India’s booming hospitality industry has attracted Taiwanese bubble tea brand Chatime.

Chatime opened its first Indian outlet at Metropolis mall in New Delhi on August 4. The bubble tea outlet offers its signature pearl milk tea.

Alchemist Foods, Chatime franchisee in India, is now planning a second location in Gurgaon. Around 150 outlets are expected to open over the next five years.

“We are confident that the Indian masses will take to the beverage just as their American, Australian Chinese and other international counterparts have,” said Alchemist Foods CEO AK Srikanth.

Unlike other bubble tea chains, Chatime brews teas fresh on site, with the tea leaves and toppings imported directly from Taiwan. The drink is infused with different flavourings, shaken to create bubbles and served in a clear cup – often over tapioca pearls.

Chatime also opened its first European outlet in London’s Soho last month. La Kaffa, owner of Chatime besides La Kaffa Coffee and ZenQ, is also looking for opportunities in the Middle East.

Chatime’s network now numbers 750 in 15 countries worlwide including the US, Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, the UK and India.

GB