Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea or boba, originated in Taichung, Taiwan in the 1980s. Typically, it consists of tea mixed with milk or syrups, and small, chewy tapioca pearls are added to the mix. Present day, it has become a well-loved drink within the United States—enough to lead four businesses in Albany to cater this delicious drink.
Senior Al Robles: “When drinking boba, I usually like the taste when I add gummies or things like rainbow jelly. Sometimes, I also like to get fruit smoothies, usually with mango. Back when I first tried boba, I really liked it, and I got some friends into it too.”
Junior Zhaine Raymundo: “I’ve always liked flavored drinks. My whole life I’ve had boba, especially growing up Asian. Before, I would always get taro milk tea with the standard tapioca pearls, but recently I’ve really liked trying different fruit teas with popping pearls or aloe vera.”
Sophomore Nick Lazott: “I like the unique flavoring, and the burst of extra flavor makes it better. I usually buy mango boba. I first tried it in fourth grade, I think. At first I thought you were supposed to swallow the tapioca pearls, but my mom told me that you eat them, which made it taste a lot better.”
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Cost: $4.99+
Tea(s) Received: Thai tea with tapioca pearls and strawberry milk tea with popping boba.
Time Taken: 4:45
Boba Score: 1/5
Taste Score: 1.5/5
Located within Albany Heritage Mall food court, Boba Tea Crew is easy to grab while shopping. Its seating depends on the general court, which can be a negative or a positive depending on who you are. Prices vary greatly based on the specific boba you get, with the ability to get two flavors in a special, two-compartment cup being a particularly unique item at this location. Unfortunately, the flavor was overly sweet and tasteless, the boba wasn’t well made, and the wait time was the longest out of all four shops.
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Cost: $5.00+
Tea(s) Received: Thai tea with tapioca pearls and strawberry milk tea with popping boba.
Time Taken: 2:23
Boba Score: 1/5
Taste Score: 2.5/5
In the heart of downtown Albany, High on the Hog serves both barbecue and boba. Coupled with a drive thru and inside ordering area, it offers an easy way to grab a meal or treat while in a rush. Sadly, the seating inside leaves a lot to be desired, more so acting as a waiting area than a comfortable place to eat. Sadly, the boba was mediocre, and the flavoring tasted artificial and bland.
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Cost: $5.00+
Tea(s) Received: Thai tea with crystal boba.
Time Taken: 2:15
Boba Score: 2/5
Taste Score: ⅘
Next to WAHS, Fay’s Cafe is an easy way to grab some food during a lunch or open without having to travel far. Although it has a large boba menu, with the most options for flavors, drinks, and tapioca types, it also serves a variety of fast food like fries, burgers, and more. There is also a sitting area with a booth and tables, with plenty of room to enjoy your meal. The boba was inconsistent with quality, either being too hard or too chewy, but the taste of the drinks was well balanced and tasty.
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Cost: $5.50+
Tea(s) Received: Thai tea with tapioca pearls and strawberry milk tea with popping boba.
Time Taken: 1:10
Boba (Boints) Score: 4/5
Taste Score: 5/5
The furthest store from WAHS, near SAHS, Bobo Boba, is our personal favorite, despite being the most pricey. The store is equipped with a good range of flavors and boba, Japanese snacks like takoyaki and popcorn chicken, and a cozy atmosphere filled with comfy places to sit and cute decorations. The boba was near perfect within the drinks ordered, and the taste was sweet but not overwhelming. It also only uses dairy-free milk, without extra charge.
