Kung Fu Tea Locations and Menu Across South Carolina

Where to find Kung Fu Tea in South Carolina

Kung Fu Tea is a bubble tea chain with locations in South Carolina's major shopping areas and college towns. The chain specializes in made-to-order drinks with tapioca pearls, fruit flavors, and milk tea bases. You'll find Kung Fu Tea in malls, shopping centers, and street-level storefronts in cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville.

Each location operates independently, so hours, menu specials, and drink availability can differ. Before visiting a specific Kung Fu Tea, check their location's social media or call ahead—many locations post daily updates about seasonal drinks or ingredient availability. The chain has grown steadily across the Southeast, so new locations open periodically.

Parking and foot traffic vary by location. Mall-based shops offer mall parking; street-level locations in downtown areas may have metered parking or nearby lots. College-town locations near Clemson and the University of South Carolina tend to be busier during the academic year.

Key Takeaways

• Kung Fu Tea serves bubble tea with customizable toppings, milk options, and sweetness levels at multiple South Carolina locations.
• You can order classic milk tea, fruit tea, slushes, and seasonal specials, with tapioca pearls or other toppings added to the bottom of the cup.
• Prices typically range from $5 to $7 per drink, though specialty or seasonal items may cost more.
• Most locations accept cash and card payments, and some offer mobile ordering through their app or third-party delivery services.
• Hours and menu offerings vary by location, so calling ahead or checking social media ensures you find what you want when you visit.

What's on the Kung Fu Tea menu

The core menu centers on milk tea—brewed tea mixed with milk and sweetener, served over ice. Classic options include brown sugar milk tea, taro milk tea, and Thai milk tea. Each drink starts with your choice of tea base (black tea, green tea, oolong, or jasmine) and milk type (dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, depending on location).

Fruit tea drinks mix brewed tea with fruit flavors like mango, strawberry, peach, and lychee. These are lighter than milk teas and often served with or without milk. Slushes—frozen, icy drinks with fruit or tea flavors—are popular in warmer months.

Toppings go at the bottom of the cup. Tapioca pearls (boba) are the signature topping, but most locations also offer popping boba (juice-filled spheres), jelly cubes, pudding, and grass jelly. You control the sweetness level—most shops offer options from 0% to 100% sugar.

Seasonal and limited-time drinks rotate throughout the year. Spring and summer bring fruit-forward flavors; fall and winter feature warmer spice notes or holiday-themed drinks. Prices typically fall between $5 and $7 for a standard drink, with premium toppings or larger sizes costing slightly more.

How to order and customize your drink

At the counter, you'll choose your drink type first (milk tea, fruit tea, slush, or seasonal special). Next, you pick your tea base if it's not preset, then your milk or liquid base. You then select sweetness level—most shops use a scale from 0% (no added sugar) to 100% (full sweetness). Some people order 50% or 75% to balance flavor and sweetness.

After that comes topping selection. Tapioca pearls are standard, but you can add or swap for other toppings, or order your drink with no toppings at all. Some locations let you add multiple toppings for an extra charge. The staff will ask your size preference—small, medium, or large—and whether you want it hot or iced (most drinks are iced by default).

Payment happens at the register or through a mobile app if the location offers one. Some Kung Fu Tea shops partner with delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though delivery fees and wait times apply. If you're ordering for a group, let the staff know so they can prepare drinks in order and keep track of who ordered what.

Tapioca pearls and other toppings explained

Tapioca pearls, or boba, are small, chewy spheres made from tapioca starch. They sink to the bottom of your cup and you drink them through a wide straw. The texture is soft and slightly sweet. If you've never had them, they take some getting used to—some people love the chewiness, while others find the texture off-putting.

Popping boba are smaller, thinner-skinned spheres filled with fruit juice or tea flavor. When you bite down, they burst and release the liquid inside. They're less chewy than tapioca and add a flavor burst to each sip.

Other toppings include jelly cubes (soft, translucent, slightly sweet), pudding (creamy and rich), and grass jelly (a dark, slightly herbal-tasting jelly). Some locations offer egg pudding or custard toppings. You can order any drink with no toppings if you prefer just the tea itself. Topping choices vary by location, so ask what's available when you order.

Milk and dietary options

Most Kung Fu Tea locations offer dairy milk as the standard, but many also stock almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. Availability depends on the individual shop. If you have a dairy allergy or follow a vegan diet, ask what plant-based options are in stock before ordering.

Fruit tea drinks made without milk are naturally dairy-free. If you're ordering a milk tea with a non-dairy milk, confirm the shop has it available—some smaller locations may not stock all options. Sweetness control means you can reduce or eliminate added sugar if you're watching your intake.

Kung Fu Tea does not typically market itself as a place for people with severe allergies, so if you have a serious allergy, speak directly with staff about ingredients and cross-contamination risks. The shop can tell you which drinks and toppings are safe for your needs.

Visiting during peak times and what to expect

Lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and after-school times (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) are typically the busiest. College-town locations see surges during the academic year. If you want a shorter wait, visit mid-morning, early evening, or on weekday afternoons outside school hours.

During peak times, expect a line at the counter and a wait for your drink to be made—usually 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the shop is. Staff make drinks to order, so there's no way around the wait. Bringing cash speeds up payment at some locations, though most now accept card and mobile payments.

Seating is limited at most Kung Fu Tea shops. Some locations have a few small tables or bar seating; others are pickup-only. If you plan to sit and enjoy your drink, arrive during quieter times or ask whether seating is available before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between tapioca pearls and popping boba?

Tapioca pearls are larger, chewy spheres that sit at the bottom of your cup. Popping boba are smaller, thinner-skinned spheres filled with juice or tea flavor that burst when you bite them. Tapioca has a neutral taste; popping boba adds a flavor burst. Try both to see which you prefer.

Can I order a drink without any toppings?

Yes. You can order any Kung Fu Tea drink with no toppings—just the tea, milk, and ice. This is a good option if you're trying bubble tea for the first time and want to taste the drink itself without the texture of pearls or jelly.

Do Kung Fu Tea locations deliver?

Some locations partner with delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, but not all. Check the app for your nearest Kung Fu Tea location to see if delivery is available. Delivery fees and wait times apply, and drinks may arrive slightly warmer than if you picked them up in person.

What's the best drink for someone new to bubble tea?

Start with a classic milk tea like brown sugar milk tea or taro milk tea with tapioca pearls. These are popular, not too adventurous, and let you experience the core bubble tea experience. If you don't like the pearls, order a fruit tea without toppings next time.

How much does a Kung Fu Tea drink cost?

Most drinks cost between $5 and $7. Specialty or seasonal items, larger sizes, or multiple toppings may cost more. Prices vary slightly by location. Ask the staff for the menu and pricing when you arrive.