SOMETHING different will be coming to the food court at Lakeside regional shopping centre tomorrow (Thursday, 21 December).

Mowchi is a bubble tea franchise that also offers bao buns - a warm, fluffy treat of stuffing wrapped inside a sweet, white dough. Made with a mix of flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, milk and oil, the bao is a tad sweeter than its closely related cousin, the dumpling.

They complement Mowchi's an array of bao buns, sweet treats, and bubble tea. Mowchi promises to deliver a beverage suited to your taste buds. From classic favourites like Brown Sugar Milk Tea and mixed Fruit Teas to innovative creations such as the Pistachio Spanish Iced Latte with Tapioca.

Mowchi takes pride in offering an extensive menu that caters to all preferences, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone.

The kiosk is also available on UberEats and Deliveroo, ensuring that customers can enjoy the bubbly experience at home or work.

Mowchi was founded by a young entrepreneur, Syeda Kayanath, who is the visionary force behind the bubble tea brand. With strong determination and unwavering passion, Syeda created a unique, peaceful, and tranquil environment that sits close to her heart. She wanted to create a space that represented a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing environment in this fast-paced world we live in; Mowchi is the perfect escape.

As a female founder, Syeda has paved her own path in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her unwavering commitment to quality and brand identity has set her apart, captivating the taste buds and hearts of bubble tea enthusiasts everywhere.

Syeda says she wants more women to take the leap into the franchise world and remind other aspiring female entrepreneurs that dreams can be a reality with determination, creativity, and an unwavering belief in oneself.

To celebrate the grand opening tomorrow, from 11am, Mowchi has planned an event featuring special promotions and giveaways.

The first 20 customers will receive a complimentary bubble tea of their choice alongside a Mowchi tote bag. Mowchi invites all foodies, bubble tea enthusiasts, curious visitors, and lovers of delightful beverages to join in the grand opening celebrations. Be part of the Mowchi Members Club, a place for everyone to enjoy!

Franchisees Ish Ikram and Ahdil Akhtar have several established franchise restaurant hotspots in Lakeside and The O2.

They say they are thrilled to introduce the Mowchi franchise to the centre, offering the best coffee, bubble tea, and bao buns to the diverse and vibrant community of Essex.

Ahdil says: "Our goal is to provide a refreshing and enjoyable experience to our customers by serving delicious bubble tea, along with a delectable bao-ger or bao bun. This is why Lakeside should be excited about all that Mowchi has to offer!"

Howard Oldstein, centre director at Lakeside, adds: "As Lakeside continues to evolve as a hub for culinary innovation, we're thrilled to welcome Mowchi to our fabulous lineup of eateries.

"Mowchi's commitment to redefining taste experiences aligns perfectly with our vision of offering diverse and enticing options to our visitors."

For more information, including the menu, promotions, and opening hours, visit www.mowchi.me and follow Mowchi on Instagram and TikTok (@mowchi.uk) for updates