Welcome, fellow bubble tea enthusiasts, to the heart of Los Angeles – the vibrant, bustling, and absolutely tantalizing locale of Koreatown, CA. Here, amidst its sprawling urban vibe, glittering high-rise buildings, and the legendary lineup of mouth-watering Korean restaurants, exists an intriguing world of bubble tea charm that is hard to ignore.
In this dynamic district that never sleeps, boba joints are as crucial to the landscape as the iconic palm trees dotting the horizon. From classic Taiwanese flavors to innovative and daring combinations, the areas’ array of bubble tea stores promise an adventurous, caffeine-fueled exploration into a rich spectrum of taste.
Beyond the frothy, sugary delights, it’s the eclectic mix of people, the harmonious fusion of cultures, and the palpable air of anticipation for that next great sip that tells you – Koreatown isn’t just about bubble tea, it’s about experiencing the very essence of this liquid wonder.
So, intrigued yet? Well, I can assure you, we’re just getting started. Scratches barely the surface of the thrilling journey that awaits us in this ever-changing, ever-surprising haven of boba goodness. So, join me, scroll down, and let’s dive deeper into this melting pot of flavours, textures, and colors that Koreatown has to offer. Let’s sip, taste, and unravel. Welcome to the Koreatown bubble tea adventure, shall we begin?
Top 5 Best Bubble Tea in Koreatown, CA Reviews
If you are looking for boba in koreatown, then you are in luck! Read on to discover the top 5 best boba in koreatown!
1) Half & Half Tea Express – Monterey Park
Our Review of Half & Half Tea Express – Monterey Park in Koreatown, CA
Visiting this bubble tea spot on my recent trip to LA was a delightful treat. The location is easy to find and conveniently nestled in the heart of downtown Monterey Park, making it ideal for a quick refreshment stop. One fantastic thing I personally found about this place is the broad selection it offers. It’s not merely a bubble tea shop, it’s a bubble tea paradise.
The joint aptly named ‘Half & Half’ is an apt spot to catch up with old college friends or to make new memories. It has the vibe and energy that clearly reflects the name’s essence. One of the highlight moments was when I could finally experience it right at the opening time a little past 11 in the morning. It seemed like the perfect time to relish their extensive menu, filled with a variety of boba choices, beverages, and exciting toppings.
In my opinion, this is not just one of the best bubble tea shops – it is THE bubble tea shop. The burst of flavors and the overwhelming variety make it stand out from the rest, making it worth every minute of the wait. The next time you’re in the area and have a craving for some delicious, satisfying bubble tea, Half & Half is the place to go!
2) Bopomofo Cafe
Our Review of Bopomofo Cafe in Koreatown, CA
At the crack of dawn, my taste buds were greeted by a delightful array of both milk-based and fruit drinks at this bubble tea oasis. The Taro Sweet Milk was a popular choice, and I can whole-heartedly see why. The delicious union of the earthy taro and the creamy milk was simply divine. I was also pleasantly surprised by how they use beetroot to create a stunning pink layer, a touch of creativity that added both visual and taste appeal to the drink. That is what I call elevating the art of bubble tea making!
Now you can’t visit this place without trying the Bala Matcha. It reminded me why I’ve always had a deep-seated love for matcha. It was pure, earthy, and rich in flavor and had a pleasant aftertaste that lingered for just the right amount of time.
And please, do not limit your taste exploration to just the drinks. The popcorn chicken is a “must try”. Perfectly seasoned and deep-fried to perfection, it was an ideal companion to the sweet and unique drinks.
As for the service, it was exceptional. Despite being an early bird, I felt warmly received and catered for. And although it was early in the morning, the ambiance was calm and soothing, providing the perfect backdrop for delving into the symphony of flavors that each drink provided.
If you’re looking for a bubble tea place that takes classic flavors and adds a unique spin, this is definitely your spot. They strike a perfect balance between sticking to traditional methods and experimenting with contemporary flavors. Be it the classic milk-based drinks or the more daring fruit drinks, their assortment caters to all taste preferences. I whole-heartedly recommend this spot for all bubble tea lovers and for those looking to dip their toes into the wonderful world of bubble tea!
3) Bon Bon Tea House
Our Review of Bon Bon Tea House in Koreatown, CA
In my humble opinion, this bubble tea location surely knows how to impress with the endless list of boba options. It was a delightful surprise stumbling upon this place, truly a treasure hidden in plain sight. Now, regarding their offerings – it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the variety of options leaves a tea lover spoilt for choice and the taste of the boba tea itself is quite commendable.
However, this place does have a few kinks to iron out. The service was not as commendable as the array of tea on offer, and I felt the ambiance could definitely do with a bit of an uplift. It’s not enough to unnerve, but these small nuances, if attended to, would surely elevate the overall experience. The most significant disappointment however, was the quality of the boba itself. Expectedly chewy and sweet, it fell short of expectations leaving the delicious tea uncomplemented.
There’s something about this location though that resonates with me. Despite the shortcomings, there’s an undeniable charm that draws one in. I’ve been to other bubble tea places with soaring ratings but something about this place urges me to root for them, it’s like a determined underdog with a lot of potentials.
In conclusion, while this place has a few issues to address, it’s definitely worth giving a shot, especially for the sheer variety of tea options. Just remember, big things often have small beginnings and who knows, with a little fine-tuning, this place might just hit the bull’s eye and really up their game in the world of bubble tea.
4) Oakobing
Our Review of Oakobing in Koreatown, CA
Stepping into this place, you’re instantly hit with an alluring aroma that screams ‘sweet indulgence’. It’s a bubbling hub of bubble tea and bingsoo enthusiasts. The venue prides itself on crafting a myriad of size options that suit different tastes and appetites, making it an incredibly accommodating location for everyone.
One thing that definitely jumps out is the absolute burst of fruity flavor, which is nothing short of a party in your mouth. A delightful treat that can easily make any bubble tea lovers’ heart skip a beat. The playful combination of these fruity infusions captures the essence of summer, an outright crowd-pleaser to say the least.
If you’re one for adventure, the bingsoo is something not to be missed. It is absolutely delicious, kissed with a note of sweetness that is neither too overpowering nor too underwhelming. Every mouthful leaves you craving for more, easily turning first-timers into repeat customers.
Did I mention the gummy? It’s the proverbial cherry on top, adding texture and a fun element to the already tantalizing mix. It leaves a lingering taste of happiness that makes it so easy to fall in love with.
This location has quickly made a name for itself and has become a popular spot for many. It’s not surprising to see it bustling with eager customers, all in search of the perfect bubble tea. So whether you’re a pro at pronouncing the name, a sweet tooth junkie or just looking for a new place to chill, this spot has got you covered!
5) Tpumps – Pasadena
Our Review of Tpumps – Pasadena in Koreatown, CA
Upon my recent visit to this bubble tea spot nestled in the heart of Pasadena, Los Angeles, it felt as though the city temperature was soaring close to 90°F, a perfect day to quench one’s thirst with a refreshing boba tea. As I entered the establishment, I must admit, I felt a noticeable shift in the atmosphere that didn’t quite sit right with me; there was a certain lack of warmth and friendliness in the air, which quite frankly dampened the mood a little. My personal opinion leans heavily on the belief that any food joint should aim to create a pleasant experience not only on the culinary front but also in terms of hospitality. Even more so when you’re visiting with children.
Now coming to the star of the show – the “boba tea.” I decided to order a regular-sized oolong tea, intending to make it a milk tea. While I couldn’t find the oolong variant on the menu (a personal disappointment), I did have the liberty to tweak the sweetness level to my preference, a feature I greatly appreciated. I opted for ‘less sweet’, coupled with honey boba.
The boba tea itself was rather decent. However, the overall experience left me wanting more. The lack of certain varieties and the underwhelming customer service overshadowed the taste of the boba itself. Nonetheless, if you find yourself in Pasadena on a scorching day, this boba tea place might offer you a momentary respite but don’t expect anything extraordinary.
Where Can I Get the Best Bubble Tea in Koreatown, CA?
You can find the top 5 bubble tea shops in Koreatown, CA at Half & Half Tea Express – Monterey Park, Bopomofo Cafe, Bon Bon Tea House, Oakobing, and Tpumps – Pasadena.