Top 3 Bubble Tea Shops in Tokyo!

Top 3 Bubble Tea Shops in Tokyo! 

Originally created in Taiwan over 30 years ago, bubble tea, or boba as it’s more widely known as across Asia, has only recently started making a splash across Tokyo. 

It’s not uncommon to see people lining up around the block to get a sip of some boba! While you can totally enjoy your bubble tea hot, iced boba is a perfect summer time treat when you’re ready to cool off with your friends! 

Since we’ve been enjoying the delicious DIY Bubble Tea Matcha Milk in our July TokyoTreat box, we’ve got boba on the brain! There’s a ton of varieties to try, so let’s check out our top 3 favorite spots to grab some bubble tea in Tokyo, Japan! 

1. The Alley 

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The Alley is a Taiwanese boba giant that’s been making waves across Japan and beyond with their extremely instagrammable drinks that are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palette! 

Besides it’s aesthetic, The Alley’s bubble tea is well known for ditching artificial sweeteners in favor of a rich house-made syrup made from authentic Taiwanese cane sugar. 

Including the “Brown Sugar Deerioca”, The Alley’s menu features dozens of different drinks ranging from typical bubble milk tea to fruit based drinks that are totally tea and boba free, so there really is something for everyone! 

The Alley remains one of our most essential boba spots to try out thanks to it’s visually pleasing looks as well as it’s naturally delicious flavors! 

2. Gong cha 

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Gong cha is another Taiwanese boba tea chain that seems to be bent on world domination with the way it’s franchise has been expanding worldwide! 

While the approach of Gong cha is a little more straightforward than the trendy vibes of The Alley, it’s bubble tea is undeniably one of the top contenders in it’s arena. 

Unlike other bubble tea chains that have lots of gimmicks, Gong cha prefers to let the tea do the talking – and if you want to take things to the next level, you can mix and match all sorts of exciting and unique toppings and mix-ins that go above and beyond your typical tapioca. 

Pudding topping with crumbled oreas, coconut jelly and earthy Japanese red beans are just a few of the wild ways you can customize your order at Gong cha!

Wha’s your ultimate Gong cha order? Let us know in the comments below!

3. Tiger Sugar

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Rounding out our list of Taiwanese boba tea tycoons making a name for themselves in Tokyo, Japan and beyond – Tiger Sugar! 

As you could probably guess, Tiger Sugar gets its name from the striking striped look it’s tea gets from it’s signature “black sugar”. Tiger Sugar caramelizes it’s signature brown sugar syrup until it reaches a deep, rich flavor. The tapioca pearls are also simmered in caramel, giving the entire drink a strikingly bold look and flavor. 

Tiger Sugar also offers boba pearls in small and large sizes, giving them a unique advantage for those who are truly obsessed with that chewy texture! 

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In the mood for some bubble tea straight from Japan? You can grab your own Bubble Tea Matcha milk in our July box by clicking on the link below! Get it before it’s gone!