Four friends sitting on grass, smiling and holding bubble tea drinks in a park. They appear relaxed and cheerful, enjoying a sunny day.

Two people sitting outdoors, smiling and holding bubble tea with red straws. The person on the left wears a pink shirt.

About Us

From a single bubble tea shop in Taiwan, we’ve expanded to over 2,100 stores, bringing our signature teas to guests worldwide. Guided by a blend of tradition and innovation, we’re dedicated to creating exceptional experiences with each cup of tea.

Person in a red shirt and apron holding a white cup with a red sleeve labeled "Gong cha" in a cafe setting.

Our vision: To serve a billion cups of happiness

We're on a journey to serve a billion cups of happiness, opening hearts and minds to how tea is meant to be. Each cup is crafted to deliver not only exceptional flavor but also genuine moments that bring people together.

GREAT Values: Guiding Every Cup and Customer Experience

At Gong cha, we live by our GREAT values—Genuine, Respect, Empathy, Adventurous, and Teamwork. These principles define our commitment to delivering an exceptional tea experience in every cup, cultivating a positive work environment, and contributing to the well-being of our teams and communities. These values unite us in staying true to our vision, guiding every step.

Genuine

We celebrate individuality and passion to be the best version of ourselves.

Genuine

We celebrate individuality and passion to be the best version of ourselves.

Respect

Respect for yourself and each other. Gong cha embraces diversity.

Empathy

Connect by listening and appreciating different opinions. Everyone is included and heard.

Adventurous

Be bold and go beyond the expected to delight our customers and colleagues.

Teamwork

Together, we’re better. Let’s live the GREAT values and have fun.

Gong cha history

From humble beginnings to the fastest-growing tea brand: The story of Gong cha

1996

A cup of iced tea with creamy foam on top, placed on a wooden tray. An old-fashioned clock and a white cup are blurred in the background.

The first tea shop

In 1996, our founder, Super Wu opened his first tea shop in Taiwan, experimenting with tea blends and pioneering our signature Milk Foam.

2006

Street view of a corner Gong Cha shop with scooters parked in front and people standing nearby, in an urban setting.

Gong cha is established in Kaohsiung

The Gong cha brand officially launches in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Inspired by the tradition of offering tea as a tribute to the emperor, “Gong cha” stands for the highest quality—a commitment that set the foundation for our global growth.

2009

Aerial view of a bustling harbor city with skyscrapers, cruise ships, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

First overseas store in Hong Kong

Gong cha opens its first overseas store in Hong Kong, marking the begining of our global expansion.

2010

Aerial view of a cityscape at sunset, featuring tall skyscrapers, including a prominent twin-tower building, under a cloudy sky.

Growth into key Asia markets

Gong cha expands into key Asian markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Macau.

2011

Aerial view of a cityscape at dusk, featuring a prominent tower on a hill surrounded by modern buildings and distant mountains.

South Korea's first Gong cha store

The brand opens its first store in South Korea in the vibrant Hongdae district. In just three, it would quickly grow to over 450 stores.

2012

Sydney Opera House with city skyline in the background, surrounded by water, and a boat sailing nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

Expansion to Australia and beyond

Gong cha launches in Australia, introducing its unique tea experience to a broader audience.

2013

Person in gloves stirring a smoking, amber-colored drink with a black straw, likely involving liquid nitrogen, in a plastic cup.

Best in class quality assurance lab

Gong cha ensures consistent flavour and quality of its teas as the brand's global presence grows by establishing a best-in-class quality assurance lab in Taiwan. In that same year, Gong cha expands to Brunei.

2015

Tokyo skyline at dusk with Tokyo Skytree, illuminated pagoda, and cityscape under a vibrant sky and full moon.

Expansion into Japan

Gong cha opens its first store in Japan where it set a record by selling 3,000 cups per day.

2016

Skyline of a city at dusk with illuminated skyscrapers, including a prominent tower, reflected in a calm body of water.

First store in North America

Gong cha makes a significant leap by entering the U.S. and Canadian markets, introducing its premium bubble tea to North America.

2017

A cup of bubble tea with layers of milk, tea, and tapioca pearls, topped with extra pearls on a wooden tray.

Launch of Brown Sugar Milk Tea

The launch of Brown Sugar Milk Tea sets a new standard, becoming an instant global favourite.

2018

Grid of colorful bubble tea cups with various toppings and flavors, set against a gradient background of warm and cool tones.

4,000 cups sold in one day

In Vietnam, Gong cha sells 4,000 cups in a single day, reflecting its growing global appeal.

2019

Mexican flag waving in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral at Zócalo, Mexico City, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

1,000 stores, Mexico & England

Gong cha opens its first store in Mexico and England, and in the same year, surpasses 1,00 locations worldwide. 2009 was also the year Gong cha launches the refreshing QQ Passion Fruit Green Tea and Taro drinks.

2020

Traditional Indonesian building at sunset

First store in Indonesia

New stores debut in Indonesia. The brand also grows its presence in the United States, opening stores in Florida, Texas, and Massachusetts.

2021

First store in Cambodia

Gong cha continues its growth by entering Cambodia.

2022

Train travelling over bridge in a European city

1,500 stores and new markets

Gong cha expands into Belgium, Portugal, Panama, and Chicago, reaching over 1,500 stores worldwide.

2023

France debut & 2,000 stores

The brand expands into France, and surpasses 2,000 stores globally. In 2023, Gong cha also acquires its own dedicated tea garden, ensuring the highest quality tea leaves goes into every cup.

2024

New markets & cutting-edge technology

Gong cha expands into Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, Puerto Rico, and Mauritius, strengthening its global presence. The brand also introduces a new store design and kitchen automation, aiming to improve guests' experience through improved speed of service and flavour consistency.