Our newest go-to boba spot.

On January 24, 2025, HeyTea opened doors at its Columbia University location, located on 109th street. Just one year after the first HeyTea franchise was introduced to the United States, the Columbia location is HeyTea’s 14th store in New York. 

Upon entering the store, customers are greeted by their trademark jasmine tea fragrance and modern furnishings, which are a fitting contrast to their traditional Zen perspective on tea. HeyTea’s grand opening featured special deals like BOGO (Buy One Get One) and limited edition giveaways of magnets and tote bags. Founded in Guangdong, the chain will join the ranks of other bubble tea stores in Morningside Heights, including Gong Cha, Tea Magic, and Möge Tea.

For many, HeyTea is a breath of fresh air from sweeter, American style bubble teas. As one of the top boba chains in China, the company prides itself on using fresh fruits and real milk instead of powdered ingredients. 

Known for its “Cheese Tea” drink–a topping that features a blend of New Zealand’s Anchor cheese, milk, cream, and salt–the store offers a wide variety of flavors to choose from. Customers can be found sipping on Grape Boom, Brown Sugar Bobo Milk Tea, and Coconut Mango Boom, among others.

Image via Wikimedia Commons