It’s my first time in New York City, and I’m by myself with my aunt and her friend. Without any strict parental supervision, my aunt’s offer to try Early Grey led to my tastebuds newest Nirvana: tea. Since then, I’ve been a fiend for the roasted leaves and my love has travelled with me even after leaving the Big Apple. Well equipped with my beverage experiences, I will espouse my limitless knowledge on the best tasting blends.
Chicha Sanchen: Green Tea Everything
A bit of a shameless plug for my place of employment, but this really is the most addicting tea ever. If it wasn’t for the amount of sugar in boba, I’d probably get this drink every shift I work. With the smooth jasmine flavors, this tea’s versatility truly shines through. In my head, there are boba teas and non-boba teas (ones you put other toppings in, but never boba), but Chicha’s green tea plays on both sides of the court. I love pairing it with milk and taro balls for a more classic drink or combining it with lemon and konjac for a more refreshing beverage.
TeaTop: Signature Alpine Green Milk Tea with Mango Pudding
TeaTop has the best portion size out of any overpriced Bay Area bubble tea store.While other establishments charge upwards of $8 for a <8 ounce cup of tea, TeaTop not only serves double the volume of tea but also goes ham on the toppings (unless you’re me and they hate you so they give you an average amount). While the relative affordability is nice, the nostalgic taste of their tea really wraps up my rating in a nice little bow. Whenever I sip on my boba, it’s like I can feel the night markets of Taiwan coursing through my veins.
Wanpo (萬波): Apple Tea with Grass Jelly
I’m not sure if I just don’t go when it’s busy or if this place is really that underground, but I swear no one knows about this place. They have a really wide selection of interestingly flavored teas, and the apple black tea struck my interest. The distinctly sweet taste of apple complements the richer/heavier flavor of the tea, and coupled with the bittersweet grass jelly just makes the perfect summer beverage.
HeyTea: Mango Coconut Boom
Of course, I wouldn’t be a true Bay Area Asian if I didn’t mention HeyTea, particularly the Mango Coconut Boom. A careful balance between mellow coconut jelly and tangy mango chunks, this drink is perfect for all the Asian parents (like my own) that love desserts which aren’t too sweet!
Happy Lemon: Milk Tea with Orange Stuff In It
Shout out to Aadya Vadrevu for putting my onto this drink during the pandemic! I don’t know the official name for the drink, but it has milk tea, crystal boba, and orange peels in it. The peel aspect of the drink may sound unappetizing, but it’s lowkey my favorite part of the whole thing. The milk evens out the tart syrup coating the orange peels, and the crystal boba gives it some good chewability. The only downside to the drink is that it’s really a summer only drink for me.