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8 August 2024

Exposed Magazine

Fargate has got a lot sweeter following the opening of Tiger Sugar, the world-renowned bubble tea brand. Known for its distinctive brown sugar boba drinks, Tiger Sugar has rapidly expanded its footprint globally and has now brought its iconic flavours to Sheffield. We went to find out more…

What’s It All About?

Originating from Taiwan, where the first two boba tea houses opened in the 1980s, Tiger Sugar is celebrated for its visually striking drinks often featuring rich, caramelised brown sugar stripes. With over 300 stores in more than 50 countries, including more than 80 locations in the United States, Tiger Sugar has established itself as a leader in the bubble tea market.

Andy Dong, the franchise owner and general manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the brand’s expansion in the UK. “We are excited to bring Tiger Sugar to Sheffield and introduce our drinks to the people here,” he said. “There are only two of these shops in the UK, the other being in Leeds, and we thought Yorkshire was the perfect place for us.”

Standing Out from the Rest

Tiger Sugar’s appeal lies not only in its tasty drinks but also in its meticulous preparation and high-quality ingredients. The brand’s black sugar boba pearls are cooked to perfection, resulting in a chewy, flavourful texture that pairs seamlessly with their premium teas and ingredients.

Dong highlighted the brand’s dedication to excellence: “Our boba takes almost three hours to cook, and we use a special recipe for our black sugar that gives it a unique, rich flavour. This attention to detail is what sets us apart from other bubble tea brands.”

Customisable Experience

One of the hallmarks of Tiger Sugar is its customisable drinks. While their signature drinks are perfected through years of refinement and are not typically altered, customers can adjust the ice and sugar levels to suit their preferences. This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy their bubble tea just the way they like it.
“Our drinks are all customisable, except for our signatures, which we believe are perfect as they are,” Dong explained. “But for everything else, customers can choose their preferred level of sweetness and ice. So you make it as healthy or indulgent as you like.”

A Sleek Look

The new store on Fargate aims to provide a modern and inviting atmosphere where customers can relax and enjoy their drinks. The design of the store reflects Tiger Sugar’s premium brand image, offering a comfortable and stylish environment. Dong mentioned plans to enhance the store further by adding outdoor seating, creating a perfect spot for enjoying bubble tea, especially in the summer.

Signature Drinks and Flavours

Tiger Sugar’s menu boasts a variety of popular drinks, with the brulee and the signature black sugar boba with pearls being customer favourites. The unique combination of traditional Taiwanese tea and the brand’s secret black sugar recipe keeps people coming back for more.

While very much a treat, the drinks are relatively healthy compared to other sweet beverages. The black sugar used in their drinks is less processed than white sugar, offering a slightly healthier alternative. Additionally, the tea base provides antioxidants, making it a more wholesome option.

Coming Up North

The opening of Tiger Sugar in Sheffield marks a significant milestone for the brand’s presence in the UK. Dong, who also owns the Leeds franchise, is keen on expanding further in the region, bringing the delightful Tiger Sugar experience to more locations.

“I’ve been up here for a long time and love it,” Dong shared. “Bringing this exciting new brand to the north first felt like the right move. We have plans to expand further, but starting here in Sheffield is a great beginning.”

Whether you’re a long-time fan of bubble tea or new to the experience, pay a visit to the Tiger Sugar Fargate store, open 11am-8pm, Monday to Sunday. Follow @tigersugar_uk for news and promotions.