Boba a.m.

Los Angeles - This sounds gross, but have you ever had boba first thing in the morning? It's kind of awesome.

Inconsistencies

Los Angeles - Since my hideous TenRen experience in Sydney (followed by an equally appalling TenRen experience in Melbourne), I'd been reluctant to try TenRen here in the States. However, in the spirit of generosity, I decided to give the T to the R another shot. Third time's the charm, apparently, because the TenRen in Monterey Park is baller. I immediately texted my friend J in Boston to share the good news: "You were right. TenRen is good. Our friendship may now recommence." (paraphrased)

Conversely, the Lollicup I grabbed in Koreatown today was not nearly as impressive as the Lollicup I had in Guilin, back when I was a crazy kid traipsing around China. In fact, Guilin Lollicup (or GL, if you will), tops my list of Best Boba Ever.

Which brings me to my point: I guess you can never really pre-judge any given boba, even if you've tried the same chain in another country. I find that alternately frustrating and exciting.

Up next: Things that look like boba. This is weird, but I think you'll like it. You are friends with me, after all. Here's a preview:


Any guesses?

Monterey Park, Calif. - Break out the champagne - $1.50 boba has been located! More importantly, it's GOOD $1.50 boba. Get your own cheapie fix at King Express Tea Cafe, at the corner of Atlantic and Emerson.

Disclaimer: To be clear, I'm not saying this is Verde-caliber boba (which, to date, is still my favorite boba on American soil. I think.). But it's a good milk tea paired with decent tapioca, at a very attractive price. I am quite pleased.

Cats

San Francisco - At the request of my friend Cat Chang (not to be confused with Cat Ho - you would not believe how many of our friends were confused by this. Seriously, guys. Guys, seriously.), here are some photos of my most recent boba outing. It was a rather unsatisfactory culinary experience, given the obscene amount of sugar in the milk tea. However, I have notably fewer complaints about the company, which was just right.


To be clear, that's HO on the left, and CHANG on the right.


And a Leslie. Try to keep up, I know it's confusing.


Goodbye, San Francisco. Hello, L.A.!

Hella illegit, pt. 2

Melbourne - Going off of advice from my friend J, who said "TenRen is good, I swear! It just depends on location," I gave TenRen another shot. Round 2 was still hella illegit, and left me questioning my friendship with J. (Haha. Jk. Sorta.)

Xoxo,
Cat

(If you know what this is in reference to, we need to talk about season 2!)


Foreground: Boba from TenRen. Background: Flinders Station.

Hella illegit

Sydney, AUS - I am NOT happy. Ten Ren's black milk tea w/ pearls was one of the worst teas I've ever had. And to think, I was really enjoying Sydney, too. Unacceptable.


If you ever walk by this sign, DO NOT go in.


If you ever see a friend with this boba, DO NOT let them drink it.

That's more like it

Brisbane, AUS - Boba twice in two days. Not bad, huh? Brisbane boba part deux was infinitely more successful, even though it didn't involve a cute elderly Chinese couple. It's the trade-off, what can ya do.

BOBA BRIEFING
Name: Tea Bar (motto: "It's made in heaven")
Address: Food court inside Queen St. Mall
Date visited: Wed., Aug. 14, 2008
Goes by: Bubble tea
Price: $3.60 AUD (~$3.15 USD)
Form: Milk tea, tea
Flavors: A couple dozen
Flavors tried: Green milk tea
Lid style: Sealed plastic wrap

Smiles:

• Green milk tea flavor isn't bad, but tastes a bit watered down. Very Tapioca Express-esque.
  
• Cups come with a handy "history of boba" blurb so accurate it could've been lifted from this blog. Impressive.
  
• Cups also contain this text: "The pearls are made from cassava plant juice and are so addictive that they've been called the faux opium of the Orient." Lofty claim, but I guess it explains my addiction.
  

Scowls:

• Scowling takes too much energy.
  

Most memorable bo-ment:

• Thinking of one takes too much energy. This is a lazy post. Blame the opium.
  

Overall rating: 8/10


Tea Bar




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