Chen San Ding

Chen San Ding was another must-visit on our last day in Taipei. They are known for one specific drink, the black sugar bubble milk. Fortunately, it is located directly across from Lan Jia Traditional Taiwanese Snack. Fittingly, it made a perfect next stop to wash down the savory gua bao. Taiwan is known as the birthplace of bubble tea, a drink that has become extremely popular around the world. Interestingly enough, the signature drink from Chen San Ding has no tea in it at all.

As we waited in the long but fast-moving line for our drink, the aroma of caramelized sugar filled the air. Normally, we don’t like to add ice to our tea drinks. Fortunately, we said yes to ice in this one, which proved to be a smart move. The reason why? At the bottom of the plastic cup, the combination of tapioca and brown sugar was very warm. Also, the steamy Taipei temperatures call for ice regardless! On top, fresh milk is poured, which gives the elixir an interesting color combination. In between the two layers, a tan color appears thanks to the blending.

Typically, we also don’t usually like to add the boba to our tea drinks. Here, they are an absolute must, as they are cooked perfectly to where they aren’t too soft or too chewy. We loved the caramelized burnt sugar flavor that enveloped the pearls. When mixed, the cool creamy milk blends well and results in a flavor that is similar to flan. The contrasts between cold and warm and between creamy and sweet worked really well here.

We can’t recommend a visit to this amazing street corner enough. The combo of savory gua bao and sweet creamy black sugar milk is a tremendous one. Not only that, but the feel of this street and energy surrounding it is worth the trip alone.

Have you been to Chen San Ding before? Do you have a favorite spot for black sugar milk elsewhere in Taipei? Let us know in the comments below!

Chen San Ding Black Sugar Bubble Milk

No. 2, Alley 8, Lane 316, Section 3, Luosifu Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100