From Suzhou to New York: Befine Tea’s Debut is Turning Heads
There’s a reason over 40 million cups of Bamboo Oolong Oat Milk Tea—and a lineup of other creative drinks—have captured so much attention.
Owner Kelly shares the story behind Befine Tea’s U.S. launch in Chinatown, her standout drink picks, and what makes their flavors feel so fresh and new.
A Brand That Felt Just Right
For Kelly, launching Befine Tea in Manhattan wasn’t just about opening another tea shop—it was about finding something special. She and her partners had experience running businesses in New York, but they wanted their next venture to offer something truly unique. After exploring options across China, they discovered Befine Tea, a brand originally from Suzhou with over 500 locations across southern China. “We tried a lot of different brands,” Kelly said. “Befine stood out because of how clean and well-balanced the drinks were. It just felt like the right fit.”
This New York location is Befine’s first in the U.S., and Kelly says it’s just the start. “We’ve already got plans in place to grow,” she shared. “We’re looking at California next, and maybe even Texas.”
What to Try on Your First Visit
Kelly didn’t hesitate when asked which drink got people talking the most: the Bamboo Oolong Oat Milk Tea. It’s smooth, earthy, and finished with a slice of fresh orange that adds a subtle citrus lift. “It’s only 125 calories, but it tastes like something way more indulgent,” she said. “The orange balances the oolong and oat milk really well.”
Another favorite is the Grape Oolong with cream cheese, which quickly became a top seller during soft openings. “It’s my personal favorite,” Kelly admitted. “People even say it’s better than Hey Tea, which means a lot to us.” She also recommended the hand-pounded rice mochi milk tea for anyone who loves texture, and the truffle cocoa tea for people who like something a little more interesting and unexpected.
A Fresh Take on Familiar Flavors
While all of Befine Tea’s recipes were brought directly from China, Kelly has noticed some fun differences in taste preferences. “American customers usually keep the sugar at the regular level,” she said. “But others often go for half or even one-third sugar.” That said, even the standard sweetness isn’t overpowering. “The drinks aren’t overly sugary to begin with. That’s what makes the flavors stand out. You can really taste the tea, the bamboo, the orange. Everything feels balanced.”
One thing that remains consistent? The quality. Kelly emphasized how important it is to maintain the same high standards that made Befine successful in China. “We’re really careful about every step, from the ingredients to the way we prepare the drinks,” she said. “It’s important to us that every customer has the same great experience.”
Built From Experience, Fueled by Passion
Kelly and her partners have been in the game for a while, but this project still feels exciting. “We’ve opened businesses before, but this one is different,” she said. “We’re putting everything we’ve learned into it and treating it like it’s our first.” Opening in the summer wasn’t a coincidence either. “We planned it a year in advance,” Kelly shared. “Summer’s short in New York, and we wanted to be ready for it.”
Even with the challenges, she says the payoff is worth it. “We walked past a family once, and the kid said, ‘This drink is so good,’” she recalled. “Moments like that remind you why you do it.” Looking ahead, she’s hopeful about what’s next and ready for more. “We love it here. And we’re just getting started.”