CHICHA San Chen 吃茶三千 (Richmond) – Authentic Taiwanese Tea & Premium Bubble Tea in Richmond, BC

CHICHA San Chen in the mall is on the smaller side, but it feels cozy and comfortable. The staff are genuinely warm and attentive—they spot you the moment you walk in, greet you quickly, and take your order right away. Everyone seems eager to help, and it makes the whole experience pleasant. The tea quality is hands-down my favorite. Unlike a lot of Americanized boba shops that load drinks with colorful toppings, syrups, and insane sweetness to attract the non Asian or younger crowd, CHICHA keeps it real. They brew their own tea properly and stick to authentic Taiwanese flavors. For someone like me who grew up with these tastes, every sip feels like home—it’s pure nostalgia, and it keeps me coming back again and again. I’m homesick.

It is a nice place, the drink is packaged nicely enticing. The green tea has a very nice aroma we will give that a try next time. Also the boba was really well made soft and chewy.

A beautifully designed space — bright, modern, and spotless — with just the right amount of warmth in the atmosphere. From the moment I stepped in, there was the inviting aroma of freshly brewed tea, and the soft lighting made it feel calm yet lively. I ordered the Dong Ding + Fresh Milk with taro balls, light sweetness, no ice. The tea had a rich, layered fragrance that carried through every sip, smooth and naturally sweet without feeling heavy. The taro balls were cooked perfectly — soft, chewy, and with that subtle earthy flavor that blends seamlessly with the milk tea. The balance between the tea and milk was spot on, letting the natural notes of the oolong shine. The preparation area was organized and immaculate, with tea leaves and brewing equipment neatly displayed — a small detail, but it says a lot about how much care goes into the drinks. The staff moved with precision and ease, handling orders efficiently while still greeting customers with genuine smiles. It’s the kind of place where you notice the details: the clean tables, the thoughtful design, the careful sealing of each cup. Everything about the experience felt intentional and well executed.

Had a great experience at this bubble tea shop! Tried the Tao Queen and absolutely loved it — the tea flavor was rich and perfectly balanced, and you can really taste the care in the tea brewing. Plus, the wait wasn’t long at all. Definitely a must-try!

Tried CHICHA San Chen for the first time and was honestly surprised in a good way! Their biggest highlight is that the tea is freshly brewed you can really smell the fragrance right away, and the first sip feels so clean and pure. Not overly sweet or heavy, very different from most bubble tea shops. I ordered the fresh milk tea with pearls, and the balance between the milk and the tea was spot on. The tea is still the star of the drink, with a rich aroma coming through. The pearls were chewy and bouncy, not too hard or soft, with just the right sweetness to complement the tea. The store itself is bright and clean, and while waiting for my drink I actually felt pretty relaxed. The staff were friendly too they gave suggestions without making me feel pressured. The price is a little higher than regular bubble tea, but you can definitely taste the difference in quality and ingredients. Overall, if you’re someone who really enjoys the natural fragrance of tea, this place is absolutely worth checking out!