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

A new bubble tea brand named Cai Ca has taken over six former outlets of Gong Cha in Singapore, following the latter’s closure of all its shops in the city-state in October 2025. Founded by Kang Puay Seng, the former CEO of Gong Cha Singapore, Cai Ca aims to offer a fresh take on bubble tea by using Japanese soya milk and premium tea.

Cai Ca has established its presence at prominent locations including Lot One, Bugis Junction, NUS UTown, King Albert Park, Northpoint City, and Century Square. The brand is also preparing to open an additional outlet at the National University of Singapore (NUS), as noted on its Instagram page.

Kang shared insights with Shin Min Daily News about the brand’s growth strategy, highlighting a focus on two primary areas. The first is the introduction of healthier beverage options, aligning with the Nutri-Grade labelling system that became mandatory for freshly made drinks in Singapore on December 30, 2023. This system grades beverages from “A” for the healthiest to “D” for those with higher sugar and saturated fat content.

The second aspect of Cai Ca’s strategy involves offering snacks that complement the drinks. This dual approach aims to cater to a health-conscious market, effectively responding to changing consumer preferences.

The closure of Gong Cha’s outlets in Singapore was part of a broader strategy, with plans to relaunch in 2026 under new local franchisees as part of the “Gong Cha 2.0” initiative. Founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Gong Cha entered the Singapore market in 2009. The brand had previously exited in June 2017, only to return later that year under a different franchisee.

Mr. Kang, who also co-founded the popular Mr Bean soy milk chain, played a crucial role in bringing Gong Cha back to Singapore after its brief hiatus. At its peak, Gong Cha operated 29 outlets across the city.

Cai Ca’s emergence signifies a shift in the local bubble tea landscape, as it capitalizes on the former brand’s legacy while carving out its identity through innovative offerings. With a clear focus on health and quality, Cai Ca aims to attract both loyal Gong Cha customers and new consumers seeking a modern bubble tea experience.