Purple Kow Roasted oolong tea with boba: A so-so cup of bubble tea at this downtown Berkeley location of Purple Kow. Too milky to have much herbal flavor; the boba is slightly chewier than average. Generous cup given the price. 3.0/5.0
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Sweetgreens Iced Chai: Up to this point, I had been resistant to the ~$15 salads at Sweetgreens, but after returning to Berkeley after traveling, I often crave fresh fruit and vegetables. I caved in and stopped by Sweetgreens for a salad (which was actually filling and quite tasty) and purchased a cup of iced chai to accompany my greens. I really enjoyed this calorie and sugar-free option, with its warming blend of fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamon, and cloves. A surprisingly concentrated flavor. Very re... (read more) 3.5/5.0
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Young Tea Roasted oolong tea with grass jelly: This small tea shop in Seattle's Chinatown / International District is just a few steps away from their impressively sized Mitsuwa Market. It takes pride in its traditional Chinese herbal teas, and it comes across clearly in their drinks. The oolong milk tea I had was just right: more tea than milk wth just a bit of sweetness at 50%. The grass jelly was one of the most memorable I've had, with a silky texture and slightly bitter flavor that complements the sweet tea. Highly recommended! 4.0/5.0
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Secret Scoop Thai Gelato Thai Iced Tea and Roasted Coconut Gelato: Just a few paces away from the Trader Joe's in Berkeley is a small ice cream shop specializing in Thai-inspired flavors ("Thai Gelato" refers to the unique flavors rather than a specific style of making gelato). Their curated set of gelato and sorbets range from chocolate lemongrass to soursop, originals you're unlikely to find elsewhere, even in a diverse, food-minded community like Berkeley. The Thai iced tea gelato is easily the best I've had; it's very lightly sweetened and tastes stro... (read more) 4.5/5.0
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Asha Tea Milk tea with boba: Though I've been to Asha many times, I've previously opted for their fruit teas every time since they tend to be very good. This time, I decided to give the classic black milk tea with boba a try. Personally, I find that Asha's boba, though housemade, lacks the firmness and pliancy that I prefer from a more substantial tapioca. The milk tea itself is both herbal and creamy. A solid, classic take, though it doesn't reach the same heights as their herbal fruit teas. 3.0/5.0
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Boba Guys Strawberry Tea Fresca with Almond Jelly: I've only ever had milk teas at Boba Guys up to this point, but their strawberry jasmine tea fresca was excellent, and I will definitely be back to try others. Similar to Asha tea, they use fruit puree so that it has a bit of texture. The almond jelly is soft and tofu-like, and just a tad grainy. Overall, the drink was very fresh and well made; faintly sweet. Highly recommended. 4.0/5.0
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