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Guide to San Diego

Tea and mochi spots

Mochi is the only acceptable companion for a cup of tea. You know exactly what belongs on the table.

Based on 592 Opinions
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01
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Small shop with bright pastel blue colors and cute displays creates an inviting, sweet-smelling atmosphere. Mochi donuts and Taiyaki with various fillings stand out as carefully crafted, fresh treats. Outdoor tables and counter seats offer casual spots to relax while enjoying drinks and desserts.

Milk teas come with a well balanced boba to tea ratio and offer milk alternatives. Drinks include honey green tea, taro bubble tea, and fruit teas with a good mix of sweetness and creaminess.

Mochi donuts come in airy texture and are carefully crafted for freshness. Flavors like mango, ube, and blueberry stand out for being delicious and not too sweet.

People are saying

"I loved the milk tea and boba here."

"You have to try the mochi donuts with all the different fillings."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is small and often full; metered street parking is available.

2

Free 45-minute parking is offered in the lot near Gelabong.

3

Gelabong offers a variety of milk alternatives, including oat milk and lactose-free options.

02
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Small, cozy Japanese restaurant with sakura-themed decor and an atmosphere that feels like stepping into Japan during cherry blossom season. Relaxed and inviting vibe suits pairs or small groups, with beautifully styled dishes and cups enhancing the authentic experience. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the casual charm.

Hot pot of Yozakura tea offers a perfect start. Milk tea made with oat milk has mild sweetness and stands out for its flavor. Matcha tea desserts provide a great finish to the meal.

Chewy mochi wraps sweet anko and fresh strawberry in the daifuku, a must order. Matcha Mochi Ice Cream offers a pretty delicious dessert option.

People are saying

"The oat milk matcha latte was the best Iโ€™ve ever had."

"I loved the mochi here; it was the best part of the meal."

Good to know

1

Hatsuzakura closes briefly from 3 to 4:30 pm.

2

Street parking can be difficult during peak hours.

3

On Sundays, expect a wait for the menu when they open at 11 am.

03
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Small bakery with freshly made mochi and organic ingredients offers a warm modern atmosphere with large glass window into the kitchen. The space feels cozy and inviting, featuring minimalist decor and comfortable seating. It draws those seeking unique Asian desserts in a relaxed setting.

Green tea mochi balls come matcha-covered with a slightly sweet and salty cream for dipping and crunchy toppings. Fruit teas offer a refreshing option alongside light, not too sweet mini cakes and snowball mochi.

Mochi here has an ideal soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Varieties like snowball mochi come with delicious fruit and cream fillings, including ripe mango pieces, and green tea mochi pairs well with a tasty dipping sauce.

People are saying

"The mochi here is so soft and fresh."

"The green tea mochi is perfectly doughy with the right amount of powder."

Good to know

1

The store opens at 11 am on Sundays, not 10 am.

2

Expect higher prices than most dessert places.

3

Free parking is available, but the lot fills quickly.

04
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Cafe features pink kawaii decor and cute plushie cups that create a vibrant, stylish atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor areas, though space feels cramped inside and outdoor furniture is less sturdy. Menu highlights include varied mochi donuts praised for freshness and flavor.

Milk tea offers authentic flavor with a fresh, wonderful taste and a nice aftertaste. Options like oolong milk tea and Vietnamese coffee feature rich milk and fresh, chewy boba, with sweetness levels that can be quite high compared to other spots.

Mochi doughnuts come in a variety of flavors like churro, chocolate, strawberry, and creme brulee. Boxes of a dozen are available, and the doughnuts have a soft, chewy texture that stands out.

People are saying

"The milk tea here is seriously good and the boba is chewy."

"I heard the surprise Mochi cups were coming this week."

Good to know

1

Prices are high, with $12 for a milk tea and a single mochi donut.

2

The cash register does not accept Apple Pay or credit cards.

3

You must order at a kiosk; no orders are taken at the front counter.

05
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Japanese-style bakery offers bright, airy space with indoor and outdoor seating and archway shelving adding architectural depth. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and inviting to loud and lively, supporting socializing and casual dining. Hidden speakeasy and sushi bar add unique features beyond typical bakery settings.

Milk Tea offers a robust, full-bodied flavor with balanced creaminess and sweetness. The Royal Tea Milk latte features a distinct black tea flavor without bitterness, showing a strong focus on quality.

Soft and flavorful mochi bagels stand out with their fresh, chewy texture and subtle sweetness. The everything mochi bagel is moist and tasty enough to enjoy on its own without cream cheese.

People are saying

"The earl grey melon pan has a really nice tea fragrance."

"The mochi bagel was good, but nothing special."

Good to know

1

Their baked goods sell out before 2pm, so it's best to go early for the most options.

2

The Naruto pastries sell out by 12 noon and are not made again after selling out.

3

ASA Bakery is cashless, so customers need to bring their card or use mobile payment methods.

06
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Donut shop features pink, chic decor with indoor and outdoor seating that suits casual hangouts. Atmosphere feels modern and fresh with a clean, aesthetic vibe popular for photos. Donuts offer unique mochi texture and subtle flavors, appealing to those seeking something different.

Drinks feature real fruit pieces like strawberries and pineapple, offering a natural, not-too-sweet taste. Options include Strawberry Green Tea and Brown Sugar Cookie Cream, both with distinct flavors.

Mochi donuts here are lightly fried and keep a chewy texture that feels authentic. Flavors like Ube offer a balanced sweetness that pairs well with boba drinks.

People are saying

"The mochi donuts here are light, chewy, and full of flavor."

"I found the mochi to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Mochi Dough only accepts card payments; cash is not accepted.

2

You must purchase at least three donuts if you want to buy one with a drink.

3

The parking is primarily located at the back of the building.

07
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Bubble tea shop with cute cat decorations and simple, clean decor creates a welcoming but busy atmosphere. Small seating area fills quickly, contributing to a chaotic vibe during peak times. Unique menu features mochi toppings that offer a soft, chewy texture distinct from other bubble tea places.

Milk teas come in a great variety with consistent flavor and options like osmanthus oolong and jasmine green milk tea. Fresh fruits appear in the fruit teas, and drinks often feature toppings like cheese or soybean foam.

Soft and chewy mochi with a great consistency tops drinks here. Unique options like mango mochi, mochi cream, and barley popping boba stand out, especially in the mango and barley mochi beverages.

People are saying

"I loved the strong, floral fragrance of their milk tea."

"I loved the mango mochi, it's so delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, with only two designated spots available.

2

Expect long wait times, often over 30 minutes during busy hours.

3

The shop has no customer restroom facilities.

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Spacious, bright, and clean dessert shop with free WiFi and digital ordering via iPad. Atmosphere suits relaxed hangouts despite occasional crowds and long lines. Known for varied shaved ice desserts featuring chewy textures and balanced flavors.

Milk teas come with smooth, creamy layers like tiramisu and are generally not too sweet. Options include jin xuan milk tea with almond pudding and refreshing mango and orange green tea with taro balls.

Many desserts feature Q mochi, including a pudding shaved ice that stands out. Options also include mochi paired with grass jelly, taro balls, and sesame balls.

People are saying

"The Mochi's texture was soft and chewy, like delicate ice."

"The tiramisu milk tea is smooth, creamy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

They stop taking orders 15 minutes before closing.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

You order off an iPad at the counter and find an open table.

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