We asked for the most popular drink from each boba store, so each drink is rated individually.  

Using a criteria of store atmosphere, drink aesthetic, drink packaging, taste, and boba quality, we gave each criteria a score out of 5. 

T4

Store atmosphere: 4/5

Drink aesthetic: 2.5/5  

Drink packaging: 2/5  

Taste: 3/5 

Boba quality: 3/5 

As we entered the store, we noticed how small and cute the atmosphere was. Colorful posters and chalkboard drawings of the recommended drinks hung on the walls, providing us a good idea of what to try. We ordered Earl Gray Milk Tea with boba, and the taste was a simple sugary black tea with milk. The boba was chewy; however, it was a bit hard and possibly undercooked. The drink was in basic T4 boba packaging, and there was nothing special about the appearance of the drink. 

Kung Fu Tea

Store atmosphere: 4/5

Drink aesthetic: 3/5

Drink packaging: 5/5

Taste: 4/5

Boba quality: 5/5

Kung Fu Tea featured colorful images of their limited edition drinks, including Minion and Kirby themed collaborations. We were given the recommendation of the Oreo Wow, a milk based drink filled with oreo crumbs. The addition of the brown sugar boba made the drink surprisingly sweet. Overall, the drink was a boba version of an oreo milkshake, minus the ice cream, and packaged with a Minion themed cup. We recommend drinking this beverage soon after ordering, as the boba hardens over time. 

Mr. Sun 

Store atmosphere: 5/5 boba

Drink aesthetic: 4/5 boba 

Drink packaging: 3/5 boba 

Taste: 3.5/5 boba  

Boba quality: 4/5 boba 

The first thing that struck our eyes was how pretty the entrance of the store was with a cute banner featuring their handmade boba. When you walk in, you are greeted with a wide, stylish store. As you peer through the glass, you can see a worker making boba behind the counter. While the drinks come only in one size, it comes in a  package that has a fun mustache or bean sprout on it. 

We ordered a Mango Green Tea with brown sugar boba. The drink had a nice mango taste that was not too sweet; unfortunately, the overpowering sweetness of the boba clashed with the drink. Since you can order the drink without toppings, it would taste better by itself. 

Gong Cha

Store atmosphere: 3/5

Drink aesthetic: 3.5/5

Packaging: 3/5

Taste: 5/5

Boba quality: 4.5/5

An unassuming store, off of University Avenue, Gong Cha did not have a stellar environment at first glance. Lacking music, with little furniture, Gong Cha is more of an on-the-go shop. However, the taste of the drink pleasantly surprised us. We ordered the passion fruit flavor, one of the top-rated sellers at the store, with lychee jelly and boba. The passion fruit was very refreshing and the boba was soft. Overall, Gong Cha is a must-go store for fruit teas. 

Featured art and art by Christy Du

Photos courtesy of Wendy Li and Caitlyn Oda