Tapi-okay or Tea-riffic?: NYC's Bubble Teas, Rated

The “Boyfriend” (left) “Better Life” bubble teas at Yaya Tea Garden on Grand Street. Photo: Aarin Arora

By AARIN ARORA

Are you looking for a beverage to drown your sorrows in? Well, boy, have I got the drinks for you! Because, whether it be because of a break up or because your pet fish died, I know what it’s like to feel bad, and bubble tea always makes it better. ALWAYS. Or, I mean, sometimes? It’s really up to the person. ANYWAYS, let’s get into the reviews!

Yaya Tea Garden (★★★★★)

The first time I came to Yaya Tea Garden, I was broken and looking for a better life. Well, guess what? I found it! I mean, in beverage form at least. “Better Life” is just one of the staple drinks at this wonderful little shop. Feeling lonely? get a large “Boyfriend” for only $4.90! Jokes aside, this place has many wonderful flavor options for you to try and really good snacks to pair with. Seriously, you have GOT to try one of their signature rice balls with a “Sunrise.” 

This place has been good enough for me to bring at least three people there for a first date. The relationships might not last, but my love for the place sure does. It’s located about two blocks from the B or D train station at Grand Street. The staff is super friendly. In fact, I once went with a couple of friends to hold a Dungeons and Dragons session at their Chrystie St. location and they didn’t kick us out! Believe me, when I tell you my friends are rowdy, they are ROWDY. 

Yaya one of the few places that have become my go-to’s whenever I’m either feeling down or feeling celebratory. So basically, all the time. They have several locations in New York City and an extensive menu with over 60 drink combinations. You can even customize your own drink!

ViVi Bubble Tea (★)

Since I started with the best, how about I get into my worst! With drinks that taste as bad as their aesthetic looks, ViVi’s is one of my least favorite spots. Seriously, I’ve only ended up there out of necessity. Believe me, I do drink bubble tea out of necessity. 

Need a second opinion? “The drinks there are mediocre at best,” says Joshua Friedland ‘21. “It’s just like every other chain in New York City. It’s always packed, has some weird smell, and very bad advertising.” 

Is there really anything else I’m supposed to say? Their only redeeming quality, which I say with a lot of generosity, is that their staff can be very polite. 

You’d think that all the foot traffic would mean that there is something good about the place, but when you walk in, you just see a very kawaii skull that will be sure to drain your pockets.

There are multiple locations scattered around New York City, so be sure to avoid them! 

Kung Fu Tea (★★★★)

An average place for an average Joe, or whatever your name may be. Their drinks may be on the pricey side (approximately $6 each), but they are definitely worth the money. Are you more of a slush person, or do you prefer classic teas? Well, they have a lot of different serving styles at Kung Fu Tea. They use a lot of fresh fruits and have a wide variety of toppings to choose from as well. They also come out with seasonal drinks and flavors that keep the menu fresh and exciting. A go-to that I highly recommend if you are into tangy flavors is the Rosehip Lemonade with Tapioca.

Their locations all have a very uniform and crisp aesthetic. They have several locations all around NYC for the convenience of their customers. The only bone I have to pick with this place is that they don’t have a lot of flavors. However, even with the few options that they have, they always provide a satisfying customer experience. 

Debutea (★★★★★)

I have two words for you: CHEESE TEA. I was browsing the internet for weird food, because what else is one to do? I stumbled across this weird food fad in California, and I was very delighted to find out that it creeped its way into New York City! Cheese tea is a peculiar, yet intriguing thing.

 Aside from weird beverages, they also have a wonderful selection of seasonal and fresh fruit teas! The average price for a classic tea is $5, while the fruit teas are on the pricier side for $6.50. It may not be the cheapest option, but it is one of the better ones. They add fresh fruit to each of the fruit teas and they have a wonderful seating area. 

Located in Greenwich Village right near the West 4th - Washington Square station, the place is very quaint and sophisticated in style. They also have a cute window seat for all your Instagram needs. You can sit down with some friends and chat over wonderful tea in their little lounge, or you can take it to nearby Washington Square Park! 

Anda Cafe (★★★★)

So, I’m going to be honest, when I first stumbled across this place, it was 10 p.m., and I was crying into a friend's arm. It was a very emotional time, but I found solace in the amazing fries that they serve, along with the many, MANY, tea options. I tried their peach flavored fruit tea, which cost around $4.  Sure, I was still sad, but now I was sad with good tea. 

I eventually went back there in normal daylight hours, NOT crying, and the tea was just as good, and their fries still just as crunchy. I highly recommend this hidden gem right near the Grand Street B/D station. 

The best part is that it’s not just a tea place, you can also have a quick lunch, or brunch, with your friends! “The food tastes great,” says Anna Snisarenko ‘21, “and they provide a unique sauce that adds a lot of spice to any meal.”

The only flaw I found in this wonderful cafe was that the location itself was very small, so you might have to wait to sit there or you’ll have to order to go. Even so, I believe that the prices make up for this and so does the special sauce. 

And with that friends, this is what we call in the showbiz a series rap! Thank you for listening!