Kung Fu Tea & TKK Fried Chicken in South Carolina

What Kung Fu Tea & TKK Fried Chicken offers

Kung Fu Tea is a bubble tea chain with locations across South Carolina that serves traditional and creative tea drinks alongside Asian snacks. The menu centers on milk teas, fruit teas, and specialty drinks where you choose your tea base, sweetness level, and toppings—tapioca pearls, popping boba, jelly, pudding, and other add-ins. Most locations also carry pastries, egg waffles, and light fare that pair with tea.

TKK Fried Chicken operates as a separate counter or partner location at select Kung Fu Tea sites, offering Korean-style fried chicken and rice bowls. The chicken comes in flavors like soy garlic, spicy, and honey butter, served with sides like pickled radish and rice. This pairing—bubble tea with fried chicken—reflects a common East Asian food culture combination and gives you a full meal option rather than just drinks.

Locations vary by city. Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville have the most Kung Fu Tea sites, though store count and hours change. Check the Kung Fu Tea website or call ahead before visiting, as not every location carries the TKK counter.

Key Takeaways

• Kung Fu Tea lets you customize your drink by selecting tea type, sweetness, and toppings like tapioca or popping boba.
• TKK Fried Chicken appears at select Kung Fu Tea locations and serves Korean fried chicken with rice bowls and sides.
• Prices for bubble tea typically range from $5 to $7, with fried chicken bowls running $8 to $12, though this varies by location.
• Most South Carolina locations are in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville; verify hours and menu availability before you visit.

Customizing your bubble tea drink

At Kung Fu Tea, you build your drink in layers. Start by choosing a tea base—black tea, green tea, oolong, or fruit tea options. Then select your sweetness level, usually ranging from 0% to 100% sugar. This step matters if you find standard bubble tea too sweet or want to taste the tea itself rather than just sugar.

Next comes the topping choice. Tapioca pearls (boba) are the classic, but many locations offer popping boba filled with fruit juice, grass jelly, pudding, or egg pudding. Some people order multiple toppings in one drink. The toppings sit at the bottom, so you drink through a wide straw and get a mix of tea and chewy bits in each sip.

Specialty drinks on the menu come pre-designed—think taro milk tea, brown sugar boba, or seasonal fruit combinations—but you can still modify sweetness and toppings. Staff are used to requests and can usually accommodate preferences.

TKK Fried Chicken menu and preparation

TKK Fried Chicken focuses on Korean-style preparation, which means double-frying for extra crispness and a glaze or sauce rather than a dry coating. Soy garlic is savory and slightly sweet; spicy versions use gochujang-based heat; honey butter combines sweetness with richness. Portions are generous—a single order feeds one person as a main course.

Chicken comes as a standalone order or in a rice bowl with sides. Standard sides include steamed rice, pickled radish (which cuts through the richness), and sometimes coleslaw or corn. You can usually add extra sides for a small charge. The chicken stays crispy for a short time after serving, so eat soon after receiving your order.

Not every Kung Fu Tea location has TKK, and availability depends on the individual franchise owner. Call ahead or check the location's social media to confirm they serve fried chicken before making the trip.

Where to find Kung Fu Tea in South Carolina

Charleston has the highest concentration of Kung Fu Tea locations, with stores in downtown areas and shopping centers. Columbia and Greenville each have multiple sites as well. Smaller cities may have one location or none, depending on franchise expansion in that region.

Store hours typically run from late morning through evening, with some locations staying open into the night. Hours shift seasonally and by location, so use the Kung Fu Tea store locator on their website or call the specific address you plan to visit. Some locations close on Sundays or have reduced hours on certain days.

If you cannot find a Kung Fu Tea near you, other bubble tea chains operate in South Carolina, though the menu and quality vary. Kung Fu Tea's consistency across locations makes it a reliable choice when you know what to expect.

Pairing bubble tea with fried chicken

The combination of cold, sweet bubble tea with hot, savory fried chicken is intentional. The sweetness and creaminess of milk tea balance the richness of the chicken; the cold drink cools your mouth after spicy varieties. In East Asian food culture, this pairing is common—tea serves as a palate cleanser and digestive aid alongside heavier foods.

If you order both, eat the chicken while it is hot and drink the tea between bites or after. Some people finish the chicken first, then sip tea as a dessert-like ending. The pickled radish that comes with the chicken also pairs well with tea, adding brightness to the meal.

This combination works well for lunch or casual dinner, especially if you are with others who want different things—one person can order fried chicken while another gets just tea and a snack.

Pricing and what to expect

Bubble tea drinks at Kung Fu Tea generally cost between $5 and $7, depending on size and toppings. A large drink with multiple add-ins may run closer to $7 or $8. Specialty or seasonal drinks sometimes cost slightly more. Prices vary slightly by location and region.

TKK Fried Chicken bowls typically range from $8 to $12 for a main portion with rice and sides. A standalone chicken order without rice may be slightly cheaper. Combo deals that pair tea with chicken are sometimes available but depend on the location.

Most locations accept cash and card. Some accept mobile payment apps. Prices listed on the menu board or website are current, but confirm before ordering if you are on a tight budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tapioca pearls and popping boba?

Tapioca pearls (boba) are chewy, starchy spheres that absorb the tea flavor as they sit. Popping boba are smaller, filled with juice or flavored liquid that bursts in your mouth. Tapioca is classic and filling; popping boba adds a flavor surprise. Try both to see which you prefer.

Can I order just the fried chicken without bubble tea?

Yes. TKK Fried Chicken operates as a separate food counter at most locations, so you can order chicken and rice without ordering tea. However, not every Kung Fu Tea has TKK, so call ahead to confirm the location you plan to visit serves food.

Is the spicy fried chicken very hot?

Spicy versions use gochujang sauce, which is moderately hot with a sweet undertone—not extreme heat. If you are sensitive to spice, start with soy garlic or honey butter instead. Staff can tell you which sauces are mildest if you ask.

Do I need to order at the counter or can I sit down first?

Most Kung Fu Tea locations operate counter-service only—you order and pay at the counter, then find a seat. Some locations have limited seating; others have more tables. Arrive during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) if you want a quieter experience.

What if I do not like my drink?

Policies vary by location. Some staff will remake a drink if you genuinely dislike it, especially if it was made incorrectly. Ask politely at the counter. If you are unhappy with a drink you cannot return, note it for next time and try a different option or adjust your customization choices.