Photography by Alex Blackwood
Yu Cha is a new spot on Dominion Rd for all kinds of beverage delights.
The owner, Chonglun Tang (who goes by Jim) is also from China, having come to New Zealand 13 years ago. He chose to open this bubble tea place because he appreciates the modern take on tea. “It isn’t old-fashioned,” he says, “the fruits are fresh. You can actually see them.”
Tang chose the brand Yu Cha because when he first tasted their teas, he felt they were different from others. And indeed, the menu features a rainbow of drinks, including one that is Barney-violet in colour: the Purple Fairy, a dragon fruit and kumara smoothie. Tang notes that purple kumara in a sweet drink isn’t just unusual in New Zealand, it is unusual in China too. The menu also features all the classic teas you would expect to find – bubble tea, jasmine tea, as well as more of the less-usual tea with surprising flavour combos.
The Dominion Rd spot was chosen for its proximity to the city and foot traffic. The enthusiasm is clear: his shop has just opened and already he’s looking forward to expanding to a second store.
Opens 9 November.
12pm-9:30pm, 7 days
96A Dominion Rd
Mt Eden
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