Top Tea — Restaurant in Melbourne

You see a queue every time you walk past this store and I always wanted to try. Apparently, Top Tea is a famous brand among Asians, especially Chinese. Finally, after two months since its opening, I decided to try this place with my Chinese friend. It was a bit crowded and one thing I couldn't help but notice, the store entrance is small in width. I find it difficult to walk in and out of the store when there is a queue. The menu was well sorted and easy to understand. I decided to try their signature Cheese Tea and they are very famous for putting that delicious cheese on top of your tea.

We ordered Strawberry Cheese Tea with Pearls ($8.30) and Sakura Oolong Cheese Tea ($6.80). I have never tried Oolong Tea and when my friend offered me a sip I couldn't say NO! And it was very good. I love the fact that they put fresh cheese on top of your drink. The good thing about Top Tea is that all ingredients are fresh and prepared right in front of us. It takes some time but, I don't mind if it turns out to be this fresh and delicious.

Before coming, I have heard mixed comments about this place from many of my friends. Some was having some issues with the taste, some have some issue with the way they make the bubble tea and some said it's expensive. For me, though I liked the idea of putting cheese, which tasted good also, I don't really want to try it every day. Halfway to the drink and I mixed the drink (cheese, milk, and fruit) and it not that tasty anymore. I hope the option to customize the drink say, not to add cheese, but still, it's not in the menu. The extra toppings available are; grass jelly, pearls, jelly balls, brulee (want to try), etc. For me, I want to keep my bubble tea simple and I would love to see some options in the menu to make it the way I wanted. Also, the storefront could be rearranged and make proper use of space so it won't get crowded....

I've often order milktea at this place, albeit from Doncaster where I live, the drink itself is impeccable and the experience is top notch.

However, I arrived to this branch on Saturday around 5pm when no other customers were there. There were 3 staff members who were talking and laughing really loudly. As soon as I walked in, I was rudely greeted by a female staff member who rolled her eyes (like it's a bad thing that there's a customer) and looked like the last thing she wanted to do was serve anyone.

I proceeded to order one drink and redeem one for my birthday (free drink on the day of your birthday). When I was about to bring up my licence on my phone, she rudely said "no physical ID, no free drink", even though I had a photo of my driver's licence on me. She said "no, too bad". For reference, even the police do not need your physical licence, a digital copy is valid. She did not apologise for the policy, and looked like I was wasting her time. I was absolutely shocked at the level of rudeness from her.

So I subsequently left without purchasing anything. This will be the last time I return to this branch - there are plenty of competing teashops in Melbourne City - it's a shame this one has been ruined by the absolute lousy attitude of one...

26 June, 10:25 p.m

Can't deny that i love the drink! The service? Not so much.

I've always overheard from my friends about the customer service here but never get to experience it myself, until yesterday.

Me and my friend got in at the same time and we got 2 drinks each. When my number is called I was given 2 cups of milktea without bag so I asked for one, thought they forgot it because of the rush even though my friend, whose number is just before me and her drinks was put into bag.

Didn't think much ab it just wanted a bag but still asked for it politely '' can i have a bag please? ". The girl who served me rolled her eyes and quickly grabbed a bag, put it in, slided it across the counter and walked away. If I didn't catch it, it probably fell down. I was shockingly standing there and was waiting for, i hope, at least a apology but nothing happen. Quickly grab the drink with zero appetite and walked out, with no intention of coming back.

You guys are not the only place that sells milktea and I'm not here to teach you how to do business, but clearly there are basic customer service that people who work in...