The Hermès of milk tea???
Shanghai’s milk tea scene is on another level.
Stopped by Charlietown and tried three drinks — Earl Grey milk tea, Tahiti vanilla milk tea with brown sugar boba, and the wild one… Dubai chocolate milk.
Smooth, creamy, super aromatic, and honestly some of the best milk tea I’ve had in Shanghai.
If Hermès made milk tea… this might be it.
Okay, let's talk more about my incredible Charlietown experience because a quick review hardly scratches the surface! Nestled conveniently in the Kerry Center, Shanghai, this place is an absolute revelation. I'd heard whispers, but after my visit, I can emphatically say the hype is CONFIRMED. This isn't just another milk tea shop; it's an elevated experience. Let's start with the drinks themselves. The Earl Grey milk tea was a masterclass in sophistication. It wasn't overly sweet, allowing the distinctive bergamot notes of the Earl Grey to shine through beautifully, creating a very aromatic and refined taste. Then there was the Tahiti vanilla milk tea with brown sugar boba. Honestly, the rich vanilla taste was out of this world. Unlike many places where vanilla can taste artificial, here, the smooth Tahiti vanilla flavor really comes through in every sip, making it feel incredibly luxurious and genuine. And the boba? Oh, the brown sugar boba is a dream. The pearls are perfectly chewy and coated in that deep, caramel-like brown sugar – truly a sweet treat in every sip that adds glorious texture. But the real surprise and standout for me was their Dubai chocolate milk. As someone who usually opts for tea-based drinks, this completely captivated me. It boasted an incredibly rich, milky taste with a profound, authentic chocolatey flavor. The smooth and creamy texture made it feel like a decadent dessert. It was utterly delicious and satisfying, achieving a perfect balance of chocolate that was neither too bitter nor too sweet. What truly sets Charlietown apart in Shanghai’s competitive milk tea scene is the unparalleled quality of ingredients and the meticulous preparation. From the moment you receive your cup, it's very aromatic – you can genuinely smell the tea and vanilla right when you open the lid. This sensory delight is a testament to their commitment to premium ingredients. Each drink feels thoughtfully crafted, resulting in a perfectly balanced, creamy, and super satisfying beverage. It’s this dedication to excellence that makes it feel like the 'Hermès' of milk tea, a premium brand delivering consistent, high-quality luxury. For anyone exploring Shanghai, a visit to Charlietown is non-negotiable. It truly stands out as one of the best milk teas I've ever had. Whether you're a seasoned milk tea connoisseur or simply seeking an extraordinary treat, make your way to their Kerry Center location. You'll understand why the hype is real!
