Heytea in Shanghai: Cheese Foam Tea & How to Order

I didn’t get the hype around Heytea until I tried the Mango Pomelo Sago at a branch near Nanjing East Road. The mix of mango, coconut, and tea with that creamy cheese foam on top—tipping the cup so you get foam and tea in one sip—made sense. Heytea (喜茶) started the cheese foam tea trend in China and now has over 100 locations in Shanghai—a regular on Shanghai must-try food and drink lists. Drinks run about ¥20–35, and you can skip the queue by ordering ahead in the WeChat mini-program. This guide covers what to order, how to order, and how to get the most out of a visit.

Last Updated: March 2026

Why Heytea Stands Out

Heytea’s signature is a thick layer of whipped cream cheese on top of the tea. You sip by tilting the cup so you get both foam and tea—sweet, a bit savory, and different from standard bubble tea. In Shanghai the same drinks that cost $7–10 in many international cities often run ¥25–35 (roughly $3–5). The brand has expanded globally, but Shanghai has the densest coverage and the full menu. Quality and consistency are high; the downside is queues at popular branches if you don’t order ahead.

What to Order

Cheese foam series (芝士茗茶): Cheese Green Tea (芝芝绿妍, ¥25) is the classic. Cheese Oolong (芝芝金凤茶王, ¥27) and Cheese Jasmine (芝芝茉香, ¥25) are strong options if you like oolong or floral notes.

Fruit tea: Mango Pomelo Sago (多肉芒芒甘露, ¥32) is the bestseller and my go-to—mango, coconut, sago, and tea. Grape Burst (多肉葡萄, ¥29) and Peach Passion (多肉桃桃, ¥28) are popular too.

Milk tea: Bubble Milk Tea (波波奶茶, ¥19) and Brown Sugar Bubble (黑糖波波奶茶, ¥22) are good value. First-timers often love the Mango Pomelo Sago; if you want something lighter, 50% sweetness (五分糖) works well for most palates. Full sugar is very sweet.

Category	Price range
Basic milk tea	¥15–22
Fruit tea	¥25–35
Cheese foam series	¥25–32
Toppings (bubbles, taro, extra foam)	+¥3–6

How to Order and Skip the Line

WeChat mini-program (喜茶GO): Open WeChat → Search “喜茶GO” → open the mini-program → allow location → choose store → pick drinks and options → pay with WeChat Pay. You get a notification when it’s ready; go in and collect. No need to stand in the queue. I use this when I’m nearby and want to grab a drink between sightseeing.

In-store: Queue (often 5–30 minutes at busy spots), point at the menu or use the Chinese names from this guide, pay with WeChat/Alipay/cash, wait for your number, then collect.

Customization: sweetness 无糖 / 三分糖 / 五分糖 / 全糖 (none / 30% / 50% / 100%); ice 去冰 / 少冰 / 正常冰 (no ice / less / normal). Toppings include 波波 (bubbles), 芋圆 (taro balls), 椰果 (coconut jelly).

Where to Find Heytea

Branches are all over the city. Convenient for tourists: Nanjing East Road (shopping street), Huaihai Road (French Concession), Lujiazui IFC (near Shanghai Tower), Xintiandi. Jing’an Temple has a larger space with more seating; Disney Town is handy if you’re at Shanghai Disney. You’ll rarely be far from a Heytea—use the mini-program to see the nearest one and order ahead.

Limited Editions and Payment

Heytea runs limited-time collabs (e.g. Fendi, Genshin Impact, Disney) with special cups and sometimes merchandise; those drinks are usually ¥30–40 and can sell out. For payment, WeChat Pay and Alipay are standard; set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before you go. Cash may be accepted at some branches. Other chains in Shanghai include Nayuki (similar tier), Mixue (budget), Yi Dian Dian and CoCo (Taiwanese style)—see our Shanghai food trio for how Heytea fits with Haidilao and lamb skewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an English menu?
The app/mini-program is mostly in Chinese, but stores have photo menus. Saving the Chinese names from this guide (e.g. 多肉芒芒甘露) makes ordering smooth.

Is there caffeine?
Most tea-based drinks have caffeine. Fruit-only or certain options can be caffeine-free; ask if it matters.

Can I get it hot?
Yes. Ask for 热的 (rè de). Good in winter.

Is there seating?
Many branches have limited seating and fill up at peak times. A lot of people order to go.

Why is Heytea in every Shanghai food guide?
It started the cheese foam trend, has wide coverage and consistent quality, and fits easily into a day of sightseeing or with a Haidilao or lamb skewer meal.

Conclusion

Heytea is one of the easiest “must-try” drinks in Shanghai: recognizable, widely available, and not expensive. Order ahead via 喜茶GO to avoid the queue, go for Mango Pomelo Sago or a cheese foam tea, and ask for 50% sugar if you don’t want it overly sweet. Pair it with a Haidilao or lamb skewer meal and you’ve got a solid Shanghai food day.

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