Trying noodles and bubble tea at Moon Tea Chinese Cafe

It’s a place you might not easily spot, tucked away on the row of shops past Greengates junction.

The menu promises authentic Chinese flavours with a street food twist and a vast array of bubble teas.

I’d wanted to try this Chinese restaurant and takeaway for quite some time. 

Having read the reviews, I had already built up high expectations in my head. The pressure was on in that sense.

Outside Moon Tea Chinese Cafe (Image: Newsquest)

Service and atmosphere

Adorned with lanterns and little themed trinkets, you almost feel as if you could be anywhere in the world.

We were immediately met with friendly smiles by the lovely owners as they guided us through the menu and offered recommendations.

It felt like a hidden escape as we sat among the sounds of calming music and noodles whooshing around in a wok.

Inside Moon Tea Chinese Cafe in Greengates (Image: Newsquest)

Food and drink

The menu was surprisingly extensive with plenty of options for those who prefer meat, seafood or vegetarian options.

If there wasn’t already so much to choose from, the owner revealed more culinary delights could be found on the online menu.

@bradford_tanda One for those who love Chinese food and bubble tea 😍 📍 Location: Moon Tea Chinese Café, Greengates, Bradford #fyp #food #bradford #chinesefood #bubbletea ♬ original sound - Bradford Telegraph & Argus

This included things like chicken teriyaki rice bowls, katsu, tayoyaki, and even grilled eel.

You can get starters like classic spring rolls, dim sum, bao buns, and a range of salt and chilli dishes.

Szechuan chicken with fried rice and satay style noodles (Image: Newsquest)

We chose our own combination for the stir fry noodles box and all in one rice dish. You can choose from a range of sauces, a type of protein, and side. 

It means you can really personalise the meal to be perfect for your taste buds - from udon to vermicelli style noodles to boiled or fried rice.

Fresh and steaming hot, the dishes were swiftly brought to our table one by one.

Reviewing Moon Tea Chinese Cafe in Bradford (Image: Newsquest)

Pairing perfectly with the fried rice, the szechuan chicken with fried rice was fragrant, flavourful and rich.

The satay style noodles were refreshing and full of fresh vegetables.

The portions were generous and yet - even as I knowingly headed towards a food coma - I couldn’t help but eat every last bite.

The crispy pork dumplings were unreal.

Crispy pork dumplings, left, and salt and chilli popcorn chicken, right (Image: Newsquest)

The salt and chilli popcorn chicken were like little bursts of flavour.

But you can’t come here without indulging in their signature boba.

Now, here’s a secret, I’ve never really understood the hype around bubble tea. 

As a green tea fan, I knew I’d be in safe hands with the matcha milk tea but I didn't know where to start with the tapioca balls.

After asking for advice, I got the brown sugar tapioca pearls and I still can’t believe how beautiful this tasted. It was like a dessert in its own right.

The price

For £45.50, this place offers not only great value for money, but the ultimate weekday date night vibes.