HeyTea, the Chinese "new-style" tea brand best known for its cheese-topped drinks, is lining up a new outpost in downtown Malden. City permit records show the chain plans to take over the 180 Pleasant Street storefront, with a roughly 1,500-square-foot buildout that will seat about a dozen guests, and storefront signage already moving ahead. The filings list Xiao Tao Chen as the franchisee and operator for the location, though an official opening date has not yet been announced.
According to What Now Boston, work on the space is progressing, but Chen did not respond to requests for comment. The outlet also reports that another HeyTea location has reportedly been discussed for Boston's Chinatown.
What To Expect From The Menu
HeyTea started in Jiangmen, Guangdong, in 2012 and is widely credited with popularizing "cheese tea," a brewed tea finished with a lightly salted, cream-cheese foam, as part of a broader menu of fruit teas and milk teas. The brand leans heavily on fruit-forward blends, creamy matcha lattes and brown-sugar boba, and select U.S. locations have added light bites and ramen-style snacks, per the company's online materials. For background on the chain and its concept, see HeyTea's website.
Where It Fits In The Local Scene
HeyTea would join an expanding roster of tea and specialty-drink shops in Greater Boston. NBC Boston reported the chain opened a Boston location in Allston in early 2025 and has eyed a Back Bay spot as well. The planned Malden shop sits a short walk from Malden Center, putting it within easy reach of commuter foot traffic and nearby neighborhoods.
Next Steps And What To Watch For
With permits filed and signage underway, neighbors should keep an eye on the storefront and local permit records for a posted opening date or hiring notices. What Now Boston is tracking the filings and notes that no firm date has been set; we will update coverage as the new tea house posts its official opening plans.
