The mega-popular Asian tea beverage has proliferated so many excellent boba tea shops out here. Its ubiquity makes sifting through the long list of offerings somewhat of a chore. Sure, there are solid international bubble tea chains. But here we highlight a few local go-tos for the beloved tapioca-filled drink.
Dottea Bubble Tea & Coffee
Tucked in the corner of Pepper Square near The Galleria, this boba shop boasts both a regular menu and a seasonally rotating one, cranking out new drinks every three months. Consistently find coffee milk tea, mango green tea, and toffee coffee. Meanwhile, occasionally catch versions of rose tea with milk foam and blueberry-pomegranate jasmine tea. What makes Dottea stands out from other boba shop? Dottea makes bubble tea with honey-soaked boba, which gives the tapioca a lovely chew while naturally sweetening it. The shop also makes snackable waffle sticks (Choco Oreo, Nutty Coconut Paradise, and Rainbow Cloud). 14902 Preston Rd., #500. Far North Dallas.
Craft Boba Tea
This hidden gem with two locations—one in Bishop Arts and the sister spot off Greenville Avenue—serves up refreshing hand-crafted boba teas. Inside the vivid Bishop Arts bubble tea stop, choose from horchata, lychee and Peach craft signature tea. While the two shops do share a similar menu, each has its own non-boba specials. In Bishop Arts, discover different flavors of frozen yogurt, and, at the Lower Greenville location, there’s fresh smoothies and fresh pressed juices. 408 N. Bishop Ave., #104. North Oak Cliff; 6105 Greenville Ave. Upper Greenville.
Tea Daddy
Located in Richardson, Tea Daddy is the newest kid on the block of the boba tea scene. It’s been open for less than year and is thankfully thriving. The teas are inspired by exotic fruits native to parts of Asia: logan tea with basil seeds and honey boba; red dragon iced tea blended with milk foam and lychee tea. The menu here is extensive with snacks, too, like Japanese crème puffs, popcorn chicken, and fruit panna cotta. 800 E. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 105. Richardson.
Teaholics and Restaurant
Teaholics is one of the few boba tea shops that doubles as a full-on restaurant. Located near Flower Mound, where chain restaurants makes up majority of eateries around, this local business stands out. The tea menu is extensive, full of a whole variety of milk teas including golden milk tea and Peach Me Sweetea. Customize your boba with classic tapioca pearls, popping boba, or jellies. Order your tea in cute mason jars and pair them with stir-fried noodles, calamari, bites of crab ragoon, or fried tofu. The vibe feels very family oriented with plenty of open seating. 2940 Justin Rd., #100, Highland Village.
Boba Plug
At this pop-up boba tea concept, everything is made in house with refreshing and vegan ingredients. It’s never a dull moment at any Boba Plug events where you can sip singular teas like Eggin’ Me On, an organic jasmine tea infused with local honey and topped with home-made salted egg yolk crema. Other rarely seen teas include Dirty Hoji (hojicha tea imbued with house-made dulce de leche and kuromitsu syrup, with an oat milk floater). The menu changes often to keep things exciting. They often host pop-ups at Khao Noodle Shop in Old East Dallas, Verbana, and Milk and Cream in Plano. To keep up with events, follow them on Instagram or subscribe to their newsletter. Various locations
Cat Nguyen, who is a SR Auditor by day, writes and photographs all of her favorite North Texas food and drink spots in her spare time. Follow her tasty adventures on Instagram: @catchows.
