Karun Thai Tea, the Bangkok-based chain famed for premium brews, lands at AIRSIDE mall with a menu of classic and inventive beverages.
Hong Kong’s thirst for authentic Thai flavours is about to get a luxurious new answer. Karun Thai Tea, widely nicknamed the “Hermès of Thai Milk Tea” in its home market, has announced its first Hong Kong branch will open at the AIRSIDE shopping complex in Kai Tak this October. The brand, which runs nearly 20 outlets across Bangkok’s major malls, brings a refined take on traditional Thai tea—promising richer aroma, less cloying sweetness, and a lineup that extends well beyond the standard iced cha yen.
What Sets Karun Apart
Unlike the street-stall versions often characterised by vivid orange colouring and heavy condensed milk, Karun stakes its reputation on premium Thai tea leaves and a closely guarded family recipe. The result, according to the company, is a deeply aromatic brew that avoids the bitterness typical of mass-market blends, while dialling back the sugar to let the tea’s natural character shine. Customers can further tailor their drink by choosing sweetness levels and add-ons—a flexibility rarely seen in traditional Thai tea shops.
The core menu includes the classic Karun Thai Milk Tea, along with Thai-style milkshakes, frappés, black tea, and even gelato. Notable options range from almond milk tea and osmanthus rose milk tea to a tender bud honey milk tea gelato, offering a breadth of choices that appeals to both purists and adventurous palates.
Location and Opening Timeline
The Hong Kong outlet will be situated at Shop 220, 2/F, AIRSIDE, 2 Concorde Road, Kowloon City—the sprawling new development that has become a hub for lifestyle, dining, and retail in the revitalised Kai Tak area. While an exact opening date remains unconfirmed, the brand has signalled an October launch. Details on pre-opening promotions or limited-edition items are expected to be announced via Karun’s Instagram page in the coming weeks.
Why Hong Kong?
Karun’s expansion into Hong Kong reflects a broader trend of premium Thai beverage brands seeking international footholds. The city’s sophisticated palate and appetite for dessert-driven drinks make it a natural next step for a label that has built a cult following among tourists and locals in Bangkok alike. For Hong Kong consumers who have long queued at imported tea chains from Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, Karun offers a fresh alternative rooted in Southeast Asian heritage—but elevated with modern quality standards.
What to Expect When You Visit
- Signature drinks: Classic Thai Milk Tea, Thai-style Milkshakes, and Thai Frappés
- Innovative twists: Almond, osmanthus rose, and honey bud gelato flavours
- Customisation: Choose your sweetness level and toppings
- Price point: Anticipated to be higher than standard Thai tea stalls, reflecting the premium ingredients and brand positioning
Broader Impact
Karun’s arrival signals a maturing market for Thai tea in Hong Kong, moving beyond quick-service bubble tea shops toward specialty beverage experiences. For fans of authentic Thai flavours, this opening offers a chance to taste a Bangkok favourite without a flight. For the F&B scene at AIRSIDE, it adds another draw to a destination already packed with notable dining concepts.
As Hong Kong’s food landscape continues to diversify, Karun Thai Tea could well set a new benchmark for what Thai tea can be—heralding a shift from sugary indulgence to nuanced craftsmanship. Keep an eye on their official channels for the exact opening date; early visitors may find themselves sipping what many consider the finest Thai milk tea outside Thailand.