Bubble tea has taken the UK by storm in recent years, with a plethora of shops springing up across most major cities, including here in the Sheffield. But Chayu Tea Room, nestled on Boston Street near London Road, is bringing a distinct and authentic new twist to the trend. With a focus on fresh ingredients, handcrafted blends and unique flavour combinations, we found out how they’re offering a taste of Asia unlike anything else you’ll find in the Steel City.
Having opened just two months ago, Chayu Tea Room is already making waves. The owners, Wayne and Melodie – siblings originally based in Manchester – chose Sheffield for their debut venture, citing the area’s vibrant food scene and student-friendly atmosphere as key draws. “We saw this as a great opportunity,” Wayne explained. “London Road is a hub for food and drink, and we wanted to be part of that.”
Unlike many bubble tea shops in the UK, Chayu strives to deliver a more authentic experience and imports the majority of its stock from Taiwan. “A lot of bubble tea places focus on plain milk teas,” said Melodie, who devised the menu herself. “We wanted to do something different, like mixing fruity and milky flavours.” Standout creations include Matcha Blueberry, Matcha Mango and even a Studio Ghibli-inspired drink called Ghibli Summer, featuring avocado – a rare find in the bubble tea world.
Their dedication to quality doesn’t stop at flavours. All fruits are hand-punched on-site, ensuring freshness and an artisanal touch that sets them apart. “In most shops, fruit teas are made with syrups,” Melodie shared. “But here, everything is fresh – no shortcuts.”
For those craving something indulgent, the menu offers dessert-like options such as Oreo Brownie blends. Or, if you’re after something lighter, they also cater to a health-conscious crowd. “Customers can adjust sugar and ice levels, making it as healthy or as indulgent as they want,” adds Melodie. And for the chilly Sheffield winters, they’ve introduced hot teas and comforting options like the hot brown sugar Boba or a rich hot chocolate.
They also serve fresh coffees, including a unique orange Americano, and they’ve recently introduced crème brûlée as a small but decadent snack to pair with their teas.
“We wanted to create a space where people could enjoy a drink and a bite in a cosy setting,” said Wayne.
The space is perfect for sitting in and unwinding but the tea room also offers takeaways and delivery through Just Eat. With new menu items planned for release in December, there’s always something fresh being brewed up.
For those unfamiliar, bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has gained global popularity over the last decade. Traditionally, it’s a combination of tea, milk and tapioca pearls, but modern versions incorporate a variety of toppings and bases.
The pearls themselves are made from tapioca flour, with a texture akin to mochi. Chayu also offers unique options like sweet potato-based drinks, which they say are especially popular among children.
“We’ve only been open for two months, but we always have new items lined up,” says Melodie. “We want to bring something fresh to the menu, whether it’s new drinks or new snacks.”
The tea room is open seven days a week, welcoming visitors menu and enjoy a slice of Taiwanese culture here in Sheffield. Whether you’re a seasoned bubble tea lover or a curious first-timer, pop down and take a closer look for yourself.
@chayu.tea
Boston St, Highfield, S2 4QG
