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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Chinatown

Boba tea

The specific chew of a tapioca pearl is the only texture that matters right now.

Based on 653 Opinions
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01
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Cozy bubble tea shop with a modern, cute aesthetic featuring cat ear cup designs and a panda theme. Sounds of hand-pounded rice mochi add a unique sensory detail. Offers fresh, textured boba and soft, sticky mochi in a clean, well-designed space.

Bubble tea features a panda theme that makes it visually appealing. The Pearl Milk Tea with cheese foam offers soft, chewy pearls with a brown sugar flavor and a less sugary taste than typical boba drinks.

Bubble tea features a panda theme that adds a fun visual touch. The Pearl Milk Tea with cheese foam offers soft, chewy pearls with a brown sugar flavor. Tea is less sugary than typical boba spots, making it a refreshing choice.

People are saying

"I thought the bubble tea here was great."

"I love how the bubble tea tastes fresh and not too sweet."

"I love how the bubble tea tastes fresh and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

The shop offers customizable drinks with toppings separated upon request.

2

The space is small but well-maintained and clean.

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Colorful alley setting creates a bright atmosphere with pop music and cozy seating inside and outdoors. Self-order kiosks and online queue streamline ordering despite limited indoor space. Offers a wide tea selection with unique options like oats in milk tea and provides WiFi and student discounts.

Rich flavors and super delicious boba tea stand out here. The bubble tea comes in blue cups that make it look quite pretty and offers a solid, enjoyable experience.

Rich flavors and super delicious boba tea stand out here. The tea comes in blue cups that make it look quite pretty and offers a solid, enjoyable bubble tea experience.

People are saying

"I thought the boba tea here was the best."

"I thought this bubble tea was the best I've ever had."

"I love how rich the bubble tea tastes."

Good to know

1

The ordering process is very easy with an online queue that updates.

2

There is seating available, though it is limited.

3

Teazzi offers Too Good to Go bags for $5, which include a large oolong milk tea with oats and two medium black teas.

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Space combines modern design with a clean, bright vibe and a relaxing tea aroma that fills the air. Atmosphere feels cozy yet casual, with seating options and air conditioning inviting guests to stay. The environment highlights fresh, genuine tea scents that set it apart from typical tea shops.

Offers authentic taste and premium quality bubble tea with a refreshing menu. Options include personalized drinks like matcha boba shakes and coconut mango flavors.

Offers authentic taste and premium quality bubble tea with a refreshing menu. Drinks like the coconut cloud and matcha boba shake stand out for their unique flavors and quick service.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best bubble tea I'd ever had."

"I thought this was the best boba tea place."

"This is my favorite spot for bubble tea."

Good to know

1

Customers should order online ahead of time to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant offers a buy one get one free (BOGO) deal.

3

You can adjust sweetness and ice levels to match your taste.

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Small tea house with about four square tables offers a cozy spot to enjoy affordable boba tea and popcorn chicken. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, attracting locals who prefer it over larger chains. Payment requires a minimum for card use, and customization is possible during slow times.

3q jelly bubble tea stands out as a tasty and reasonably priced option. The bubble teas offer solid flavor without high cost.

3q jelly bubble tea stands out as a tasty and reasonably priced option. The bubble teas offer solid flavor without high cost.

People are saying

"I found the bubble tea here to be so delicious and refreshing."

"This boba tea is perfectly refreshing and delicious."

"I loved the tasty bubble tea here."

Good to know

1

The shop is open late for walk-in orders of boba.

2

The large cup of black milk tea and taro milk tea is $5 each.

3

There is a minimum $7 credit payment requirement.

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Small dessert shop with clean, modern design and inviting atmosphere. Seating area feels cozy and intimate with good music enhancing the vibe. Offers a unique variety of desserts featuring subtle flavors and chewy textures.

Offers black sugar and taro milk bubble teas that are not too sweet. Prices stay reasonable while delivering unique and aesthetic flavors.

Offers black sugar and taro milk bubble teas that are less sweet and visually appealing. Prices stay reasonable compared to other shops. Known for unique flavors that stand out in Chinatown.

People are saying

"I thought the bubble tea here was the best I ever had."

"I thought this place served the best bubble tea I ever had."

"I think their bubble tea is the best around."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of desserts, slush, milk tea, snacks, and fruit drinks.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other bubble tea shops.

3

The wait time for food is approximately 16 minutes.

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Antique-style bubble tea shop offers an elegant vibe with a cozy, aesthetic space that feels like a small tea gallery. The atmosphere is often crowded yet remains clean and relaxing, making it a popular spot to hang out or catch up with friends.

Uses Jinjunmei gold tea for the boba base, which sets it apart from typical spots. The brown sugar pearl milk tea stands out with its rich flavor and chewy pearls.

Uses Jinjunmei tea for a unique boba flavor. Offers brown sugar pearl milk tea with good taste and quality pearls.

People are saying

"I loved their Osmanthus Oolong milk tea; it's fragrant and floral."

"I loved the Osmanthus Oolong milk tea; it's fragrant and floral."

"I was excited to try this new bubble tea place."

Good to know

1

They have a buy one, get one free promotion for signature drinks.

2

Expect long lines; I waited about 30 minutes to order.

3

The price point is reasonable for the size and quality.

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Small, cozy shop offers handmade rolled ice cream with plenty of toppings and bubble tea featuring soft, chewy boba. Atmosphere is clean and intimate, seating only six people with limited space to eat in. Lines stay short compared to nearby spots, making it a convenient stop for a refreshing, not-too-sweet treat.

Offers taro, mango, and honeydew bubble tea flavors. Drinks pair well with homemade ice cream. Bubble tea suits hot days and works well for takeout.

Offers taro, mango, and honeydew bubble teas with a homemade ice cream option. Drinks work well for takeaway and suit hot days.

People are saying

"I loved the bubble tea here; the boba had a great texture."

"I loved the brown sugar boba tea; it was the best I've ever tasted."

"I love their bubble tea on hot days."

Good to know

1

There is limited seating available for customers.

2

The lines are much shorter at this shop compared to big name brands.

3

Customers are allowed to customize their orders with unlimited toppings.

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Small cafe with self-ordering kiosks and colorful outdoor seating creates a modern, clean space that feels cramped but lively. Busy atmosphere combines with a cool underground vibe and eye-catching visuals. No indoor seating emphasizes quick, made-to-order service.

Offers customizable bubble tea with flavors like Peach, Hibiscus, and Ginger Lemon Honey. The boba tea is very delicious but also among the most expensive encountered.

Offers customizable bubble tea with flavors like Peach, Hibiscus, and Ginger Lemon Honey. The boba tea is very delicious but also among the most expensive encountered.

People are saying

"I found the bubble tea to be tasty and gorgeous."

"I thought the boba tea was delicious and beautifully presented."

"The bubble teas taste unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no seating inside; it's a takeout-only establishment.

2

Customers should order their items via the kiosk and wait for their name to be called.

3

The coupon code '152023' offers 15% off until 2024.

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Small, cozy interior with comfortable seating and cute decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The shop often feels bright and fresh, with a pleasant scent and occasional crowding. It serves as a quick stop or brief rest spot with a variety of flavors and some vegan options.

Bubble tea here features real fruits mixed fresh and includes options like popping strawberry boba and honeydew flavor. Some drinks taste watery or less flavorful, but others come with ice cream and rich chocolate boba.

Bubble tea features real fruits mixed fresh and options like popping strawberry boba. Some drinks taste watery or powdery, but others come with ice cream and rich flavors.

People are saying

"The bubble tea flavors are tasty and fresh."

"The bubble tea flavors taste fresh and delicious."

"I love the bubble tea here and always recommend it."

Good to know

1

The ice cream cones cost $4 each.

2

They accept card payments.

3

The prices for bubble tea are affordable, between $4 and $6.

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Outdoor seating with tent shade creates a relaxed vibe on a quaint street. The space features cute to-go bags and free phone holders, adding charm to the experience. Egg tarts stand out as a creamy, flaky specialty that draws attention.

Bubble tea offers original flavors like tahini with a perfect balance of flavor and creaminess. Hot boba tea is available and pairs well with treats like pastel de nata.

Bubble tea features original flavors like tahini with a perfect balance of flavor and creaminess. Hot options exist alongside tasty cold drinks, making it a solid spot for excellent boba tea.

People are saying

"I love how their bubble tea flavors stand out."

"I love how their bubble tea flavors stand out."

"I thought the boba tea here was excellent and very tasty."

Good to know

1

The grand opening event offered a 12% discount on all drinks with purchase.

2

There was no wait time during my visit, but it can get busy.

3

The store is currently offering giveaways during the opening.

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Small space with no indoor seating offers a quick takeout experience and a huge, diverse menu of bubble tea options. The atmosphere features loud music and a sweet roasted tea scent, with a clean, cute decor. Lines form quickly but move fast, making it a popular spot despite limited space.

Offers a great variety of bubble tea options with standout flavors like brown sugar and strawberry. Drinks come with a spill free cap and staff are friendly and smiling.

Offers a great variety of bubble tea options with standout flavors like brown sugar and strawberry. Drinks come with a spill free cap and staff are friendly and welcoming.

People are saying

"I thought the bubble tea here was awesome."

"I thought the boba tea here was awesome."

"I always find Gong Cha has the best bubble tea around."

Good to know

1

Customers can select the amount of sugar required.

2

The bubble tea place is always busy, but the line moves very quickly.

3

Gong Cha offers a limited time Red Velvet Series drinks including the Red Velvet Milk Tea and Red Velvet Smoothie.

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Small, crowded space with laboratory-like decor and tea leaf wall art creates a bright, cozy atmosphere. Free tea tastings and an open counter showcase tea preparation using A Teapresso machines. Busy, noisy environment with limited seating makes it more about quick enjoyment than lingering.

Multi-dimensional tapioca stands out with rich flavor. Bubble tea offers a wide variety and tastes not too sweet without artificial flavors.

Multi-dimensional tapioca flavor stands out, unlike the usual one-dimensional taste. Bubble tea comes in a wide variety and is not too sweet with no artificial flavors.

People are saying

"The bubble tea tastes fresh and flavorful but feels pricey."

"The bubble tea tastes amazing but is pricey."

"This place serves some of the best bubble tea I've ever had."

Good to know

1

They offer a free tea tasting every 30 minutes.

2

Customers can sign up for the complimentary tea tasting session.

3

Making a reservation is highly recommended to fully experience their offerings.

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Tiny tea house with limited seating and a piano occupying much space creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The interior blends homey storage with cafe charm, offering a chill vibe in a small Chinatown nook.

Fresh ingredients make the bubble tea stand out. The dragonfruit bubble tea with cheese foam and Thai Iced Bubble Tea offer unique, refreshing flavors. Yakult with crystal bubbles is a distinctive option not found elsewhere nearby.

Fresh ingredients make the bubble tea stand out with dragonfruit bubble tea with cheese foam and Thai Iced Bubble Tea as notable options. Prices are lower than many other spots, and the yakult with crystal bubbles is unique here.

People are saying

"The bubble teas here taste fresh and delicious."

"I love how delicious and fresh the bubble teas taste."

"I found the bubble tea here to be the best in Chinatown."

Good to know

1

The maximum seating space in the store is around 5 people.

2

Waiting times can take up to 20-40 minutes.

3

Customers should ask for sugar level when ordering.

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Chinese bakery with a self-serve setup and small seating area offers a lively, bustling atmosphere often packed with people. The space suits takeaway better due to limited seats, and the vibe includes both eating inside and ordering to go.

Hot bubble tea costs only $5, making it one of the most inexpensive options around. The tea tastes fresh and the overall quality is excellent.

Hot bubble tea costs only $5, making it one of the most inexpensive options around. The tea is fresh with excellent quality and includes a menu section called pearl tapioca tea that highlights the boba.

People are saying

"I love the wide selection of tasty Asian pastries here."

"I found the boba tea here to be inexpensive and fresh."

"I found the bubble tea to be inexpensive and fresh."

Good to know

1

The store closes at 6:30-6:40 PM.

2

Fa Da Bakery is CASH ONLY with a $10 minimum for card payments.

3

The bakery is always packed, so it's better for takeaway than dining in.

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Small space with self-order kiosks and simple plastic chairs offers a clean, bright setting. Atmosphere ranges from lively and busy to laid back, with loud TV music sometimes noticeable. Late-night hours attract those seeking fresh, tasty dumplings and snacks.

Passion fruit and jasmine latte bubble teas stand out with amazing flavor. The bubble teas here are consistently delicious and highly recommended.

Bubble tea features amazing flavor and comes in options like jasmine latte and passion fruit. The drinks pair well with meals like beef noodle soup.

People are saying

"I thought the bubble tea here was the best I ever had."

"I thought the boba tea here was the best I ever had."

"I love how sweet and flavorful the bubble tea is."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers late night dumplings until 1:00 AM.

2

Expect a wait time of about 20 minutes for food.

3

Dumplings cost $9 for 8, plus tax.

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Small basement shop offers modern minimalist design with pink decor and warm wooden paneling. Atmosphere feels cozy and floral but can be loud and stuffy due to lack of ventilation and no seating. Frequent crowd creates long lines, making it primarily a grab-and-go spot.

Strong tea flavor stands out, not just sweetness. Offers jasmine tea and boutique-style drinks with short wait times and good vibes.

Strong tea flavor stands out, not just sweetness. Shorter wait times and good vibes make it a solid spot for jasmine tea lovers and boutique bubble tea fans.

People are saying

"The jasmine boba tea here is so refreshing and full of flavor."

"The jasmine bubble tea here is so flavorful and not bitter."

"I love how strong and tasty the bubble tea is."

Good to know

1

Molly Tea is pick-up only with no seating available.

2

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

3

Ordering online 10-15 minutes in advance is recommended to save time.

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Small space offers a cozy vibe with a chill atmosphere. Menu includes drinks with thick berry purée and green tea layers. Prices stay affordable around $7.

Brown sugar bubble tea stands out with its rich flavor and affordable price. Pearls can be hard and chewy, but the tea itself stays consistently good.

Brown sugar bubble tea stands out with its delicious flavor and good value. Pearls can be hard and difficult to chew but the bubble tea remains reliable and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I thought the bubble tea tasted really good."

"I loved the bubble tea flavors and thought it was worth it."

"I loved the tasty bubble tea and thought it was worth the price."

Good to know

1

The prices are affordable.

2

The drink I ordered costs $7.

3

The menu is extensive.

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Small space with minimalist aesthetic and limited seating offers a cozy, cute vibe. Customers find it fast and inexpensive with a notable selection of onigiri that stands out for freshness and flavor.

Bubble tea features fresh and delicious flavors with a variety of options like taro boba tea. The shop offers a spacious interior despite a small exterior and sells many Asian snacks alongside bubble tea.

Bubble tea here has a fresh and delicious taste with a nod to classic flavors using sugar water and artificial coloring. The shop offers a variety of flavors including taro boba tea and pairs well with Asian snacks.

People are saying

"Some bubble teas taste fresh and delicious, others lack flavor."

"The bubble tea tastes fresh and better than most."

"I loved the bubble tea but wished it was sweeter."

Good to know

1

Expect to take the boba tea to go as there is limited seating.

2

You can only take out food from this place; no dining in.

3

A black milk bubble tea costs $8 for a 16oz one.

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Small shop with limited seating and a cozy atmosphere suited for quick stops or studying. Offers fresh, chewy boba and delicious popcorn chicken alongside a wide variety of bubble tea flavors and toppings. The space is efficient but not designed for long stays.

Offers a wide selection of bubble teas from traditional to new creations with great flavor and delicious boba. Known as one of Chinatown's longest-running bubble tea shops with consistently good quality.

A wide selection of bubble teas includes traditional and new creations with great flavor and delicious boba. The taro bubble tea stands out as very good, and the shop is one of the longest-running bubble tea spots in Chinatown.

People are saying

"I love the variety and taste of their bubble teas."

"I enjoyed the tasty and varied bubble teas here."

"I found the bubble tea here to be very good."

Good to know

1

As of September 2024, the restaurant is open until 9:30 PM on weekdays.

2

There is limited seating available for customers.

3

The tea shop offers snacks along with drinks.

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Ornate black wooden doors with lion head handles and traditional Chinese decor create a calm, artsy atmosphere. Limited seating includes low stools and a small ledge, encouraging a quiet, relaxed pace. Unique features like iridescent cups and incense-inspired straws add a distinctive cultural touch.

Delicious bubble tea stands out here with a trendy vibe that draws many in. This spot ranks highly among bubble tea places in Chinatown and beyond.

Offers delicious bubble tea with a trendy vibe. Stands out as a top spot in Chinatown and beyond.

People are saying

"I thought this bubble tea was the best I'd been to."

"I think this is the best bubble tea place around."

"I think this place has the best bubble tea around."

Good to know

1

The drink costs $9 without boba.

2

It’s slightly cheaper to pay in cash than by card.

3

Sìyì offers drinks with a 30% sugar level, which is about right for sweetness.

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Authentic Chinese tea shop with an old-school atmosphere and wide selection of quality teas including medicinal varieties. The space is clean and beautiful but lacks seating, creating a quick-visit vibe. Known for rare pearls and hand-shaken milk tea served with balanced sweetness.

Jasmine milk bubble tea stands out with a genuine tea flavor. Options include brown sugar and Lychee bubble tea, served with customizable sweetness and ice levels, though drinks can be lukewarm sometimes.

Jasmine milk bubble tea stands out with a genuine tea flavor. Options include brown sugar and Lychee bubble tea, served with customizable sugar and ice levels, though drinks tend to be lukewarm.

People are saying

"I found the boba tea here to be pretty good and tasty."

"I found the bubble tea here to be delicious and truly tea-like."

"The bubble tea tastes good but can be lukewarm."

Good to know

1

There is no bathroom for customers.

2

The large milk tea costs $6.

3

The price of the tea is $6.50.

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Ramen restaurant offers comfortable seating and a beautiful interior with Japanese music and anime figurines. Atmosphere feels inviting and lively, enhanced by ambient music and unique decor. Tables connect for large groups, creating a social dining experience.

Mango Boba Tea stands out as a popular choice. Kids and youngsters enjoy the bubble tea here, making it a favored drink alongside the Rolls.

Passion fruit and mango boba tea stand out here. Kids and youngsters enjoy the bubble tea offerings.

People are saying

"I found the Bubble Tea here to be delicious and well-prepared."

"I found the boba tea to be delicious and well prepared."

"I love how tasty their bubble tea is."

Good to know

1

An 18% tip is automatically added to the check, including takeout orders.

2

Customers may end up paying a total of 36% in service charges and tips.

3

The restaurant accepts all major credit cards for payment.

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Small shop offers an extensive selection of bubble tea flavors with options to adjust sugar and ice levels. Atmosphere includes lively staff dancing and singing, creating an energetic vibe. Sweet, chewy tapioca pearls stand out among the drink choices.

Customizable bubble tea lets you pick non-dairy milk, sugar level, and ice amount. The honey lemon bubble tea is refreshing and not too sweet, while the pearl milk tea tastes very milky and delicious.

Customization stands out with options for non-dairy, less sugar, and more ice. The honey lemon bubble tea is refreshing and not too sweet, while the pearl milk tea tastes very milky and delicious.

People are saying

"I really enjoy their bubble tea flavors."

"The bubble tea flavors here are the best."

"I drank the best bubble tea I've ever had here."

Good to know

1

Your drink will be ready when you walk in, with no wait.

2

You can use the app to order before going.

3

Customers can adjust the sugar level and ice level.

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Small bakery offers spacious seating with a great view of the Manhattan Bridge and a cozy, quiet atmosphere. Unique Asian-style pastries and a strong bubble tea selection attract a steady crowd. Air conditioning and K-pop music add to the inviting vibe.

Bubble tea uses actual tea and milk, avoiding premixed powders and artificial ingredients. Flavors like lychee stand out, and sweetness stays balanced without being sickly.

Bubble tea uses actual tea and milk, avoiding premixed powders. The sweetness stays balanced, not sickly. Lychee flavor stands out as notably fresh and high quality.

People are saying

"I love the fresh pastries and quiet vibe here."

"I loved their bubble tea because it wasn't sickly sweet."

"Their boba tea is made from actual tea and milk, not powder."

Good to know

1

The bakery accepts credit and debit cards.

2

You get free milk tea or coffee when you spend $10 or more.

3

The bakery offers $0.50 coffee with a purchase.

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