Bubble tea trends have taken many unexpected turns over the years, but Malaysia’s latest creation may be one of the most eye-catching yet. A beverage that appears to contain a glossy slice of abalone is now drawing curious crowds and social media attention at Thong Cha+ outlets across the causeway.
At first glance, the drink looks like something straight out of a Chinese New Year reunion dinner rather than a dessert café. Sitting inside a cup of milk tea is what resembles a piece of premium seafood. But before anyone imagines briny flavours mixing with brown sugar syrup, there is a twist.
The so-called abalone is not seafood at all. Instead, it is a carefully crafted tea jelly designed to mimic the luxurious delicacy in both shape and appearance.
A Clever Illusion That’s Winning Social Media
The creation comes from Thong Cha+, a bubble tea chain in Malaysia with outlets including IOI City Mall in Putrajaya and Paradigm Mall in Johor Bahru. The “abalone” is actually a glutinous Pu Er tea-infused jelly. Soft and slightly chewy, it carries subtle earthy notes typical of Pu Er tea, offering a flavour profile that complements rather than clashes with the creamy milk tea base.
There is no seafood involved, and no salty surprises hidden beneath the foam. Instead, customers are served a drink that combines a smooth milk tea foundation, chewy tapioca pearls, crunchy popcorn topping and the standout abalone-shaped jelly.
Priced at RM17.90, the drink costs roughly S$5.10 based on current exchange rates. For many Singaporeans who frequently travel to Johor Bahru for food and shopping, this positions the beverage as an affordable novelty treat rather than a premium splurge.
More Than Just a Drink
The appeal of this unusual beverage goes beyond taste. In an era dominated by Instagram reels, TikTok clips and viral food trends, presentation often matters as much as flavour. Placing what looks like abalone into a bubble tea instantly turns the cup into a conversation starter.
Customers ordering the drink are not simply paying for milk tea and toppings. They are investing in the experience – the double takes from friends, the photos shared online, and the playful debate over whether the abalone is real.
While it may not become a permanent fixture on menus, this limited novelty item reflects how creative branding and experiential dining continue to shape the food and beverage landscape in Southeast Asia. For Singaporeans planning a weekend trip to Malaysia, it might just be one of those quirky, once-for-the-story treats worth trying before the trend fades away.