Boba tea, also known as Bubble Tea, originated in Taiwan. This milk tea came to America in the 90s but took off on social media in the mid-2000s and is now a full-blown sensation across the country. There has been a tradition built around getting a cup of Boba — be it on long walks, studying, or even on first dates. Each drink primarily consists of four parts: tapioca pearls or jelly, a choice of tea, milk, and a sweetener. Read along on where to find your Boba fix in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Hoboken
Gong Cha | 527 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @gongchatea)
Gong Cha, which translates to “Tribute tea for the emperor” is known for its premium tea and tapioca pearls and is one of the most famous bubble tea brands. The drinks are crafted with ingredients from the finest Taiwanese tea estates, and they keep the pearls and tea fresh every 4 hours. They are currently offering hot drinks alongside the menu of chilled bubble tea. The house specialty is milk foam green tea that can be customized with your choice of topping.
Kung Fu Tea | 536 Washington Street
(Photo credit: @kungfuteausa)
Founded in Queens, NYC, Kung Fu Tea is a New York-born and raised bubble tea franchise. They are a local crowd-pleaser in Hoboken thanks to the vibrant décor and Instagrammable bubble tea options. Some of the unique toppings include red bean, oreo, and herbal jelly.
Read More: Popular Tea Shop ‘The Whale Tea’ Opens in Hoboken
Satay Malaysia Cuisine | 99 Washington Street
If you thought Satay was only famous for the reasonably priced lunch menu and deliciously flavored noodle soup entrees and fried rice, it’s time to think again. We are officially spilling the tea, and they also have an entire menu dedicated to bubble tea. You can choose from a variety of classic milk tea options or even a flavored iced tea with Boba – a perfect companion for the upcoming spring weather.
The Whale Tea | 303B 1st Street
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With locations in both New York and Connecticut, The Whale Tea made its way to the Mile Square back in September 2022. The bubble tea menu here has a lot of variations such as a fresh milk tea series, a classic milk tea series, a fresh fruit tea series, a whale crystal series, and a milk foam fresh series. The Whale Tea provides both delivery and pickup for customers.
Vivi Bubble Tea | 117 Washington Street
Two birds one stone is the strategy when paying a visit to Vivi Bubble Tea. They have a ramen menu designed to satisfy all your food cravings, as well as an interesting array of bubble tea options. Each drink is made fresh upon ordering and they have seasonal flavors and new products to keep things juicy. The Vivi Signature Fruit tea might just be what you need on a warm, sunny day.
Jersey City
A-Yo Tea Shop | 110 1st Street
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Open everyday from 12PM to 9PM, A-Yo Tea Shop is known to “brew the best teas in town,” as it claims on its website. Bubble tea is available for pick up or in-person orders here, and choices include Ceylon Milk Tea, Brown Sugar Latte with Boba, and Lychee Green Tea, among others. For the slushie lovers out there, A-Yo creates slushie inspired bubble tea flavors like Mango, Peach, and Passion Fruit.
Bubble Tea-licious | 464 West Side Avenue
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, Bubble Tea-licious is another bubble tea shop to check out in the West Side area of Jersey City. Milk teas, fruit teas, and slushies are among the drink options which add in small tapioca pearls. Some drink flavors to note include strawberry, lychee, coconut, and cookies + cream.
Coco Bubble Tea | 420 Grand Street
(Photo credit: @cocoteausa)
We’re definitely in love with Coco and the March deal {buy one Thai tea and get one Thai bubble tea for free} They have a variety of unique flavors such as cranberry, strawberry, sweet potato, classic Thai tea, and a whole oreo chocolate series for all the decadent chocolate lovers out there.
Moge Tee Newport | 564 Washington Boulevard
Moge is a classic bubble tea spot in the area. From basic milk tea to pretty-in-pink tea and classic fruit tea that tastes as good as it looks, this place is a real gem in the area. Each drink brings with it a unique burst of flavor and doesn’t be surprised if you’re tempted to order everything off the menu.
See More: This Montclair Tea Shop Serves Up Lilac-Hued Bubble Tea
Real Fruit Bubble Tea | 30 Mall Drive
(Photo credit: @officialrealfruitbubbletea)
Sometimes nothing beats retail therapy (with a side of bubble tea, of course). Real Fruit is located in the Newport Mall and offers a range of bubble tea and fresh juices. Aside from the regular tapioca and jelly toppings, they also have a whey protein topping to keep you fueled for your shopping spree.
Rui Tea | 10 Provost Street Suite A3
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At Rui Tea, there are three drink options: Fresh Fruit Tea, Cheese Foam, and Classic Bubble Tea. On a summer hot day, the Fresh Fruit Tea is a staple, with refreshing flavors such as Fresh Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Watermelon BoBo, Super Fruit, and Strawberry BoBo. If more of a classic bubble tea is your thing, signature flavors like Classic Bubble Tea and Taro Fresh Milk are the must-order.
