LELECHA Milk Tea in Shanghai: Why This Trendy Tea Brand Defines Modern Haipai Culture

Walking through the busy streets of Shanghai, you can’t miss the stylish tea shops with long lines stretching out the door. This is LELECHA. For travelers, It is more than just a place to grab a drink. It is a window into modern Haipai (Shanghai-style) culture, where tradition and global inspiration blend seamlessly.

LELECHA is one of the most recognizable milk tea brands in Shanghai, especially popular among young locals who value creativity, quality ingredients, and seasonal flavors.

I. Origins: From a “Dirty Bun” to a City Icon

LELECHA first became famous across China because of its viral pastry—the “Dirty Bun” (Zangzang Bao). Covered in rich cocoa powder, it is intentionally messy, leaving chocolate on your hands and around your mouth.

But LELECHA’s success in Shanghai goes far beyond one dessert. The brand found its niche by taking familiar local flavors and reimagining them with a modern, international touch. In a city known for openness and cultural fusion, LELECHA quickly became more than a trend—it became a symbol of contemporary Shanghai lifestyle.

Many locals don’t see LELECHA as a luxury treat, but as a familiar, reliable choice for everyday indulgence—creative, comforting, and unmistakably “Shanghai.”

II. What to Try: Drinkable Shanghai Culture

🍵 Signature Recommendations

1. The Dirty Series

• Dirty Milk Tea
  LELECHA’s signature drink and the perfect entry-level choice. Thick milk, brown sugar pearls, and cocoa powder create a rich, dessert-like experience without being overwhelming.
• Dirty Bun
  The original viral snack. Rich and chocolatey, it pairs especially well with lighter fruit teas.

2. Shanghai Specials (Old Brand Collaborations)

One of LELECHA’s most distinctive features is its collaboration with historic Shanghai brands, turning childhood memories into modern drinks:

• Qing Tuan Milk Tea – A seasonal spring drink inspired by traditional green sticky rice balls.
• Sweet Fermented Rice & Osmanthus Tea – Made with jiu niang (fermented rice), a flavor deeply familiar to Shanghai locals.
• Guang Ming “Milk Brick” Tea – A collaboration with Shanghai’s iconic dairy brand, tasting like a nostalgic sip of local childhood.

3. Creative Fruit Tea

• Strawberry Peach Cheezo – Fresh seasonal fruit topped with a salty, creamy cheese foam that balances sweetness beautifully.

🏠 The Vibe: Immersive Design Spaces

LELECHA stores are designed as immersive, Instagrammable spaces rather than simple takeaway counters.

• Global Harbor Flagship Store
  A massive location combining traditional Shanghai Shikumen brick elements with modern industrial design.
• Xintiandi Theme Store
  Located in one of Shanghai’s most fashionable districts, this store feels more like an art gallery than a tea shop.
• Behind the Glass
  Many locations allow you to watch bakers make fresh bread and staff cut fruit in real time, reinforcing the brand’s focus on freshness and craftsmanship.

III. Where to Find LELECHA in Shanghai (and Beyond)

Finding a LELECHA in Shanghai is easy. Popular locations include:

• Major Shopping Areas: West Nanjing Road, Xujiahui, Lujiazui, Jing’an Temple
• Trendy Landmarks: Xintiandi, TX Huaihai, BFC Bund Financial Center
• Travel Hubs: Hongqiao Airport and major railway stations

Pro Tip: Use the Dazhong Dianping app (China’s Yelp) to find the nearest store, check real-time queue lengths, or order ahead to save time.

🌍 Going Global

Originally rooted in Shanghai, LELECHA has expanded to cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, and internationally to Singapore, Tokyo, and Malaysia, acting as a global ambassador for China’s modern tea culture.

If you’re exploring the broader drink scene, LELECHA is also featured in our Shanghai milk tea guide, where we compare different milk tea styles and local favorites across the city.

Why Travelers Should Try LELECHA

Drinking LELECHA isn’t just about quenching your thirst. It’s a shortcut to understanding modern Shanghai—where tradition quietly shapes innovation, and everyday habits become cultural expressions.

Next time you’re in Shanghai, step into a LELECHA, order a seasonal or city-limited drink, and you’ll be tasting the city as locals experience it.

Traveler’s Memo

• Top Combo: One seasonal fruit tea + one creative soft bread
• Average Cost: 30–50 RMB per person
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons (to avoid long queues)