Waited 3 hours for the viral CHAGEE in Jakarta… Now I get the hype.
qponx
2026-01-24
Curious about the viral CHAGEE tea shop in Jakarta and its infamous 3-hour queues? This article dives into whether the premium Chinese-style milk tea is truly worth the hype. Discover the must-try drinks, from the rich Dahongpao Milk Tea to refreshing Osmanthus Oolong. More importantly, learn the ultimate hack to skip the line and snag a 50% discount using their app, but be warned about the chaotic pickup experience and other potential pitfalls.
Girls, has your social media feed been flooded by a brand called CHAGEE lately? Especially at Puri Indah Mall, every time I pass by, I see that ridiculously long line, with everyone holding a vintage-style paper bag. It made me think it was some kind of luxury brand launch event. 🤷♀️
To be honest, at first, I was dismissive. I thought, it's just milk tea, is it really that serious? But then I heard that the in-person queue takes 3-4 hours[1], and my rebellious side + curiosity instantly kicked in: What kind of magic does it have?
Does the taste live up to the hype?
To write this review for you guys, I certainly wasn't going to queue like a fool. I just downloaded their app and ordered easily. They really put effort into the store design, with that modern Chinese-style premium vibe. Any photo you take looks great, and it's perfect for coming to Nongkrong with your besties[2].
I ordered a few of the most popular ones:
Gotta say, their packaging is a total win. The cup and the insulated takeaway bag are super high-quality[3], and holding it makes me feel like my net worth has gone up. 😂
- Dahongpao Milk Tea[4]: Worthy of being the signature drink, the tea base is very rich. You can taste that roasted tea aroma, and it also blends well with the milk, making it smooth and not too heavy. For your first time, you basically can't go wrong with this one, Mantap!
- Osmanthus Oolong[5]: If you want something refreshing, this pure tea is a great choice. The osmanthus fragrance is especially fresh, perfect for a stuffy Jakarta afternoon to instantly Chill down.
- Jasmine Green Milk Tea[6]: This one is more on the light and fresh side. The jasmine fragrance is very prominent. Some say it's a bit like Heytea from back in China. If you like floral notes, you can give it a try.
But don't be too quick to praise, here come the complaints!
OK, enough praise, let's get real. The taste, I feel, is a bit polarizing. On one hand, it's good, the tea flavor is definitely on point; but to say it's amazing enough to be worth queuing for hours, I think that's a stretch[7]. For people who are used to strong-flavored milk tea, they might find it a bit"light" or"b aja" (just so-so).
As for the price, the original price is indeed a bit steep[8]. A cup of milk tea is almost 50k, which can hurt the wallet a bit. But luckily… (see the tips below! 👇)
Exclusive Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Save Money
Pay attention, girls! If you want to drink CHAGEE, absolutely do not queue with your feet, use your fingers!
So, want to give it a try? Using the app + the half-price coupon, it's worth a shot. Want to experience the"joy" of queuing? Then I salute you, you're a true warrior! 🫡
- 1. Download the app! Download the app! Download the app![9] Important things must be said three times. New users get a 50% off coupon right after signing up, so a cup comes down to around 20k-ish, and the price instantly becomes attractive! This is the right way to do it!
- 2. The pickup area = a massive, chaotic family reunion. This is the biggest complaint! Ordering on the app is great, but the pickup experience is terrible. The number screen is basically just for show; it often skips numbers or just doesn't update at all[10]. Your tea might have been ready for a while, but no one tells you. You have to be proactive and ask the staff, otherwise you'll be waiting forever.
- 3. The"pitfall" of ordering on the app. There's a bug: they might make your drink way too early and leave it on the side. By the time you arrive to pick it up, the ice has all melted, and the taste is seriously compromised[11]. Anjay! So, after ordering, it's best to time your arrival perfectly. Don't let your milk tea wait for too long.
- Insane queues, each with a vintage paper bag; felt like a luxury launch! What's the hype?[1]
- Signature Da Hong Pao Milk Tea: rich roasted tea, perfectly blended. Smooth, not greasy – a safe bet for first-timers![2]
- Almost 50k! App new user coupon? Half price! Try for 20-something k – great value![3][4]
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