Pearl Bubble Tea officially opened its doors on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at 301 Front St. in Downtown Belleville, bringing authentic brewing methods and ingredients imported from Taiwan, artisan coffee from Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co., and traditional snacks such as bubble waffles and tea eggs.

Mayor Neil Ellis and Councillors Garnet Thompson and Margaret Seu, Trisha Pretty on behalf of MPP Tyler Allsopp,  Cristina Cadavid from the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Victoria Watts from the city’s Economic Development, and Danielle Hanoman, Executive Director of the DBIA were present at the ribbon-cutting.

“Downtown Belleville is thrilled to welcome Pearl Bubble Tea to our growing mix of local businesses. Their commitment to authenticity, quality, and community fits perfectly with the heart of our downtown,” said Hanoman.

Founded by Kimberly Lai and her husband Ivan Lee, both academics, the couple moved from Hong Kong nine years ago and now reside in Trenton.

Pearl Bubble Tea was born from a desire to share culture and community.

“Bubble tea to us is not just a drink—it’s a cultural memory. Through the drinks and snacks, we build friendship and share with care,” said Lai.

“When we were young, we’d gather in a bubble tea shop to meet friends and family. I loved stopping by and sharing snacks—it was simple and good. We missed that feeling and wanted to bring it here,” she said.

The couple spent two years learning the business from scratch and building the shop.

With their family often visiting downtown, Kim said she spent a lot of time exploring the area. When it came time to choose a location for their business, she chose Downtown Belleville for its beautiful architecture and historical riverside charm.

“I love Downtown Belleville—it’s just so beautiful,” Lai said. “I love the historical-style buildings—when they’re covered with snow in winter, they’re absolutely gorgeous.”

From a business perspective, Downtown Belleville has great potential to attract more local families and tourists, Lai noted.

As for the menu, Lai brews the tea base every morning using Assam, Ceylon, Jasmine, and Oolong tea leaves imported from Taiwan.

Steeping times are precisely calibrated for clarity and aroma, ensuring that the flavours stay bright, not bitter.

Alongside teas and freshly brewed Muskoka coffee, Pearl Bubble Tea offers bubble waffles—a Hong Kong street-food staple—and Assam tea eggs, marinated in soy sauce, tea, and spices.

“We love people, we love community, and we love sharing good things and culture with others,” Kim said.