Going to a bubble tea place for the first time or just overwhelmed by the vast selection our city has to offer? Here is some guidance from a self-proclaimed bubble tea connoisseur.
In no particular order:
1. Sharetea
Wintermelon Creama with Tapioca
Don’t let the vegetable based name scare ya. This drink is delightfully creamy and satisfyingly sweet. It’s a perfect pick-me-up for one of those rainy days sure to be in our near futures. Get it with the regular sized tapioca for a cool texture change, but not the tiny tapioca since it changes how the drink tastes. Remember to shake to mix it before you drink!
Strawberry Slush with Lychee Jelly and Ice Cream
Craving something more fruity? Sharetea does the strawberry slush just right and pairing with the lychee jelly makes it a refreshing explosion on your tastebuds. And yes, ice cream is the cherry on top of this bubble tea drink.
*Sharetea uses flat, decomposable straws that are better for the environment. The secret to poking it through the plastic cap is all in the angles!
2. Oasis
Avocado Smoothie
Don’t @ me. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, you gotta try it out. This drink is super creamy and hits the spot (even if it means we’ll never be able to buy real estate).
Oasis just got remodeled last year, so if you haven’t gone since they rolled out their new aesthetic, be sure to check them out! You can also try some of their yummy food items such as their crispy fries, famous popcorn chicken, or iconic takoyaki.
3. KungFu Tea
Taro Slush with Oreo Crumbs
This combination changed my life. Sometimes dubbed “tareo”, this drink is both subtle and sweet and definitely different from your regular order at a bubble tea shop. These two flavors are more iconic than Bonnie & Clyde.
4. Ding Tea
Regular Milk Tea with Golden Boba
Ding Tea’s boba is special because it’s golden – just like you. But for real, this boba is different because it’s soaked in a type of syrup that gives it an extra boost of flavor. Try it with the regular milk tea!
Matcha Latte with Grass Jelly
Ask for less sweet unless you want to go into a sugar coma! It’s also a fun, unique drink to mix up your routine.
Lychee Yakult
Perfectly refreshing—enough said.
5. Coco
Regular Milk Tea with Sago
Their milk tea is much creamier than other places. Some have even claimed that Coco has the best original milk tea they’ve ever had. They are also one of the only places that offer sago as a topping and it definitely makes the drink, in my opinion.
Bubble Gaga
No, not Lady Gaga, but equally interesting. It is their passion fruit tea with coconut jelly and tapioca and it is a m a z i n g.
6. Chatime
Jasmine Green Milk Tea
One of the best jasmine milk teas I’ve had the pleasure of drinking.
Roasted Milk Tea
One of the most popular drinks this place is known for. This tea has a slightly roasted taste much like a chestnut and it is delightful.
7. Ambrosia
Regular Milk Tea with Grass Jelly OR Red Bean and Tapioca
One of my favorites AND it’s super cheap! Save your wallet and make your way to this cult favorite.
Still wanting more? Here are a few more up and coming bubble tea shops:
- Happy Lemon – Bellevue
- Blackbird – Bellevue
- Cold Plate – The Ave
- YoYo – Capitol Hill
- YiFang – coming soon to The Ave
Disclaimer: all bubble tea is loved and cherished—these are just some classics that everyone has enjoyed