Kuala Lumpur, 13 July 2026 —Tapioca pearls have dominated the bubble tea scene for more than two decades. Coconut jelly, taro balls and other toppings have each enjoyed their moment in the spotlight. But what will be the next bubble tea topping to capture the hearts and social feeds of Malaysians?
The answer will be revealed on 5 August 2026, when bubble tea brand TRUEDAN officially opens its doors for its soft opening at IOI City Mall, marking its highly anticipated Malaysian debut.
A mysterious hoarding at IOI City Mall may have just offered the first clue. Featuring warm caramel-brown tones, the installation showcases a giant “Sweet Meteor” descending alongside the teaser:
“A SWEET METEOR IS ABOUT TO ARRIVE. LANDING THIS AUGUST. MALAYSIA, ARE YOU READY?”
The installation immediately caught the attention of mall visitors, with many stopping to take photos before taking to social media to speculate:
“What’s the Sweet Meteor?”
“Is this a new bubble tea brand?”
“It looks like brown sugar.”
“I heard there’s a new topping called Taiwanese jelly.”
The “Sweet Meteor” marks the arrival of TRUEDAN, the Taiwanese bubble tea brand making its Malaysian debut.
Unlike conventional brown sugar, TRUEDAN introduces its signature Shaved Meteoric Brown Sugar, where a solid block of brown sugar is freshly shaved and prepared in-store for every order, releasing an intense caramel aroma with every cup. Beyond its signature brown sugar experience, the brand is also introducing something rarely seen in Malaysia which is the signature Handmade Taiwanese Jelly, giving consumers the opportunity to discover a whole new texture beyond the familiar tapioca pearls.
More Chewy Than Tapioca Pearls? Could Handmade Taiwanese Jelly Be Malaysia’s Next Bubble Tea Craze?
In Malaysia, tapioca pearls have become almost synonymous with bubble tea. However, as consumers increasingly seek richer and more exciting textural experiences, TRUEDAN’s signature Handmade Taiwanese Jelly is emerging as a new topping worth watching.
Offering a unique texture somewhere between grass jelly, mochi and tapioca pearls, it delivers a soft yet satisfyingly chewy bite. More chewy than tapioca pearls and bouncier than coconut jelly, it remains silky smooth while providing an enjoyable mouthfeel without feeling overly heavy.
Many first-time drinkers are pleasantly surprised by its familiar yet refreshingly different texture.
A common reaction is:
“I never knew bubble tea could have a texture like this.”
Freshly Shaved Meteoric Brown Sugar Draws the Attention. Signature Handmade Taiwanese Jelly Is the Brand’s Best-Kept Secret.
TRUEDAN is introducing far more than just another cup of bubble tea to Malaysia.
For the first time, the brand is bringing its signature Freshly Shaved Meteoric Brown Sugar preparation to local consumers. A solid block of brown sugar is shaved in-store for every order. As delicate flakes gently fall, an irresistible caramel aroma fills the air, resembling the descent of a sweet meteor, hence, the very inspiration behind the mysterious hoarding at IOI City Mall.
While the shaved brown sugar provides the visual spectacle, TRUEDAN believes its handmade Taiwanese jelly is the true secret behind the brand’s loyal following. Together, these elements create TRUEDAN’s most signature and representative combination.
Beyond its signature beverages, TRUEDAN will also introduce its Taiwanese Crispy Milk Donuts Series to Malaysia. Made from fresh milk dough and fried to order, the doughnuts feature a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy centre that is light and never greasy. Alongside the Original flavour, customers can also enjoy Kunafa Chocolate and Kunafa Pistachio, offering an even richer dessert experience.
Founded in 2010, TRUEDAN has since expanded into multiple countries and regions worldwide, earning a loyal following through its signature shaved brown sugar beverages and handmade Taiwanese jelly.
With the unveiling of the hoarding at IOI City Mall, the brand has officially begun the countdown to opening its first Malaysian outlet. At the same time, conversations surrounding its signature handmade Taiwanese jelly are steadily gaining momentum.
After tapioca pearls, could handmade Taiwanese jelly become Malaysia’s next must-try bubble tea topping?
