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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of University District

Authentic tea

A quiet moment with a cup of tea is the only way to reset during a long afternoon.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
MACU TEA - UW image 1
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Bubble tea store

Bright space with minimalist white and wood decor and bubble tea themed plushies creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Students often gather here to study or relax, enjoying free drink carriers and games like Jenga. The vibe blends authentic Taiwanese tea shop charm with a community hub feel.

Tea here offers authentic Taiwanese flavors with a reasonable price point. The boba tastes genuine and true to tradition.

Bubble tea here matches the quality found in Taiwan with fresh fruit flavors and fragrant tea aromas. Milk teas and fruit teas like Passionfruit Li-Li and Chi-Chi Grape stand out for their taste and variety.

People are saying

"The strawberry and mango smoothies here are so good and refreshing."

"I thought the milk tea here was really great."

"I found the boba and tea to be authentic."

Good to know

1

MACU TEA - UW offers a unique selection of fresh fruit flavors and toppings.

2

Parking can be challenging at MACU TEA - UW, so plan accordingly.

3

The shop uses real fruit instead of powders, enhancing the drink quality.

02
Scorpio Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy cafe with a 1950s diner vibe and comfortable seating invites slow, relaxed visits. Warm, welcoming atmosphere feels like coming home, encouraging lingering and quiet work. Unique touches include international cookbooks and a taxidermy scorpion at the register.

Offers authentic Middle Eastern treats like baklava and Manakish flatbreads with zaatar or labneh. Drinks are beautiful and authentic, complementing the regional flavors in every bite.

Spicy chai latte comes with added cardamom and lavender. Tea selection impresses with variety. Both tea and coffee taste just perfect.

People are saying

"The coffee here is strong and delicious."

"The homemade food here tastes so good."

"I loved the authentic Middle Eastern treats like baklava and Manakish."

Good to know

1

Scorpio Cafe is not halal and serves pork; no halal breads or cheese available.

2

Expect a cozy atmosphere, but the place can get crowded quickly.

3

They allow pets, making it a friendly spot for dog owners.

03
Mee Sum image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, dimly lit space offers a homey feel with quiet atmosphere and familiar Chinese pop music. Affordable prices accompany authentic Taiwanese and Cantonese dishes, including standout popcorn chicken and chow fun. Amenities like board games and free Wi-Fi invite relaxed, casual visits.

Pastries and dishes like minced pork rice and popcorn chicken taste very authentic. The Hong Kong Style Milk Tea matches the flavor found in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Style Milk Tea tastes authentic and similar to what you find in Hong Kong. The boba tea and passion fruit tea both deliver solid flavor and satisfy cravings.

People are saying

"The Chinese food portions and price are hard to beat."

"The boba tea here is delicious and the boba has a chewy texture."

"The pastries here are authentic and absolutely amazing."

Good to know

1

Most standard dishes range from $13 to $14, offering good value.

2

Entrees like congee and noodles are priced at $10 and $14, respectively.

3

Portion sizes are generous, making meals suitable for sharing.

04
Panda Noodle Bar image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Cozy noodle restaurant offers authentic Sichuan flavors with spicy, flavorful broths and melt-in-mouth meat. Atmosphere stays calm and homey, inviting a relaxed dining experience. Ordering happens via QR code menus, blending tradition with convenience.

Noodles and ribs deliver authentic Sichuan taste with bold seasoning. The menu features Szechuan beef noodles and dumplings that stay true to traditional flavors.

Fresh pots of green tea come to the table, noted for their quality and flavor. Hot tea costs $2.50 per person and pairs well with meals like chicken noodle soup.

People are saying

"The noodle soup broth here is so flavorful and rich."

"The noodles were perfect, chewy, and springy with complex spice."

"I found the Sichuan beef noodles here to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards are accepted.

2

The beef noodle soup costs $24, and meat is not included in the soup.

3

You can scan a QR code on the table to order online.

05
CHAYAN 茶宴 image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy bubble tea shop with relaxed atmosphere and indoor seating that fills quickly. Staff offer milk alternatives like coconut or soy milk, though labeling can be unclear. Drinks come in cute cups and feature delicate toppings, creating a boutique feel.

Tea options show authentic flavors without artificial additives. The tea tastes flavorful and stays true to traditional styles.

Tea options include authentic black tea, rose oolong milk tea, and puer. Milk teas match the quality found in China and feature clear, refreshing aromas like the "Golden Jade Full Cup."

People are saying

"The tea here is strong and flavorful."

"I found the tea here to be authentic and flavorful."

"The black tea frappe had good flavor and was topped with pecans."

Good to know

1

The shop has a small seating area that can get busy.

2

The ordering system is easy to use and efficient.

3

Expect random order numbers, which may delay knowing when your order is ready.

06
Slurp Station Aburasoba - UW image 1

Open space with plenty of seating and great lighting creates a clean, cozy atmosphere that suits studying or working. The vibe stays calm and chill despite some noise, making conversations fairly private. A blend of restaurant and fast-food style offers a quick, comfortable dining experience.

Nanchang Banfen and HK style French toast and egg tart show authentic flavors. Aburasoba offers rich Japanese ramen with fresh toppings, though some find the overall authenticity varies.

Offers Thai iced tea with unique flavors like strawberry and includes popping boba in the drinks. Serves Boba tea that stands out for its quality.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the abura soba, has amazing noodles and tender chashu."

"The soba noodles had a springy, chewy texture."

"I found the food, especially the aburasoba, to be really authentic."

Good to know

1

Dedicated parking spaces are available right in front of the restaurant.

2

The prices are reasonable and student-friendly, especially in this area.

3

Frequent promotions like buy 3 get 1 deals for egg tarts are offered.

07
Bombay Express image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with authentic Indian decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music features Indian songs, enhancing the Desi vibe. Open late, it offers a cozy setting for enjoying homelike Indian street food.

Food delivers authentic Indian taste with dishes like pav bhaji, aloo tikki chaat, pani puri, and samosa chaat all tasting genuine and true to tradition.

Karak chai stands out with its rich, authentic flavor. Pairing it with samosa or masala chai offers a classic Indian snack and tea experience.

People are saying

"I found the Indian food here to be amazing."

"I found the Indian food here to be authentic and reminiscent of home."

"I really liked their chai, especially the masala."

Good to know

1

Bombay Express is open until 4 AM every day.

2

Parking on the street is difficult to find.

3

They stay open at night for late-night cravings.

08
Thai Tom image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, tight space with bar seating right by flaming woks creates an intense, smoky atmosphere. The vibe is authentic and original, with an entertaining view of chefs cooking food on the spot. It feels cramped and hot, not suited for large groups or quiet dinners.

Food offers very old and authentic Thai recipes with flavorful and delicious dishes. The menu stays true to traditional tastes and cooking methods.

Traditional Thai tea stands out with its rich, sweet flavor. The green tea blends matcha and jasmine notes and tastes very sweet. Thai iced tea is available on request and tastes delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was packed with flavor."

"I found the food here to be authentic and packed with flavor."

"I found the Thai tea here to be really delicious."

Good to know

1

Thai Tom only accepts cash payments.

2

They will not seat your party until everyone has arrived.

3

Expect difficulty finding parking near Thai Tom.

09
Lin Handmade Dumplings & Noodles image 1

Cozy space with quiet atmosphere and simple decor offers authentic Sichuan flavors. Dumplings and noodles stand out for quality and taste, while the vibe suits casual hangouts or work. Some inconsistency in dishes and a subdued energy mark the experience.

Authentic Sichuan flavors come through in the noodles with good depth and portion sizes that satisfy. The cucumber appetizer misses the mark, tasting plain and slightly sweet instead of garlic and spicy.

Hot tea comes with meals and pairs well with the hot and sour soup and vegan mushroom dumplings. Only one tea option is available alongside coffee.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings here to be amazing and delicious."

"The hot tea and vegan mushroom dumplings were delicious."

"I found the noodles here to be really authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

This restaurant offers authentic Sichuan food that is hard to find in downtown Seattle.

2

They serve vegan options, making it easy for those with dietary restrictions.

3

Finding parking can be tricky, so plan accordingly.

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