Bubble tea aficionados in Hong Kong have cause for celebration: Soma Tea & Mocktail, the acclaimed Taiwanese purveyor known for its premium tea blends, has unveiled its first permanent storefront in the city. Following a successful trial run last year at The Farmhouse Deli, the brand known for its artisanal approach to boba has established a robust presence at the high-end K11 Musea in Tsim Sha Tsui, promising both international signature drinks and exclusive local concoctions.
Elevating Hong Kong’s Tea Scene
Soma enters Hong Kong’s competitive bubble tea market with a distinct competitive edge focused on quality and craftsmanship. The brand gained significant recognition in Taiwan, notably capturing the top honor at the respected 2019 Taiwan Milk Tea Festival for its original blend.
Unlike many competitors that rely on automated processes, Soma emphasizes traditional methods—every cup is meticulously hand-shaken, whisked, and brewed using carefully selected premium ingredients. This commitment to detail ensures a smooth, richly flavored beverage aimed at connoisseurs.
The new K11 Musea location offers three primary beverage categories to cater to various palates:
- Soma Milk Tea: Featuring the award-winning original blend, these traditional milk teas are available in diverse pairing options, including unique flavors such as black sesame, almond, and even an Italian coffee infusion reminiscent of the local yuenyeung blend.
- High Mountain Tea: Dedicated to true tea enthusiasts, this collection spotlights the robust aroma and distinct profiles of high-quality Taiwanese tea leaves.
- Premium Essentia: This series encompasses specialized, hand-whisked lattes, currently featuring seasonal Japanese preparations like matcha and hojicha.
Exclusive Offerings and Future Expansion
To mark its Hong Kong debut, Soma has introduced a novel, location-specific item: the Black Truffle Essentia Milk Tea. This exclusive creation fuses the velvety texture of the brand’s signature milk tea base with the distinctive earthy aroma of black truffle, appealing to the city’s sophisticated dining trends.
Looking ahead, Soma plans to broaden its menu beyond traditional tea. Boba enthusiasts can anticipate the future arrival of the brand’s popular sparkling mocktail series, offering non-tea alternatives crafted with the same commitment to quality ingredients.
Soma Tea & Mocktail can be found at Shop 603, 6/F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Prices for the handcrafted teas start from $38 per drink, offering a premium experience within the bustling retail landmark.
The opening signals a continued shift towards specialized, high-quality beverage options in Hong Kong, following global trends that prioritize artisanal food and drink preparation. For those seeking an elevated twist on the classic bubble tea experience, Soma’s new flagship offers a taste of Taiwan’s acclaimed tea heritage right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.
