores were opened, and in 2006 the Gong Cha brand was founded in Kaohsiung. "Gong Cha (貢茶)" refers to the tea that was offered as tribute to the emperor in ancient China, and the name carries a pledge to serve only the finest tea. The company has patented its milk foam blend, and it says it uses only loose-leaf tea, with no tea bags or powders, and that the tea and pearls are made fresh in each store every day.
The first Philippine branch opened at SM Mall of Asia in May 2011, and as of an October 2026 article there are more than 170 stores nationwide. The same article says the master franchise agreement was extended to open 50 more stores over the next 10 years.
The official menu is divided into House Specials, Milk Tea, Winter Melon, Chocolate, Coffee Specials, the Fruit Series and fruit teas, the Oreo, Strawberry, Ice Cream, and Mango Series, and seasonal drinks. House Specials come in Winter Melon, Taro, Chocolate, Matcha, Earl Grey, and Brown Sugar Black Tea flavors, and there are add-on options for extra toppings such as pearls and jelly. On the official website you can look up store locations and the menu, and you can also book a party package and ask about franchising. Inquiries are made through Facebook or the website.
Information checked: November 2026 (based on the brand's official website and a World Coffee Portal article from October 2026). Menus vary by store and may change, so please check before you visit.
