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Writer's pictureCoolala P.

My Boba Story

Updated: Aug 16

My favorite Boba places to go to in Southern California


Photo: BOBA

What exactly is boba?


A little history lesson before jumping into my favorites spots for enjoying these sweet and tasty drinks.


Bite-sized chewy tapioca balls, also known as pearls, originated in Taiwan and gained popularity during the 1980s. Immigrants introduced them to the United States in the 1990s, where they quickly became a sensation.


Bubble Tea, initially known as a hot tea, was originally prepared using primarily black tea, green tea, or oolong tea, with or without milk or sugar. The milk options included powdered or condensed milk combined with sweet syrup, sugar, or honey. Nowadays, boba drinks are commonly enjoyed cold and are crafted with a variety of milk and sweetener options.


 

There are various alternatives available for the toppings, including jellies, popping balls, mini balls, lychee, aloe, or no toppings. Additionally, you can opt for red beans, pudding, mochi, cheese foam, or sea salt. You also have the flexibility to adjust the level of sweetness or choose to have it unsweetened.


I am a big fan of the bubble tea trend. There are numerous locations where you can explore and taste different varieties. Below are my top 10 places you can go to. (they are in no particular order)


 

  1. The Alley

Photo: The Alley

The Alley offers a limited selection, yet their beverages are heavenly, featuring sweet and chewy boba balls. In addition to smoothies and caffeine-free options, they provide a variety of teas and coffees. Customers can also select alternative milk choices such as oat or soy milk.



2. Bopomofo Cafe

Photo: Bopomofo

At Bopomofo Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of food in addition to drinks. They offer many "healthier" choices, such as the B.O.G, which combines blueberry compote with orange juice and green tea. The colors are beautifully displayed, as seen in the picture. Another delicious option is the taro sweet milk with a hint of beet juice for added color.



3. Ding Tea

Photo: The Ding Tea

Ding Tea offers a wide range of drink options, including various toppings and juices. Their boba balls are known for being delightfully chewy and sweet, making any choice from their menu a satisfying one.



4. Share Tea

Photo: Share Tea

Share Tea offers a limited selection of beverages, but it is sufficient. I particularly liked the mango ice blended with ice cream, as the vanilla ice cream topping complements the mango slushy perfectly. Additionally, I am in love with their wintermelon fresh milk with boba.



5. Sunright Tea

Photo: Share Tea

Among all the boba places I have visited, Sunright Tea stands out with its chewy and perfectly sweet boba balls. One of the highlights for me is the matcha red bean frostie with mochi, where the mochi is delightfully stretchy and enjoyable.



6. Happy Lemon Delight

Photo: Happy Lemon Delight

The beverages are fantastic. I particularly enjoy their lemon drinks, especially the blended lemon slushies. And those adorable bubble waffles are so delightful and satisfying when eaten on the spot. Their milk tea salted cheese drink is great too.



7. It's Boba Time

Photo: It's Boba Time

While Boba Time may not offer the finest boba balls, they do provide a wide range of menu choices including smoothies, juices, slushies, and beverages like Yuzu honey. Additionally, they offer a variety of other toppings in addition to boba balls. Personally, I am a fan of the blue sky milk tea they serve.



8. Tiger Sugar

Photo: Tiger Sugar

Tiger Sugar is fantastic in every way. Their boba pearls are impeccable, and their beverages are incredible. My favorite is the black sugar boba milk with cream. I also appreciate that it is caffeine-free. You will definitely enjoy them as well.



9. Gong Cha

Photo: Gong Cha

They offer a diverse range of beverages, including coffee, sparkling drinks, and pearl milk tea. You are sure to enjoy the flavor of any drink you choose. Personally, I particularly like their pearl milk tea.



10. Half and Half

Photo: Half and Half

Half and half is one of the original boba joints with a wide menu selection. I enjoy their milk teas and the honey lemonade with aloe. You will enjoy any drink here.


 

Before the boba drink trend took off, we only had limited options when it came to finding these delightful beverages. However, in recent years, the popularity of boba drinks has skyrocketed, leading to a significant increase in the number of establishments offering these unique concoctions. From cozy tea houses to trendy cafes and vibrant bubble tea shops, there is now a plethora of places where one can indulge in their favorite boba drinks.


So, which is your favorite place to enjoy a boba drink? Do you prefer a cozy corner cafe with a laid-back vibe, or are you drawn to a vibrant bubble tea shop with an extensive menu? Share with us the location and your go-to boba drink – whether it's a classic milk tea with pearls, a refreshing fruit tea, or a unique specialty drink that you can't resist.


 

Sources:

  1. Wikipedia. History of Bubble Tea

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16 août
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thanks for the boba places you shared and i love that you gave a little history on the subject🤗

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