Almost too cute for words

Weyburn’s Meok Ja Milk Tea Bar brings a touch of Asia to the city

By Brook Thalgott Photos Big Dog Photography

One of the hottest food trends these days is milk tea. It’s all the rage with kids of all ages, and a local entrepreneur is about to bring this delicious ‘big city’ delight to Weyburn. Gale Regines is the proud owner of Meok Ja Milk Bar—Weyburn’s newest food and drink destination for residents and tourists alike.

“I grew up here and as a teenager, I always wanted a ‘cool place’ to hang out,” says Gale. “After high school, I moved to Edmonton for a few years. When I came home in 2021, I started thinking about how I could build my own business.” Gale thought about how much she enjoyed her trips to milk tea bars in Edmonton, how many trips she was now taking to Regina for tea and pondered her high school wish of a fun place to go. “I complained to my husband about how far it was to get the tea I loved, and inspiration hit,” she says.

Gale got to work experimenting with milk tea recipes and suppliers and started testing her creations from her home kitchen. She launched a Facebook page to take orders, and soon had a devout following buying her teas. “It proved that Weyburn loves milk tea,” she laughs.

The demand for milk tea led Gale to launch Meok Ja Milk Tea Bar in downtown Weyburn, complete with a full menu of milk teas and mini desserts. Launched in early April, the downtown café features more than 50 flavours of tea, the cutest desserts the city has ever seen and a selection of Japanese and Korean snacks. There are steamed buns with fillings like sweet red bean and custard, and scoop-and-go snacks.

The highlight of course is the extensive milk tea menu with many exclusive flavours designed by Gale herself. The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake tea is already a fan favourite, along with the Filipino-inspired Milo Xplosion and

Graham Float. There are toppings galore including traditional tapioca pearls, lychee coconut jelly, cream cheese and so much more. “The only limit is my imagination,” laughs Gale. “We have something for everyone in our 2D-design café that celebrates Weyburn. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy our great menu of tasty drinks and treats.”

The café also offers a “pay-it-forward” option to let people buy a drink for the next customer and “share a little love.” Plus, the fifteenth of every month will see Meok Ja donate to the Weyburn Humane Society, a cause close to Gale’s heart. It’s a café with community in its very heart.

Find the newest arrival to the Weyburn food scene at 409 Railway Avenue and try out this new community sensation. Meok Ja Milk Tea Bar is open six days a week Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and Sundays from 2 pm to 8 pm. Follow them on Facebook for the menu, promotions and more.

Meok Ja Milk Tea Bar

409 Railway Avenue

Weyburn