Have you heard of boba tea?
If you haven’t, maybe you’ve heard it referred to as bubble tea, milk tea, pearl tea, or tapioca tea. No matter what you call it, it’s a unique beverage that has been popping up around KC over the last few years.
The basic model of bubble tea consists of tapioca boba balls (but ranges from chewy tapioca pearls and fruit-flavored rectangular jellies to juice-filled bubbles), ice, and a milk tea base. We think it’s tea-licious, so come oolong as we list six bubble tea spots around KC + what to order if it’s your first time.
Bruú Cafe | 4709 Central St., KCMO
With rotating seasonal drinks, you’ll have something new to try with every visit. Get the Anchan Strawberry Latte with Rainbow bubble for an Instagrammable + delicious picture. Psst — keep an eye out for its second location at the Iron District opening soon.
Ding Tea Oak Park | 2236 W 95th St., Lenexa, KS
Put multiple boba visits to good use by getting a punch card. City Editor Krit recommends getting the iced Thai Tea.
Kung Fu Tea | Multiple locations
Locations in both MO + KS? Tea-riffic! The Washington Post calls this spot “the Starbucks of bubble tea,” and for good reason due to its vast menu. You can’t go wrong with the Kung Fu Milk Tea.
Gocha2 | 4111 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO
In a rush? Make use of its online ordering service for a quick pick-up. If you’re willing to be adventurous, get one of its Cheese Mustache drinks (think: regular tea topped with a cheese cold foam).
Bambu Desserts & Drinks | 3920 Rainbow Blvd., KCK
This spot specializes in Chè, which is the Vietnamese word for traditional homemade beverages, dessert drinks, and puddings. You can’t go wrong with the Smashed Avocado Bơ Dằm, which has fresh coconut water + house prepared coconut milk.
Dragonfly Tea Zone | Multiple locations
Iced tea and loose leaf teas? It’s the best of both worlds. Get the Mangonada for a sweet + tangy kick.
