Happy Lemon: World’s Yummiest Drinks!

Happy Lemon is a world-leading beverage chain founded in 2006 in Hong Kong. Its mother company brought and expanded the tea culture to Mainland China and Hong Kong. In 2014, Happy Lemon successfully became the world’s most recognized and milk tea brand with more than 2,000 locations across 21 countries including the Philippines.

I vividly remember the noise Happy Lemon made when they brought the world’s yummiest drink in our country. The brand is known for their unique salted cheese drinks and light bubble waffle. I was in my sophomore years back then and I have to wait for vacation to visit Manila and have a taste of their milk teas. So when I studied in Manila for college, I tried as many variants as I can.

Cocoa with Rock Salt and Cheese

Before trying this out, some says that this is Happy Lemon’s best milk tea. I disagree because it is not milk tea. But I agree that this is their best drink. The chocolate drink itself is like frozen hot choco. As far as I remember, they popularized rock salt and cheese here in the Philippines. Now, every milk tea shops has their own version of cheese foam. But nothing beats the original. Happy Lemon’s rock salt and cheese has the right sodium that perfectly blends with their sweet cocoa. When mixed together, the outcome is smooth and milky.

Strawberry with Rock Salt and Cheese

Happy Lemon’s rock salt and cheese is just so addicting that I tried the strawberry version. This drink is indeed refreshing! It has loads of ice so it definitely cooled me down during the hot summer day. There are even real bits of strawberries that added beauty to the cup. It has mild tanginess and mild sweetness. But I could only describe it with that adjective. Mild! I wish the flavor was more intense and the strawberry and rock salt and cheese were more distinctive.

Lemon Special Cooler

I can’t make a Happy Lemon review without a lemon-based product, right? That’s what they are named after so I tried the Lemon Special Cooler. It’s under the fruit tea menu but I couldn’t sense any tea into this drink. Nevertheless, it has a distinct flavor that only Happy Lemon can make. It’s pure lemon that is kinda sweet and delish. I actually like that it isn’t too sour. It quite tastes like pineapple actually. The Lemon Special Cooler is a refreshing choice if your want to take a break from milk-based drinks.

Panda Pearl Milk Tea

The milk tea base of Happy Lemon’s Panda Pearl Milk Tea tastes similarly to the classic milk tea of Chatime, which is my all-time fave. Therefore, this is an automatic favorite, too. This was slightly sweeter than Chatime’s but they were both good. Nevertheless, the tea stayed strong. They are using a tea that is very fragrant, making this milk tea an awesome concoction. Nothing special with the tapioca pearls though. It was just the usual black and white bobas. But I appreciate the chewy and soft texture. 

Power Puff Pearls

The cream puff was a nice addition to the usual milk tea. The base milk tea is leafy in taste so it complemented the sweet cream. I wish it has more! I also ordered their Creamy Baby and every sip felt abundant! It has oreo crumbs, cream puff, rock salt and cheese! Basically, it has all Happy Lemon’s best ingredients in one cup! And as always, the pearls are consistently soft. It was clear why these two are on their top ten bestsellers. Anyway, they have artsy cup this time that features the cities of the world. Kudos!

Tiger Milk Tea

The brown sugar reminds me of Philippine Taho’s sugar syrup. The syrup is dominating yet there’s still a hint of black tea flavor. I added RSC to their Tiger Sugar because their Happy Lemon’s rock salt and cheese is so addicting. It’s not too sweet and not too salty. After all, the mild saltiness uplifts the sweetness of brown sugar. Together with milk, the RSC made the drink creamier. Now, I understand why they’re famous for their foamy RSC. I also can’t forget to mention the pearls, which were soft and chewy. 

Strawberry Lychee Jelly

Strawberry Lychee Jelly is a limited product of Happy Lemon for Valentine’s Day. I never thought that strawberry and lychee would give an amazing burst of flavors when combined. It’s sweet and tangy in one. There are even small strawberry bits that pops, which made the fruit juice taste natural. It has long strands of chewy coconut jelly that added sweetness. I love that I can feel the presence of the aromatic green tea in every gulp. However, it’s something I can recreate at home.

Cold Brew with Milk

They succeeded on making amazing milk teas and lemonades but I don’t think they’re good at making coffee. I’m sorry but this cold brew tastes the same as the normal coffee I make at home, which is just average-tasting. It’s a cold brew but I still taste a hint of acidity even when mixed with milk. I appreciate the chocolate flavor notes but that certain chocolate, or, in general, the coffee bean they used, doesn’t scream quality. My boyfriend was drinking UCC Cafe’s Kori Kohi so it became an easy comparison.