Since moving to Allston I have noticed a trend in the hands of many that I could not ignore; bubble tea. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink with a tea base, mixed with fruit or milk and most come with chewy tapioca balls often called “boba.”
Originally I did ignore this trend because I didn’t like the idea of drinking something and then being interrupted by chewy things in the middle of my sip. But, I have caved. Last week I went with some friends to Kung Fu Tea in Allston and tried the Sunshine Pineapple Tea — which mainly intrigued me by the name. How could I say no to sunshine?! The overall consensus to this flavor was positive and I decided that maybe I could jump on the bandwagon and become an avid bubble tea drinker.
This week I decided to give it another go. As I scanned their extensive menu I noticed a “new,” strange sounding flavor: Honey Tomato Twister.* I decided to be bold and go for it; I was not really sure how this would taste. Would it be one of those things where it sounds horrible, but once you try it, it’s strangely delicious? Or would it just be repulsive? My findings are with the latter.
As I took my first sip I knew I had made a mistake. ‘Why didn’t I just go with the Passionfruit Green Tea or the Ginger Wow Milk?’ This Honey Tomato Twister tasted exactly like what it was made of: a tomato, honey, water, and sugar syrup. I would compare it to sweet stewed tomatoes or the last thing you would ever want to drink.
My friend said, “I would rather drink chilled vomit,” and the less dramatic of the two said, “It could be considered refreshing, but it’s not my cup of tea.”
I’m not knocking bubble tea entirely, but my personal critique would not recommend the Honey Tomato Twister flavor — or anything similar to this. I am also still not a fan of the bubble part of the tea; after a handful or so I avoid those gummy things like the plague.
If you are considering trying it I would recommend to start with a safer, more recognizable flavor and you can get the drink without the tapioca balls. For those Bubble Tea aficionados out there I would love suggestions for teas to try; enlighten me.
*My drink cost $4.50
KUNG FU TEA . 131 HARVARD AVE. ALLSTON, MA 02134