If you’re a tea enthusiast with a bit of patience, you’re in for a treat. The Bay Area is home to some of the most innovative boba shops, and Chicha San Chen stands at the forefront. Known for their meticulously brewed tea drinks made with patented “teaspresso” machines, this location is all about celebrating the authentic taste of tea. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait, as the reward is a delicious cup that truly honors its ingredients.
This one is for the diehards — or at least for tea lovers who have about an hour to kill. The current title holder in the contest for buzziest Bay Area boba shop, Chicha San Chen touts its award-winning tea drinks, which are individually brewed to order using the company’s patented, very Third-Wave-esque “teaspresso” machines. Is it all a little bit precious? Sure. But it does make for tasty tea. Word to the wise: If you’re going to go through all the trouble of waiting in line for half an hour (and then another half hour for them to make your drink), then you’d better be a person who appreciates the flavor of tea for tea’s sake — and you’d be well-advised to order one of the simpler drinks, so the taste of that tea actually shines through. I love the floral, slightly tannic, minimally sweetened honey osmanthus oolong in particular.
Bonus points for packaging that’s cute and convenient: Every cup comes with a disposable boba tote made of twine. And as the chain has slowly ramped up its Bay Area footprint, the crowds are starting get more manageable too. (During recent visits to the Berkeley location, I’ve snagged my drinks in less than 20 minutes.)
Soyful Desserts
999 Story Rd., San José
One of the joys of San José’s vibrant, colorful drinks scene is the way that Taiwanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences have fused together to create their own unique, hybridized thing. Soyful Desserts is probably the peak example of that synthesis, with its concise menu of Hong Kong-style milk teas, soy pudding drinks, and shaved ice–laden Vietnamese chè. As the shop’s name indicates, the star here is the soy pudding (aka tofu pudding), a silky, refreshing treat equally beloved in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam. To experience this fusion in all its glory, try the #8 soy pudding combination, which comes filled to the brim with ginger syrup–soaked tofu pudding, shaved ice, basil seeds, pandan jelly, grass jelly, sweet red beans, and probably a handful of other toppings I’m forgetting.
I’m well aware that this is a “drink” that’s more solid than liquid — that it, in fact, constitutes a full meal in itself. But that doesn’t make it any less fun or delicious.
Tong Sui
927 E. Arques Ave. #151, Sunnyvale
Also in the realm of good boba at businesses that aren’t strictly boba shops, this popular dessert mini-chain stands out for its selection of seasonally rotating drinks that skew more toward tropical fruit than pure tea. The osmanthus oolong milk tea, topped with tea jelly and an airy coconut cream “cloud,” embodies the shop’s approach: The drinks are refreshing, texturally interesting, sweet but not too sweet.
But the real reason to make a special trip to Tong Sui is the shop’s line of coconut puddings that are so tender and jiggly, they practically melt in your mouth. I especially love the one topped with a double layer of mango (both finely chopped and in soft mochi form).
Heytea
1628 Hostetter Rd. Ste. H, San José
One of the trendiest boba chains to come out of China, Heytea has made rapid inroads in the Bay Area, with locations opening in San Francisco, Berkeley, Milpitas, Daly City, and beyond, all in the past two years. During peak hours, I found the San José shop to be more than a little chaotic, with long and unpredictable wait times for drinks — quite tasty drinks, it turns out. The matcha and brown sugar drinks are big sellers, but Heytea’s real strength is its super-refreshing fruit teas. I’m a sucker for all of the grape flavors, including the enticingly named “Crisp Grape Boom,” which is essentially a slushie with chunks of peeled fresh grape mixed in.
Dzui Cake & Tea
2451 Alvin Ave., San José
Key Takeaways
- Chicha San Chen offers award-winning, individually brewed tea with a unique “teaspresso” method.
- Simpler tea drinks allow the tea’s natural flavors to shine.
- Soyful Desserts combines Taiwanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences for delightful treats.
- Tong Sui offers innovative coconut puddings that are a notable highlight.
- Heytea is a trendy chain known for its refreshing fruit teas and unique flavors.
FAQ
What is Chicha San Chen known for?
Chicha San Chen is recognized for its award-winning tea drinks brewed using a patented “teaspresso” method.
What can I find at Soyful Desserts?
Soyful Desserts specializes in soy pudding drinks, Hong Kong-style milk teas, and rich Vietnamese chè.
Is Tong Sui worth a visit?
Yes, especially for its extremely tender and delicious coconut puddings.
In conclusion, the Bay Area’s tea scene is as diverse as it is delicious, blending various cultural influences to create unique experiences. Whether you’re a true tea aficionado or someone who simply loves tasty treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
