When most people think of Kenting, they first imagine sunshine, beaches, bikinis, and tropical weather. However, this resort destination located at Taiwan's southernmost tip has in recent years seen a rise in bubble tea culture. Unlike the tapioca milk tea chains in metropolitan areas, Kenting's bubble tea shops combine local characteristics with creative development, offering tourists a unique Southern Country beverage experience that has become an essential cool companion during their travels.
Kenting bubble tea's biggest distinctive feature is the perfect blend of 'resort vibes' and 'localization.' Because of its tropical location, with an average annual temperature exceeding 25°C, local shops place special emphasis on the refreshment and cooling effect of their beverages. At the same time, they incorporate local ingredients from the Hengchun Peninsula, such as local brown sugar, roselle, and lemon, creating signature teas with distinct Pingtung flavors. In addition, many shops pay great attention to their space design, creating indoor environments filled with resort atmosphere, allowing travelers to enjoy a moment of coolness during hot afternoons. It's worth noting that Hengchun Town is only about a 10-minute drive from Kenting Street, and the town offers more bubble tea options at more affordable prices—the insider recommendation for locals and savvy travelers.
When visiting Kenting, the following bubble tea shops come highly recommended by travelers:
Denglie Fen Yuan Hengchun Store is a rising Instagram hotspot in recent years, known for its white container building paired with a second-floor photo zone for influencers. The jungle-themed design and newly added hammock photo area have made it a favorite among young travelers. Their signature fen yuan black tea latte is priced at NT$55 for M size and NT$65 for L size, while fen yuan brown sugar latte is NT$65 for M and NT$80 for L. They're open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM. It's recommended to avoid peak meal times, or you may have to wait in line.
Shunshui Tang Taiwan Main Store is located on Hengnan Road in Hengchun Town, specializing in Taiwan-grown brown sugar and freshly made boba pearls that day, insisting on handmade production rather than factory mass production—a quality deeply trusted by locals. Phone reservations are quite convenient, perfect for travelers in a hurry.
Cao Ye Ren Mung Bean Milk is near the Hengchun Bus Station, with nearly 30 years of history—a beloved old shop that local residents have enjoyed since childhood. It has a Google rating of 4.6 with 419 reviews. Their mung bean milk is the must-order signature, with a smooth and creamy texture representing traditional old-fashioned flavor, priced between NT$50 and NT$100.
Feichun Hao is located on Kaolin South Road in Hengchun Town, famous for its renovated vintage-style shabby chic aesthetic. Weekday hours are 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, opening one hour earlier on weekends. Prices range from NT$90 to NT$280, perfect for travelers who enjoy photo opportunities while savoring high-quality beverages.
Tree Summer Drinkery is located on Hengxi Road in Hengchun Town—a hidden gem shop full of exotic vibes, open from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, closed every Thursday. Beverage prices range from about NT$100 to NT$320. Although on the higher end, its outstanding space design and beverage crafting have won the favor of many quality-seeking travelers.
As for practical information, getting from Kenting Street to Hengchun Town can be done by walking (about 20 minutes), scooter (about 10 minutes), or taxi. It's recommended to first sample local snacks in Hengchun Old Town such as tofu pudding and fried chicken before conveniently grabbing a bubble tea along the way. This itinerary not only helps you avoid the higher prices on Kenting Street but also lets you experience more authentic local flavors. When visiting Kenting in summer, it's recommended to choose shops with air-conditioned indoor seating, such as the second-floor space at Denglie Fen Yuan or the indoor seating at Feichun Hao—both great places to escape the scorching sun.
Overall, Kenting bubble tea prices range from about NT$50 to NT$320, with common bubble tea options typically between NT$50 and NT$100—roughly comparable to Taipei metropolitan areas. The best season to visit is from April to October each year, when the weather is hot, demand for cold beverages is highest, and shops are better stocked. Although there's less foot traffic in winter, some shops may shorten hours or close temporarily—it's recommended to call ahead before visiting.
When visiting Kenting, why not slow down your pace? Besides beach activities, wander through the alleys of Hengchun Old Town and discover these hidden bubble tea treasures nestled within the tropical paradise—experience the unique tea culture of Southern Taiwan.
