First dibs: Get your BBT served by a bear hand at all-new BJ Milkytea, Tanjong Pagar

Few things in the world are as perfect for any occasion as bubble tea is. Having a bad day in school and desperately need a pick-me-up? Celebrating a good grade on my latest essay? Staying in for a movie marathon with my friends and need snacks? My answer to all of those is a large cup of bubble tea. And so I leapt at the opportunity to check out BJ Milkytea, an un-bear-ably adorable bubble tea stand nestled in the heart of Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

Unlike mainstream bubble tea stores, BJ Milkytea’s a literal hole-in-the-wall concept that’s inconspicuous and nondescript at first glance. Just wait ’til you place your order at the counter in front of the stall, because you’ll be in for a bear-y cute surprise. No prizes for guessing what I’ve been hinting at thus far, but having your bubble tea delivered by a fluffy bear hand sticking out of a wall is definitely something to aww at.

All patrons will be spoilt for choice with BJ Milkytea’s extensive menu consisting popular go-to orders such as Brown Sugar Fresh Milk (S$4.80), and unique combinations such as Lucky Bear (S$4.60), a combination of roselle syrup, sour plum juice, and is topped with refreshing aloe vera jelly. You’d be hard-pressed to find something that’s as refreshing and tart as this. Despite not being a drink I would’ve normally gravitated towards, I found myself reaching for it over and over, relishing in every ice-cold sip.

If you’re a seasoned bubble tea drinker who sticks with the good ol’ flavours, the Red Tea Macchiato with Ice Cream (S$5.80) is not to be missed. The bitter tea and sweet vanilla ice cream is a pairing worth trending on Twitter for—whether you choose to mix it in for a creamy drink or keep them separate to enjoy their different flavours.

I’ve found that that combination always works, though if you’re looking for something less unconventional, the Bloody Bear (S$3.60) might catch your eye. Think of your favourite pulut hitam dessert, but in drink form. BJ Milkytea has imaginatively mixed fragrant black glutinous rice with milk tea to give you a fusion dessert-drink that’s the first of its kind in Singapore. The rice’s texture is definitely different from your usual pearl or jelly toppings, but it’s a step out of the comfort zone that’s worth taking.

Taro lovers (myself, included) will not pass up a cup of Muddy Bear (S$4.80). Don’t let the name throw you off though, nothing is better than a cold cup of taro…on taro. Creamy, light, and laden with chewy taro pearls, nothing screams ‘treat yourself’ quite like making a pit stop at BJ Milkytea just for this.

I promise you, every calorie is worth it.

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