Milk Foam, Pearls & Jellies: A Topping Tour

Toppings turn a good drink into a snack you can sip. At Gong Cha, texture is part of the recipe — here is how to navigate the most common add-ons and menu shorthand like 2J and 3J.

Tapioca pearls (boba)

Classic pearls are chewy spheres made from tapioca starch. They are best when fresh — springy with a little resistance, not hard in the centre. Pair them with milk teas and brown-sugar lines; the warmth of tea and milk complements their neutral sweetness.

Grass jelly & aloe

Grass jelly is gently herbal and jiggly — lighter than pearls and great when you want texture without extra chew. Aloe pieces are crisp and refreshing; they shine in fruit teas and summer cups.

QQ jelly and kanten

QQ jelly (sometimes listed with fruit teas) is bouncy and slightly sweet. Kanten jelly appears in specialty drinks like mango lattes — a cleaner, firmer jelly that stays distinct in iced drinks. Menu items that say 2J or 3J bundle two or three jelly types into one order so you can sample without over-ordering.

Pudding

Egg or milk pudding sinks to the bottom and slides through the straw in soft scoops. It adds richness — best when you want dessert energy without ordering a separate snack.

Milk foam (the "moustache")

Our Moustache Series tops drinks with a thick milk foam cap — slightly salty, slightly sweet. Sip the foam first, then mix as you drink for a layered experience. Brown Sugar Milk Foam Oolong is a crowd favourite if you like caramel notes.

How many toppings is too many?

One or two textures usually balance best — pearls plus pudding can be heavy, while pearls plus grass jelly stays refreshing. Staff can recommend pairings if you tell us your drink base.

Explore the full lineup on our menu or filter caffeine-free if you are skipping tea caffeine while still enjoying chew.