Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a cold, frothy drink that combines tea, milk, and tapioca pearls—the “bubbles” that sit at the bottom of the drink. Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, and by the 1990s, the trend spread across East and Southeast Asia to countries like China, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore.
In recent years, the drink has become extremely popular in the United States due in part to its prevalence on social media as well as its versatility with more than 200 flavor combinations and thousands of drink customizations. Bubble tea has become part of a social lifestyle for many in the U.S. who regularly meet with friends and family at tea shops all over the country.
Without a doubt, bubble tea has made a lasting impression on consumers in the United States. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), which takes place each May, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the many cultural contributions people of Asian descent have made to America, and this is certainly one of them.
To help you celebrate AAPIHM with a refreshing bubble tea, we analyzed consumer foot traffic data and put together a list of the most popular bubble tea shops in the U.S.
10. Bubbles Tea & Juice Company – Columbus, OH
With its bubble teas, cold pressed juices, and fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies, Bubbles Tea & Juice Company aims to impact the lives and health of its customers one drink at a time.
9. Bubbleology – Tampa, FL
Bubbleology strives to make a better bubble tea, brewing its bases with organic jasmine and black tea, and offering a variety of milk alternatives, as well as light versions of its drinks.
8. Miu’s Tea – Miami Beach, FL
Miu’s Tea is located in the heart of Miami Beach. Customers can relax in the sunshine while enjoying the company’s natural beverages in its tea garden.
7. Bambu – New York, NY
MBambu’s New York City location is part of a national chain and offers a large menu of fresh, healthy, and authentic Chè dessert drinks, boba milk teas, Vietnamese coffees, fruit smoothies, and juices.
6. T4 – San Jose, CA
T4 was founded in Taiwan in 2004 with the goal of connecting individuals through a cup of tea. With several locations across California, T4 offers fresh, quality tea brewed from real tea leaves.
5. Kung Fu Tea – Cincinnati, OH
Kung Fu Tea is America’s largest bubble tea brand with locations across the U.S., including its shop in Cincinnati, OH. The company prides itself on its use of fresh ingredients and real tea leaves handpicked in Taiwan.
4. Kokee Tea – Buford, GA
Kokee Tea is dedicated to providing the best tasting bubble tea to its customers. The company uses natural ingredients and precise recipes to create its delicious, handcrafted drinks.
3. Brew Tea Bar – Las Vegas, NV
With over 17 years of experience and knowledge of tea, Brew Tea Bar combines high quality tea leaves, timing, temperature, and “heart” to create the finest tea beverages.
2. Sencha Tea Bar – Woodbury, MN
Sencha Tea Bar is known as the premier place to get loose leaf tea and bubble tea in Minnesota. Its large and growing selection of teas guarantees to impress all types of tea drinkers.
1. Gong Cha – San Jose, CA
Gong Cha has shops across the globe, and in the U.S., the company has locations throughout California. Gong Cha is committed to authenticity and quality, importing ingredients from Taiwan and brewing tea every four hours to ensure freshness and flavor.
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