New Bubble Tea Brand Cai Ca Launches, Replacing Gong Cha Outlets

Cai Ca, a new bubble tea brand, has officially opened its doors in Singapore, taking over six locations previously operated by Gong Cha. The transition follows Gong Cha’s closure of all its shops in the country in October 2025. Founded by Kang Puay Seng, the former CEO of Gong Cha Singapore, Cai Ca aims to carve out its niche in a competitive market.

The new brand has set up outlets at several prominent locations, including Lot One, Bugis Junction, NUS UTown, King Albert Park, Northpoint City, and Century Square. Plans are underway to launch another outlet at the National University of Singapore, as announced on the brand’s Instagram page.

Focus on Health and Pairing Snacks

Cai Ca distinguishes itself by offering beverages made with Japanese soya milk and tea, with a focus on healthier options. The brand intends to align its product offerings with the Nutri-Grade labelling system, which became mandatory for freshly made beverages in Singapore on December 30, 2023. Under this system, drinks are graded from “A” for the healthiest to “D” for those with the highest sugar and/or saturated fat content.

In addition to healthier drinks, Cai Ca plans to introduce a range of snacks designed to complement its beverages. Mr. Kang, who has extensive experience in the beverage industry, expressed confidence in the direction the brand is taking. He told Shin Min Daily News that his team leveraged their past experiences in establishing Cai Ca and identified two strategic areas for growth.

Gong Cha’s Temporary Exit and Future Plans

Gong Cha’s decision to close its outlets in Singapore marks another chapter in its tumultuous history in the country. The brand, which originated in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, made its Singapore debut in 2009. It briefly exited the market in June 2017, with its outlets replaced by the local brand LiHo. Gong Cha later returned under new franchise management in December 2017.

As part of its global “Gong Cha 2.0” revamp, the company announced plans to relaunch in Singapore in 2026 with new local franchisees. At its peak, Gong Cha operated 29 outlets across the country, and its return is highly anticipated by loyal customers.

With the launch of Cai Ca, the bubble tea landscape in Singapore is poised for further evolution. The brand’s emphasis on health-conscious drinks and complementary snacks reflects changing consumer preferences, positioning it as a potential leader in the next phase of the bubble tea craze.