i-Tea Honey Brown Rice Milk Tea with Basil Seeds and Agar Boba: From Taiwan, this bubble tea chain has all the signs of an authentic Taiwanese tea shop: its menu is ridiculously long; you can customize sweetness, ice, and toppings; it's cash only; there's absolutely no place to sit and chat (you purchase your drink and enjoy it elsewhere); and while there are lines out the door, service is fast. Drinks only come in one (large) size but are very reasonably priced. I ordered their honey brown rice milk tea at 30% sweetness, and the drink was one of the best I've ever had. It had a slightly roasted, nutty flavor, and the tea-to-milk balance was perfect. I've never had "agar boba" before, but I would describe it as resembling slightly firm jelly (that you usually can get in bubble tea) but spherical - a bit more crunchy than chewy. The basil seeds float to the top, an ingenious way to ensure you still have toppings even when you are finishing your drink. I'm sad this shop is so far away from me but also somewhat relieved because if that weren't the case, I would go all the time. 4.5/5.0

exceptional drink boba itea honey brown rice milk tea basil seeds agar 4.5 bubbletea