My first experience with bubble tea was not the greatest 😦
I wasn’t explained what “bubble” or “pearls” in tea actually meant before ordering (given I was already a picky teenager to begin with) so when I took my first sip – my first reaction was pretty ugly! I took a big sip of the tea (hoping it would be refreshing) and found unexpected tapioca pearls accompanied in my tea. I was told that I would have to chew through the pearls – I didn’t like the taste or the idea to chew through my drink so I just gulped that sip and walked away (slightly traumatized). e honest.
I thought I would never try it again – until a wonderful group of co-workers (at my old job) convinced me to give it a try one more time. Considering, I was more prepared this time around + felt outgoing and willing to try more things! Nevertheless, I LOVED the tea and savored every sip!
I was lucky enough to try a few places in the city and around Dublin/Pleasanton and am ready to share my experience! People might say I have been slightly addicted to boba since (wink)!
“Boba is bae” – unknown
A special shoutout & thanks to Brittany for encouraging me to post about my boba experience thus far 🙂
Here is my recommendations – in order by preference:
1. Westea- Pleasanton
Pro
- Wide selection of teas and toppings
- Friendly and patient staff
- Cute West Terrier logo
- Stamp/rewards card – allowing you to get a free drink after X number of purchased drinks
Con
- None at this time!
Recommendations
- Jasmine Milk Tea w/ boba pearls
- Strawberry Kiwi w/ aloe
2. Boba Guys – SF & San Ramon
Pro
- Quality & delicious tea and boba pearls
- Highly accommodating to modifying orders
- “Boba Bae” shirt! (Yes, I bought one)
- Free stickers
Con
- This place is a hit so expect long lines to order and a wait to get your drink
- Limited fruit tea and topping selection
Recommendations:
- Jasmine Milk Tea
- Jasmine Green Milk Tea
- Match Latte
3. PleanTEA – SF
Pro
- Reusable glass bottle with lid is given with each order – save the planet while drinking your boba!
- Bring back the bottle the next time you’re in and they’ll reuse it for your drink
- Tea and boba pearls were delicious!
Con
- Limited to no flexibility in modifying orders
Recommendations
- Jasmine Milk Tea
- Pineapple Green Tea
4. Black Sugar – SF
Pro
- Staff is friendly and patient.
- Plastic cups are study
- Presentation of layered drinks are impressive!
Con
- Tea flavors are not consistent. Often times tastes watered down
- Boba pearls were stuck together and chunky – not very appetizing
Recommendations
- Jasmine Green Milk Tea
5. i-Tea – Dublin
Pro
- Large selection of drinks and toppings
- Fruit Tea’s are the best
Con
- Milk tea tastes watered down – not very flavorful
Recommendations
- Jasmine Milk Tea w/ boba pearls
- Strawberry Fruit Tea w/ strawberry popping boba pearls
- Curly fries!
6. T4 – Dublin
Pro
- Large chain – offers points and promotional deals for signing up
- Vast selection of tea’s, toppings, and snacks
Con
- Milk tea’s are a hit or miss – not consistent in flavor
Recommendations
- Honey Green Tea w/ aloe
- Jasmine Milk Tea w/ boba pearls
7. Sharetea – SF
Pro
- Tea can come in a cute plastic reusable lightbulb (cup) and straw
Con
- Not flavorful – very light tea taste
Recommendations
- Pineapple Green w/ aloe
… This is just the beginning to my boba adventure!
Let me know of any amazing boba spots in the Bay Area – I would love to give it a try!
irene azhina Chrobak 