If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a workday, suddenly craving that chewy sweetness of tapioca pearls in a cold, refreshing tea — you’re not alone. Bubble tea has become a quiet staple for millions, and Gong Cha is one of the names people keep searching for. The brand started in Taiwan and now has locations scattered across the UK and USA, though the Irish question keeps coming up. This guide puts everything in one place: where the stores are, what’s on the menu, how delivery works, and the questions people ask most.
Primary Markets: UK, Ireland, USA · Store Finder Available: gong-cha.com · Delivery Partners: Uber Eats · Ireland Locations: Unconfirmed · Origin: Taiwanese bubble tea
Quick snapshot
- Gong Cha operates 12 UK locations across cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Nottingham (Gong Cha UK Official)
- USA location at 6851 Amador Plaza Rd STE 104A, Dublin, CA 94568 with 5.0 Uber Eats rating from 16 reviews (Uber Eats)
- No confirmed Gong Cha stores in Ireland despite consistent search interest
- Global store count not publicly specified by the brand
- Exact boycott list status has not been officially clarified by Gong Cha
- Gong Cha established as a Taiwanese bubble tea brand — exact founding year varies by source (Gong Cha Official Website)
- UK expansion built to 12 verified locations across major cities (Gong Cha Official Website)
- Dublin, California store operational as of April 2026 (Gong Cha Official Website)
- Use the official store finder at gong-cha.com for real-time location updates
- Uber Eats remains the primary delivery platform across UK and USA markets
- Irish market expansion remains unconfirmed — check back or use the store finder
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Official Site | www.gong-cha.com/store-finder |
| UK Location Count | 12 verified locations |
| Nottingham Address | 17 Exchange Arcade, Nottingham, NG1 2DD |
| Nottingham Uber Eats Rating | 4.6 from 320+ reviews |
| USA Dublin, CA Address | 6851 Amador Plaza Rd STE 104A, Dublin, CA 94568 |
| Dublin, CA Uber Eats Rating | 5.0 from 16 reviews |
| Primary Delivery Platform | Uber Eats |
| Brand Origin | Taiwan |
Is Gong Cha in Ireland?
This is the question that surfaces most often, and it deserves a straight answer: no confirmed Gong Cha locations exist in Ireland. Despite repeated searches and inquiries, verified data from Yelp, Instagram (@gongchabelfast), and the official store finder at gong-cha.com show stores in the UK and USA — but none in Belfast or Dublin, Ireland.
Gong Cha Belfast
An Instagram account tagged @gongchabelfast has appeared in searches, but this account has not been verified as an official Gong Cha location. Yelp records show no confirmed Gong Cha stores in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The @gongchabelfast account may be a fan account or a future franchise inquiry, but it is not an operational store at this time.
Gong Cha Dublin
There is no Gong Cha in Dublin, Ireland. However, there is a Gong Cha in Dublin, California. That location sits at 6851 Amador Plaza Rd STE 104A, Dublin, CA 94568 and earns a 5.0 rating on Uber Eats based on 16 reviews. It offers delivery through Uber Eats with a $0 delivery fee and also appears on Kekes, Order.Online, and Mandarin Express platforms.
The implication: if you’re in Dublin, Ireland and searching for “gong cha near me,” you won’t find a local store. The nearest confirmed Gong Cha locations in the British Isles are in the UK — cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and others. The confusion between Dublin, Ireland and Dublin, California is common enough that it’s worth clarifying upfront.
Search results frequently mix up Dublin, Ireland with Dublin, California. If you see a US address listed, double-check the postcode — UK and Ireland searches should target gong-cha.co.uk specifically.
Is Gong Cha Korean or Chinese?
Gong Cha is neither Korean nor Chinese. The brand is Taiwanese, founded in Taiwan with a focus on authentic bubble tea made from premium whole-leaf teas and quality ingredients. The name “Gong Cha” ( ) translates roughly from Mandarin as “palace tea,” reflecting the brand’s positioning around premium tea culture.
Brand Origins
Gong Cha describes itself as an authentic bubble tea brand from Taiwan, using the tagline “world-renowned bubble tea crafted fresh daily with premium whole-leaf teas and quality ingredients.” The brand has expanded internationally, but its roots remain distinctly Taiwanese — not Korean, not Chinese mainland, not affiliated with any specific Chinese diaspora chain.
Wikipedia Details
Independent sources including Wikipedia and brand communications confirm Taiwan as the origin country. This matters because bubble tea itself originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, and Gong Cha positioned itself within that tradition rather than the Korean bubble tea wave that came later.
The pattern: Taiwan’s bubble tea tradition, established in the 1980s, gave rise to chains like Gong Cha that distinguish themselves from the later Korean bubble tea movement. Understanding this origin clarifies why Gong Cha’s branding and quality positioning differ from Korean-style boba shops.
Why is Gong Cha Expensive?
Bubble tea sits in a pricing tier above standard iced tea or coffee at most chains, and Gong Cha positions itself at the upper end of that range. Several factors drive the price difference.
Pricing Factors
Gong Cha uses premium whole-leaf teas rather than tea powders or concentrates. The tapioca pearls (boba) are prepared fresh daily, and many locations offer customizable sweetness levels and toppings that add cost. The brand’s positioning as a premium tea experience — the “palace tea” framing — also supports higher price points.
Quality Ingredients
Compared to standard instant teas or lower-tier bubble tea chains, Gong Cha’s ingredient sourcing is more rigorous. The brand’s official website explicitly markets “premium whole-leaf teas and quality ingredients,” which adds to production costs. A standard milk tea at a convenience store or lower-end boba shop will typically cost less, but the ingredient quality and preparation standards differ.
What this means: you’re paying for the tea base, the preparation method, and the customizability. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your reference point — it’s more expensive than most high-street tea chains, but less expensive than specialty third-wave coffee shops.
Menu items are broadly consistent across UK and USA locations, but regional availability may vary. Uber Eats listings are your most reliable real-time menu source for specific locations.
Gong Cha Near Me Menu
The menu at any Gong Cha location centers on bubble tea, but the category breaks down into several drink families. Here’s what the menu typically includes based on verified Uber Eats listings and the official brand platform.
Popular Items
Core menu items include Pearl Milk Tea (classic milk tea with tapioca pearls), Fresh Milk Brown Sugar Pearl (brown sugar syrup over fresh milk and pearls), Mango Smoothie, and a range of fruit-flavored bubble teas. The Nottingham location on Uber Eats specifically lists these as popular items, and the Dublin, California Uber Eats menu includes the same categories: Juice & Smoothies, Bubble Tea, Asian Desserts, and Coffee and Tea.
Customization Options
Gong Cha allows customization of sweetness levels (typically 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, or 0%), ice levels, and topping choices beyond the standard tapioca pearl. Toppings can include coconut jelly, grass jelly, pudding, or various syrups. This customization model is standard across bubble tea chains and contributes to the perceived value of each drink.
The implication: the customization model adds perceived value but also complexity. Customers looking for a simple, quick order may find the options overwhelming, while those who enjoy tailoring drinks to their preferences will appreciate the flexibility.
Gong Cha Near Me Delivery and Hours
Delivery access varies by location, but Uber Eats is the dominant platform across both UK and USA markets. Here’s what the data shows for hours and delivery options.
Open Now Status
Operating hours differ by location and platform. The Nottingham, UK Uber Eats listing shows hours from 12:00 to 19:50 — notably shorter than a typical full-service cafe. The Dublin, California Uber Eats listing shows 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekends. These hours suggest a lunch-and-afternoon focus rather than a full evening operation.
Delivery Options
Uber Eats is the primary delivery platform, appearing for both UK and USA locations. The Dublin, California location offers $0 delivery fee on Uber Eats. Grubhub also carries Gong Cha for USA locations. The Nottingham location has a 4.6 rating on Uber Eats based on 320+ reviews — a substantial review volume that suggests consistent delivery performance. The Dublin, California location earns a 5.0 rating from 16 reviews on Uber Eats, though the smaller review count means the rating is less statistically robust.
For UK customers, Kekes, Order.Online, and Mandarin Express are alternative platforms in addition to Uber Eats. The Dublin, California location appears on multiple platforms simultaneously, giving customers flexibility in delivery choice.
Delivery fees vary by platform and location. The Dublin, CA location advertises $0 delivery on Uber Eats, but other locations or platforms may charge delivery fees. Check the specific platform at checkout rather than assuming.
Clarity on Gong Cha
What we know
- Gong Cha operates 12 UK locations across major cities (Gong Cha UK Official)
- Dublin, California location at 6851 Amador Plaza Rd STE 104A with 5.0 Uber Eats rating (Uber Eats)
- UK Nottingham location at 17 Exchange Arcade with 4.6 rating from 320+ reviews (Uber Eats UK)
- Gong Cha is a Taiwanese bubble tea brand (Gong Cha Official Website)
- Premium whole-leaf teas and quality ingredients (Gong Cha Official Website)
- Uber Eats is the primary delivery platform (Uber Eats UK)
What remains unclear
- Whether any confirmed Irish locations exist (Belfast, Dublin Ireland)
- Exact global store count (brand does not publicly disclose)
- Official boycott list status (not confirmed by Gong Cha)
- Nutritional and allergen information availability
- Menu pricing specifics across locations
- Halal certification status
What People Are Saying
Gong cha Dublin stands out as a vibrant and inviting bubble tea destination, renowned for its extensive menu of both classic and innovative drink options.
— Wheree.com (Review platform)
Discover Gong cha’s world-renowned bubble tea crafted fresh daily with premium whole-leaf teas and quality ingredients.
— Gong Cha (Brand official)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gong Cha on the boycott list?
No official confirmation exists from Gong Cha regarding boycott list status. The company has not publicly addressed boycott campaigns, and verified sources do not confirm any specific affiliation that would trigger widespread boycott action. If boycott status is a concern, check current campaign lists before visiting.
Can a 12 year old have boba?
Bubble tea is generally safe for children, but parents should consider a few factors. Tapioca pearls present a choking hazard for young children who may swallow them without adequate chewing. For a 12-year-old with proper chewing ability, standard bubble tea is typically fine. The drink itself — tea base, milk, and sweetener — is caffeine-containing, so caffeine sensitivity may be a factor.
What is the unhealthiest tea to drink?
In the bubble tea category, drinks with high sugar content, full-fat milk, and multiple toppings (pearls, jelly, pudding) rank higher in calories and sugar. A standard Pearl Milk Tea with 100% sweetness and multiple toppings can exceed 400 calories and 50 grams of sugar in a single serving. Ordering less sweetness and limiting toppings reduces the health impact.
Can Muslims drink bubble tea?
Bubble tea compatibility with Islamic dietary laws depends on the specific ingredients. Tea and fruit flavors are generally permissible. Milk tea uses dairy, which is permissible for most Muslims. However, alcohol-based flavorings, gelatine-based toppings (gelatine source varies), and certain syrups may be questionable. Gong Cha has not confirmed Halal certification for its locations. Muslims seeking Halal-certified bubble tea should verify ingredient lists or seek certified chains.
Are there Gong Cha stores in Europe?
Yes — the UK is Gong Cha’s primary European market, with 12 confirmed locations across cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Norwich, and Nottingham. No confirmed Gong Cha locations exist in other European countries (Germany, France, Spain, etc.) as of this writing.
How Gong Cha makes bubble tea better
Gong Cha’s positioning centers on premium whole-leaf teas rather than tea powders, fresh daily preparation of tapioca pearls, and customization options. The brand’s “palace tea” positioning reflects a quality focus. Whether this constitutes “better” depends on personal preference — some customers prefer the convenience and lower price of standard chains, while others value the ingredient quality and preparation standards.
Can kids drink boba tea?
Children who can reliably chew and swallow tapioca pearls safely can typically enjoy bubble tea in moderation. The caffeine content of the tea base is low compared to coffee, but not negligible — sensitive children may experience sleep disruption if consumed late in the day. Sugar content is the larger health consideration for regular consumption.
For those in the UK, finding the nearest Gong Cha is straightforward with the store finder on gong-cha.co.uk. For those in Ireland, the honest answer remains: no local stores exist, and the nearest options are across the Irish Sea in British cities. The store finder will update if any Irish locations open in the future.
Priya Tran leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Reef Brief.