Stop the hype! Is Jakarta's 'Michelin Milk Tea' really worth 70k?
qponx
2026-01-24
Is Jakarta's "Michelin Milk Tea" from CHICHA San Chen worth the 70k price? This honest review dives into the hype. While its freshly brewed tea offers a rich, high-quality flavor that stands out, the value is questionable. Find out if the premium taste justifies the cost, and get essential tips on how to order (hint: say no to ice!) and when to visit to avoid the crazy queues. Is it a must-try or just an expensive fad?
Every time I pass by Grand Indonesia, I'm always drawn in by a rich aroma of tea, and I'm talking about CHICHA San Chen (吃茶三千). With the halo of a"Michelin-starred tea beverage"[1], the price is also quite"star-level," with a cup easily costing 50k-70k Indonesian Rupiah[2]. Honestly, this price is pretty much the ceiling for the bubble tea scene in Jakarta, right? 🤔
I happened to be tired from shopping today, so I just steeled my heart and decided to give it a try to see if the money was well spent.
Live Report: Is It High-End or a Rip-off?
The shop is right in the mall's atrium with an open seating area, and the design is simple and nice. The biggest feature is the set of machines that brew the tea on the spot. Before you even get close, the mellow tea aroma wafts over, setting the vibe perfectly. But it gets really crowded during peak hours, so trying to find a seat to nongkrong for a bit is basically a battle[3].
I ordered a classic Bubble Milk Tea[4], and my friend got a Dong Ding Oolong[5]. Watching the staff put the tea leaves into the machine for fresh brewing definitely adds a sense of ceremony. The first sip after getting it, hmm, this is something special! The tea flavor is incredibly rich and pure, nothing like those flashy, low-quality drinks from other places that are just mixed with sugar water. You can taste the natural sweet aftertaste of the tea leaves[6]. The pearls are also perfectly chewy, soft without a hard center, and the sweetness is just right.
Let's talk about some hard truths…
The taste is truly Mantap, but to say it's so amazing that I'd want one every day, not really. Especially when I saw that my"less ice" milk tea was still nearly half-full of ice, I was speechless! Anjay![7] considering a 70k price tag, this is not okay. It felt like it was gone in just a few sips, so the value for money is definitely a major drawback.
Also, the service quality is a hit or miss. Sometimes the staff are very enthusiastic, and other times... you know, you ask a bunch of questions and get a one-word answer. I've even heard that online orders have been canceled for no reason[8].
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Who Should Come?
Finally, let me break it down for you girls in plain English:
So, would you pay for this"Michelin bubble tea"? Let's chat in the comments! 👇
- Is it worth it? If you're a true tea lover who cares about tea quality and money is no object, then you can give it a try. The tea base is genuinely excellent. But if you just want a random boba to quench your thirst, there are plenty of more cost-effective options in Jakarta.
- How to order without getting ripped off? If you don't want to pay for ice, just order"no ice"! Don't fall for"less ice," it's all a trick[9].
- When to go? Avoid mealtimes and weekend afternoons! Otherwise, the queuing and waiting for your drink will seriously take forever, and popular toppings like pearls might even sell out[10].
- Any deals? Follow their official IG. They occasionally have holiday promotions, like the discount for National Day last time[11]. Every little bit saved helps!
- Boasting "Michelin-starred tea" [1], yet a single milk tea costs 50k-70k IDR [2]! Is this "ceiling" price truly worth the hype?
- Before even entering, the rich tea aroma from their on-site tea extraction machine completely captivates you. Instant premium vibe and ceremony [3].
- One sip: rich, pure tea flavor with a long, sweet aftertaste [4], plus chewy, soft pearls. It'll redefine your milk tea expectations.
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