Customers wait next to a brand slogan in Chinese characters at a Molly Tea shop at the Siam Square in Bangkok, Thailand, on Oct 7, 2025. (Photo: VCG)

Chinese restaurant and drink chains are accelerating their overseas expansions, with more brands opening stores abroad and moving beyond tea and coffee, a new industry list shows.

The 2026 "Global 50 Chinese Catering Brands" list, or Global 50, released by China Chain Store and Franchise Association, shows that the top 50 listed brands operated a total of 6,801 stores abroad at the end of 2025.

Nine of them had more than 100 stores each, indicating strong momentum for a scaled global expansion.

"These brands have not only secured a foothold in international markets with strong performance, but have also leveraged distinctive cuisine as a medium to deepen local engagement, contributing significantly to the global recognition and reputation of Chinese culinary culture," the association said.

The list shows Mixue Group leading the pack with 4,153 overseas stores — more than the total of the next nine brands combined. Wallace, Chagee, and Tianlala each had more than 200 stores, showing that simple, easy-to-copy formats remain a recipe for success abroad.

New players are also moving fast. The data shows that 24 brands opened their first overseas stores after 2023 — including Molly Tea and Auntea Jenny, which started opening branches abroad in 2024, adding to their solid store base.

Among large chains, Luckin Coffee has expanded quickly, reaching 160 stores in three overseas markets since opening its first outlet in Singapore in 2023.

Food brands are also widening their reach. Hotpot group Shoo Long Kan now operates in 36 countries and regions, the widest reach on the list. Malatang (spicy mix of food) chains, such as Yangguofu Malatang and Zhangliang Malatang, have expanded into 26 and 22 markets, respectively, showing growing demand for a more hands-on dining experience.

The association said many brands are improving their global image with English names and logos, and are focusing more on local tastes to support long-term growth.