Bubble Tea, also known as Boba, is a drink originating from Taiwan. Traditionally made of milk tea and tapioca pearls which give it the name “Boba,” shops that sell bubble tea now carry endless combinations of drinks and toppings. Some popular base options are fruit teas, teas with cheese foam on top, and black sugar milk tea. Tapioca is the most common topping, but shops also usually offer red bean, grass jelly, coconut jelly, sago, and more. A common complaint about these drinks is their sweetness level, but don’t worry because you can adjust the sweetness and ice content by asking for 75%, 50%, or less. 

Bubble tea originated in the 1980s, and variations from taro milk tea to brown sugar milk tea quickly became popular across East Asia. Immigrants across the world started opening bubble tea shops globally, and the drink blossomed in popularity. The diversity of drink bases and toppings mean that anyone can find something they like. Here are four of the best bubble tea places in London that I’ve been to.

DR HAMMER

Located only a seven minute walk from the LSE campus, this is a great option for a midday pick me up. Their fruit tea with cheese foam drinks selection is extensive and delicious, with cute designs and packaging on the takeaway cups as well. Their hours are 12PM to 10PM every day. This is a more local option as they don’t have global locations. 

TASTEA

This place blends bubble tea with Italian style Frappés and Cappuccinos. They have delicious black tea frappé options and “Chapuccinos,” which don’t include the usual bubble tea toppings, but may be a plus for some people who like milk tea but not the add-ons. It is only a ten minute walk from campus if you ever get tired of regular coffee spots. 

HEYTEA

Located in Chinatown, there are always long queues for this place, but it is worth the wait. They claim to be the inventors of the cheese foam style bubble tea, and the Very Grape Crystal is a fantastic drink. You can place your order, shop around Chinatown, and come back to pick it up to make the wait more bearable, but this place is definitely a must try. 

XING FU TANG

This is a well known chain that has locations not just in the UK but globally as well. They are known for the freshness of their ingredients, as you can watch the workers make the Boba right in front of you. Their brown sugar milk tea line has a variety of delicious options that you can’t go wrong with. The gold foil one is especially unique and will make you feel like you’re living in luxury. 

There are many bubble tea shops in London, but these four stand out for their menu, quality, and location. Next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, be sure to give one of these a try!