ZUS Coffee vs Tealive vs Starbucks: Who Has the Most Stores in Malaysia?
MALAYSIA – This post was highly requested following our ZUS Coffee vs Starbucks analysis (link). Many asked us to include Tealive in the comparison as well.
While Tealive primarily focuses on tea and bubble tea, it’s undeniably one of the most popular beverage chains in Malaysia. So it’s interesting to see how it stacks up against both ZUS Coffee and Starbucks.
As of June 2025, Tealive leads the way with over 800 stores across Malaysia, maintaining its position as the country’s largest beverage chain. ZUS Coffee follows closely with more than 700 outlets, continuing its rapid growth since launch. In comparison, Starbucks operates around 300 stores
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
BY STATE
Peninsular Malaysia
The map above shows a state-level comparison between Tealive and ZUS Coffee in Peninsular Malaysia, highlighting which brand has more stores in each state as of June 2025. Starbucks is not shown here, as its store count trails behind both in every state in this region.
East Malaysia
In contrast to the mixed competition seen in Peninsular Malaysia, Tealive clearly leads the race in East Malaysia.
BY DISTRICT
Peninsular Malaysia
Tealive remains the most accessible brand across Peninsular Malaysia, with a wider geographic footprint even in smaller towns. ZUS Coffee is building strength in competitive markets, and has already outpaced Tealive in multiple high-density urban districts. Starbucks leads in only one district, Bentong, Pahang (its sole green mark on the map)
East Malaysia
This map zooms into East Malaysia: Sabah, Sarawak, and W.P Labuan, to show which brand leads in store count at the district level. The majority of districts across East Malaysia are shaded in purple, indicating that Tealive has more outlets than both ZUS Coffee and Starbucks in most areas. ZUS Coffee is beginning to show its presence in a few key districts.
Tealive remains the most widespread and accessible brand across East Malaysia, mirroring its strong presence in Peninsular Malaysia. However, ZUS Coffee is steadily expanding, and it will be interesting to see how the landscape shifts over the next six months.
