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The people (of the Bay Area) have spoken. Boba, bubble tea, pearl milk tea…the creamy drink with tapioca balls is all the rage in Asia, and right here in California as well. Here are the best places to get your fix in the Bay Area, according to Trip.com locals:
#1: i-Tea
i-Tea has all the boba your tapioca-loving heart desires, but also offers a respectable menu of appetizers and dishes like ramen and Japanese-style bowls.
“My friends and I have come here a couple times already and we’re in love. ” – Kat Sun
#2: Gong Cha USA
by: George H – Courtesy: Trip.com
The menu offers a variety of teas, coffees, and other Taiwanese specialty treats, which you can request to be custom-made to your liking. There’s a second location inside the Westgate mall.
“Okay, I’ve never really been that person who’s been about that boba life so believe me when I say this place is legit.” – Kevin Chen
#3: Asha Tea House
by: peretzpup flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
This cozy cafe offers a variety of boba, whole leaf tea and hand-crafted tea drinks, with a focus on more “authentic” Taiwanese beverages.
“This tea house is a welcomed change to the sugar laden, artificial ‘tea’ houses popping up all over the city.” – Jen Shu
#4: Fantasia Coffee and Tea
by: cezzie901 flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
With a fun decor and relaxing atmosphere, Fantasia is known for being a relaxing local spot (that, of course, serves excellent boba.)
“Excellent place to chill and have a drink.” – Stanley Chan
#5: ShareTea
by: Owie – Courtesy: Trip.com
Popular with students and trendy youth, ShareTea offers many different flavors with a focus on real ingredients instead of those that have been processed/prepared.
“From regular ol’ milk tea to specialties with crema, fresh milk to icy drinks, there’s something for everyone.” – SDWIFEY
#6: Boba Guys
by: lizasperling flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
With locales all over the city, you can choose between traditional and innovative: like the the “horchata boba,” which is a Mexican-inspired drink with Taiwanese tapioca pearls.
“This is the place to stop into if you like bubble drinks but demand good quality.” – Keane Li
#7: Sweetheart Coffee & Tea
by: jeffk flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Drinks, Asian snacks/treats, and a reputation for chewy, high-quality tapioca pearls, as well as flavored milks (like steamed ginger, coconut, or avocado.)
“Sweethearts is a top notch pearl tea and drinks shop. ” – Owie
#8: Tea Lyfe Drinks
by: bobbi vie flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
With matcha, Thai tea, and even horchata blends (a new sensation in the boba world), Tea Lyfe is known for trendy, innovative menu items and a sleek, bear-themed decor.
“Their pearls are so fresh and their drinks are just delicious; come try it out!” – Deirdre Ngo
#9: Tpumps
by: Owie – Courtesy: Trip.com
Known for completely customizable boba drinks, Tpumps is a trendy spot that more often than not sees long lines streaming out the door.
“Freshly brewed milk tea! No powder crap used & the staff is very nice.” – MJ
#10: Teaspoon
by: Amos Yuen – Courtesy: Trip.com
Popular with high school and college students in the area, this modern teahouse offers a variety of milks, flavors, snow ice, and teas to satisfy your sweet (or not) craving.
“The drinks always come out pretty tasty, tea tastes fresh and the flavorings real.” – Kelly G.
Source: gogobot.com