Taiwanese Tea Shop Expanding to Fashion Valley

Founded in Taiwan, Ding Tea exploded onto the bubble tea scene and over the last few years has steadily expanded across Asia, Europe, and North America to more than 1,000 locations; its presence locally includes outposts in Mira Mesa, La Jolla, National City, and SDSU.

But an branch headed for the Fashion Valley Mall will be the most expansive in San Diego and is the first food and beverage outlet that’ll be on the second floor of the mall and not a part of the food court area. Instead, Ding Tea will have a 1,788-square-foot space next to H&M with a brand new patio for outdoor seating.

This store will be independent, and not affiliated with others in the chain, but it’ll carry the full line of boba drinks, from shaken milk and fruit teas to yogurt drinks and drip coffee. Setting it apart from other locations, it will also offer a dedicated dessert menu of crepes, bubble waffles, and other sweets.

Ding Tea’s Nick Truong tells Eater that the Fashion Valley cafe should be opening between Summer and Fall 2021. Alexis Dachs of Location Matters represented the tenant in the lease.