Whether you visit on a balmy neon-lit summer evening, or a misty winter afternoon, there’s always something very atmospheric about walking through Chinatown. Easily one of the most individual and unique corners of Manchester city centre, a sense of authenticity hits you the moment you step into this sensory overload of backstreets. And long before you set eyes on the famous arch — a gift to our hometown direct from the People’s Republic, reflecting how significant the community here is. WooTea is exemplary of the businesses that have helped make this exotic enclave such a big selling point with locals and tourists alike.
Combining traditional processes and heritage recipes with contemporary Far Eastern culture, it’s every bit as individual as the neighbourhood. “We are a bubble tea shop located in the heart of Chinatown,” the team explain. “Unlike others that use powder in their drinks, we specialise in using real fruits like fresh dragonfruit, papaya and watermelon.
The menu at WooTea reflects this commitment to selling the genuine article, with an extensive selection of teas on offer. Mango Jasmine, Pineapple Oolong, Strawberry Kiwi with Handmade Pearls, Pineapple and Blueberry Twist are just a few examples. That’s before we come to the Purple Potato Milk Teas, or the Milk Foam range — particularly sought after thanks to the secret recipe used at Woo Tea. All the tea in China aside (well, almost) you can also enjoy authentic imported and homemade Asian snacks, meaning it’s possible to have your cake and eat it without moving elsewhere. Not that you’d ever really want to leave, given the inimitable interior design here at WooTea, which celebrates not just bubble tea, but also bright and often fantastical anime and K-pop cultures. The result is an unforgettable feast for all the senses, and an experience you’ll definitely want to try again. And again.