Nestled in the vibrant Haymarket district of Edinburgh, CUPP offers a modern twist on the increasingly popular boba/bubble tea trend. On a bustling Friday night, June 20th, ScottishIndian dropped by to explore not only their colourful beverage offerings but also their hot food menu. Here’s an honest breakdown of my experience, including the highlights and a few disappointments.This CUPP Haymarket Edinburgh review explores what to expect on a typical Friday night, from boba tea to hot food.
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CUPP is a UK-based boba tea brand that prides itself on serving authentic Taiwanese boba and bubble tea with high-quality ingredients. Known for its sleek branding and bold flavours, CUPP has been expanding across the UK, becoming a go-to spot for boba lovers. Its Haymarket location combines quick service with a casual dine-in vibe, appealing to both loyal fans and curious newcomers.
The Haymarket branch of CUPP immediately stands out with its clean, minimalist decor and relaxed seating arrangement. The atmosphere was welcoming and casual, ideal for a quick evening treat. Staff greeted us promptly and handled orders efficiently, which is always a plus on a busy night in the city. CUPP is a UK-based bubble tea brand offering a range of drinks from traditional milk teas to seasonal specials.
CUPP is, first and foremost, a bubble tea destination. Their drinks menu is vast, ranging from traditional milk teas to fruity infusions and seasonal specials. I opted for two drinks to get a full sense of their offerings:
- Dragon Fruit with Lychee Popping Boba (£6.40): Visually stunning with a deep pink hue, this drink was as refreshing as it looked. The dragon fruit flavour was natural and not overly sweet, while the lychee popping boba added a fun, juicy burst with every sip. It was the perfect choice for a warm summer evening.
- Matcha Strawberry with Boba Pearls: I was pleasantly surprised by this drink. The matcha didn’t have the overpowering grassy flavour that often deters newcomers. Paired with a sweet strawberry base and classic chewy tapioca pearls, the drink was both balanced and indulgent. A creative take on traditional matcha that even casual fans would enjoy.
The Food: Chicken Yakitori Rice Bowl Combo (£11.50) Curious about CUPP’s foray into hot food, I chose the chicken yakitori rice bowl as part of a combo with the matcha strawberry tea. Unfortunately, this part of the experience fell short. The portion was generous and visually appealing, but the taste didn’t match the presentation. The rice was hard and slightly undercooked, and the chicken skewers were overly dry and tough to chew. While it looked promising, the texture and seasoning left a lot to be desired.
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Price-wise, the drinks were on par with other premium bubble tea spots in Edinburgh. £6.40 for a specialty drink is expected in today’s market, especially considering the quality of ingredients and customisations available. However, the combo at £11.50 didn’t quite deliver in terms of food satisfaction. The drinks justify their cost, but the rice bowl would need significant improvements to be considered good value. If you’re coming just for bubble tea, CUPP still holds its ground as a worthwhile destination.
Final thoughts? This CUPP Haymarket review finds that while the drinks shine, the food menu still needs refining to match.