New Bubble Tea Brand Cai Ca Replaces Six Gong Cha Outlets in Singapore

A new bubble tea brand, Cai Ca, has taken over six former outlets of Gong Cha in Singapore, following the latter’s closure of all its shops in the country in October 2025. Founded by former Gong Cha Singapore CEO Kang Puay Seng, Cai Ca aims to carve out a niche in the competitive bubble tea market with its unique offerings.

Cai Ca has established its presence at various locations, including Lot One, Bugis Junction, NUS UTown, King Albert Park, Northpoint City, and Century Square. Plans are underway to open an additional outlet at the National University of Singapore (NUS), as confirmed on the brand’s official Instagram page.

Kang revealed to Shin Min Daily News that the team leveraged their extensive experience in the bubble tea industry to shape Cai Ca’s vision. The new brand focuses on two main growth strategies. The first involves launching healthier beverage options that comply with Singapore’s Nutri-Grade labeling system, which became mandatory for freshly made drinks on December 30, 2023. Under this system, beverages are graded from “A” for the healthiest options to “D” for those with the highest sugar and saturated fat content.

In addition to beverages, Cai Ca plans to introduce a range of snacks designed to complement its drinks, catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers. This strategic approach aims to differentiate Cai Ca from its competitors while appealing to a broader audience.

The closure of Gong Cha’s outlets in Singapore in October 2025 marked a significant shift in the local bubble tea landscape. The brand intends to relaunch in 2026 under new local franchisees as part of a global initiative dubbed “Gong Cha 2.0.” Established in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Gong Cha entered the Singapore market in 2009, briefly exiting in June 2017 before returning later that year.

Kang, who co-founded the well-known Mr Bean soy milk chain, played a pivotal role in bringing Gong Cha back to Singapore in December 2017 after a brief hiatus. At its peak, Gong Cha operated 29 outlets across the city-state, demonstrating the brand’s strong foothold in the bubble tea market.

As Cai Ca steps into the spotlight, it represents a fresh perspective in an industry that continues to evolve. By prioritizing health and quality, the brand aims to attract both loyal bubble tea aficionados and new customers seeking healthier alternatives.