So ‘matcha’ to be happy about at Gulshan’s Happy Tea

Ever since Happy Tea opened its doors, it has been creating a buzz with its wide range of creative drinks, smoothies, and iced teas. The restaurant has quickly built a reputation for its unique flavour combinations and authentic taste, thanks to its Chinese chef, whose expertise ensures every item stays true to its roots.

Its matcha ice cream, available in exciting blends like strawberry or blueberry and served in either a cup or cone, has become a crowd favourite — especially with Dhaka's growing love for all things matcha.

Apart from their variety of matcha-based drinks, the menu also features refreshing smoothies made with grape, pomelo, avocado, mango, and more. You will also find classic coffees and a signature milk tea series that includes interesting and unique options such as pearl milk tea, red bean milk tea, and even durian mango milk tea.

For those arriving with an appetite, Happy Tea's main dishes do not disappoint. The portions are hearty and perfect for sharing, making it a great spot for both a full meal or just drinks and dessert.

Located in Gulshan 2, right beside the Australian High Commission, Bangladesh offers a calm, cosy setting away from the city's usual bustle. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it is the kind of place where you can unwind and enjoy good food and better company.

TBS visited to sample a few of their items to see if Happy Tea truly lives up to the hype.

Beef fried noodles

At first glance, the dish looked like a simple homemade Bangladeshi stir-fried dish, and we were quite curious what made it stand out as a Chinese-style beef fried noodle. The first mouthful answered that question.

Unlike traditional Bangladeshi stir-fried noodles, which tend to be spicier and where the flavours of masalas are very prominent, the spices here were rather gentle and more balanced, allowing the natural flavour of the noodles to shine through without being overpowered.

The beef was tender and flavoursome, not too chewy, and almost melted when you bit into it, while the mix of vegetables added a fresh crunch that balanced the dish. We paired it with the chilli garlic oil on the table, which added a gentle kick and enhanced the flavours without being too strong.

The portion was generous enough for one hungry person and could easily be shared if you are ordering more items from the menu.

Price: Tk900

Chicken soup dumpling

While ordering, this dish felt a little overpriced, given that they are "just" soup dumplings. However, that thought quickly disappeared when they arrived in a huge bowl that could easily be shared by three.

At first glance, the broth looked fiery and spicy, but the moment we took a sip, we realised that the chicken broth was perfectly balanced and deeply flavourful.

The dumpling skin is thin yet sturdy enough to hold the rich chicken broth inside, and the filling is succulent and well-flavoured. Each bite offered a perfect balance of textures and flavours, with the soft dough, warm soup, and tender chicken filling working in harmony. It pairs wonderfully with a dash of chilli oil or vinegar if you want a hint of extra zing.

Whether you are feeling under the weather or simply craving something hearty on a chilly morning or a rainy day, these soup dumplings make the perfect pick-me-up.

Price: Tk850

Strawberry matcha sundae

Whether you are team cone or team cup, the choice is yours, with prices varying accordingly.

The strawberry portion tastes just like regular strawberry ice cream, while the matcha flavour is barely noticeable, overpowered by the strawberry in the swirl. Although it leaves a faint, slightly bitter aftertaste, it is not prominent unless you really pay attention.

Next time we visit, we might try just the original matcha sundae to see if it offers a more distinct flavour.

That said, the sundae is enjoyable overall. It is light, refreshing, and sweet without being overwhelming, making it the perfect dessert to round off a hearty meal.

Price: Tk550 (Cup sundae)

Mango pomelo sago

The mango pomelo sago is a showstopper, and it is easy to see why it is the best-selling item on the drinks menu.

Served in a generous 500ml portion, it arrives with beautiful, vibrant layers that immediately catch the eye. The waiter recommends giving it a good shake to mix everything together, which helps the flavours come together perfectly.

The drink has a creamy mango purée base, topped with generous chunks of fresh mango and finished with a dollop of cream. The pomelo is blended smoothly, while the sago pearls within add a chewy texture.

The combination of mango and sago works really well, and the flavours are balanced overall. However, the pomelo's taste gets slightly lost amid the strong sweetness and richness of the mango, as it is naturally mild in flavour.

Price: Tk390

Yoghurt grape smoothie

Looking for something refreshing, we asked the waiter to suggest something that leaned towards a slightly sour taste.

Upon hearing our preferences, she recommended the grape smoothie, saying it was not too sweet and had a pleasant fruity sharpness. Similar to the previous drink, the waiter advised shaking it well before drinking so the flavours could blend evenly. Once mixed, the drink had a nicely balanced fruity flavour that felt refreshing.

Lighter than the Mango Pomelo Sago, it was easy to drink, with small grape bits adding a nice chew. The yoghurt brought a gentle creaminess that kept the sweetness in check, making it a perfect drink to cool off on a hot day.

Price: Tk510