The bubble tea craze has had Adelaidians in a chokehold for the better part of a decade. The creative flavour combos – from milky to fruity – paired with the fun (sometimes unidentifiable) toppings, send you into total textural bliss at first sip. And this new kid on the Rundle Street block is levelling up the experience.
Chayoung, which officially opened yesterday, is the brainchild of four friends who noticed Adelaide was missing the final piece of the bubble-tea puzzle.
Specifically, they’re bringing a modern take on Chinese fresh-milk tea to a city still dominated by powdered bases. Importing and using Chagee – a Chinese tea brand with a cult following across Asia – Chayoung creates drinks using fresh milk.
“The taste is really different,” owner Kun tells us. “When you use fresh milk, it’s smoother, creamier — you can taste the quality, and you don’t really find it here.”
A staple across Asia and growing fast in Melbourne and Sydney, Chagee hadn’t crossed borders into Adelaide until now. But according to Kun, young people are already obsessed, so the friends knew it was finally time to bring it here.
Chayoung’s debut lineup includes creative and delicious flavours like Sticky Rice Green Milk Tea, and Souchong Smoked Black Milk Tea. Kun’s personal pick is Oolong milk tea, while her partner’s go-to is Jasmine – light, refreshing and just the right amount of sweet (confirmed by taste test).
Kun has lived in Adelaide for eight years, studying here for her Bachelor and Master degrees while working at bubble tea shops – and is now completing her PhD in chemical engineering. It might be her first foray into hospitality ownership, but she’s well-versed in balancing flavours.
“It’s actually quite similar, mixing things together in the lab and creating flavours here,” she says. “I really enjoy it.”
A huge part of bubble tea’s appeal is its choose-your-own-adventure format. Tea base, milk style, ice level, sweetness level – and finally, bubbles. Traditionally tapioca pearls, but now ranging into fruity gels, puddings, delicate jellies and chewable crystals. Here’s where Chayoung levels up again. Going one step further into customisation, customers can self-serve as many toppings as can fit in your cup, all for a flat fee.
“Local young people really like customising toppings, so we have a ‘build-your-own’ style – you choose the size and then add the toppings you like,” Kun says.
Expect a solid starting lineup of pearls and lychee jelly, with more on the way. Spoon them in, close the lid, and the fun begins. Plus, the cup isn’t just cute, it’s also sturdy and reusable – a big win for the environment.
Kun says this style of bubble tea “feels comforting” and the fit-out reflects that same sentiment. It’s warm and rich with cultural meaning, with imported wall art representing different regions of China. And because waiting for your drink can feel like forever, there’s even a little retail nook filled with accessories and teas to browse while your order is shaken, stirred and sealed.
Aptly named Cha Young – translating to ‘tea’ and ‘waves’ – the business is already making waves of its own.
“We soft-opened today. This morning we had the first 50–60 customers and the shop was full, which was really exciting. When we posted on social media, a lot of people messaged us saying they were waiting for us to open,” Kun tells us.
Perfectly positioned on Rundle Street with peak uni-crowd foot traffic, it’s a guaranteed hit for anyone after a sweet pick-me-up between lectures, shopping missions or evening study sessions. Fresh milk tea, fruit teas, and playful DIY toppings, Chayoung is here to make waves. And trust us, one sip in and you’ll be riding them too.
Chayoung
Where: 171 Rundle St, Adelaide
When: 11am-8pm, daily
@chayoung_au
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