Top 5 Bubble Tea Near Richmond, VA

1) TT Lounge

Our Review of TT Lounge in Richmond, VA

Tucked amid the bustling Cary Street lies an uncut gem. A treasure trove to all bubble tea aficionados, boasting a taste so authentically Asian it’s as if they’ve transformed a piece of the Orient into every boba-filled sip. It’s my firm belief you won’t stumble upon a place so committed to providing a bona fide boba experience anywhere else.

However, hold up, because there’s a catch! Though a somewhat tantalising one. It seems this place plays a delicious game of gastronomic roulette. Occasionally, the house of boba might run short on a few ingredients. But hey, isn’t the essence of adventure immersed in the unexpected?

Now, prepare your taste buds as you might find yourself in a bit of a wait. In my experience, the waiting time can span around a hefty 50 minutes. But worry not, because their bubble tea is well worth the wait. Still, the wait isn’t as arduous as it sounds. Why, you ask? Well, the standouts don’t stop at just bubble tea! They serve an insanely delicious array of sublime sides. Be it the deliciously crisp potatoes or the perfectly fried French fries that leave a lingering temptation in your palate.

As for the hospitality, let your worries be at bay! The owner showers you with the kind of warmth and talent at humour that could make even a gloomy day shine bright. They genuinely care about you as a customer and value your thoughts, making you feel welcome right off the bat. I must say, it’s a rarity to find such a blend of taste, surprise, amazing side dishes, and above all, an owner who enriches the experience with their charisma and passion.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an enriching and bubble-filled journey, steeped with the spirit of the ancient Orient, head down to this remarkable spot and get ready to burst your boba expectations!

2) Gigi Tea Time

Our Review of Gigi Tea Time in Richmond, VA

At first glance, one might not immediately recognize the hidden gem that is this bubble tea joint. Tucked away in a corner, this place piques your curiosity from the road itself – an unassuming exterior that mildly hides the flavor explosion that awaits inside.

Considering how it is favorably rated amongst the many bubble tea options in the city, a visit here was quite overdue. And let me tell you, it doesn’t disappoint.

The bubble tea menu is an exhilarating palette of choices. I particularly commend the coffee milk tea at 50% sweetness. Imagine a harmonious marriage of rich liquefied coffee beans and the suave creaminess of milk tea – an eloquent symphony of flavor. It’s a guilty pleasure that you would not mind indulging in every so often.

Another flavor that stands out is the honey oolong at 30% sweetness. The honey lends a succulent resonance to the robust, leafy undertones of the oolong – a combination that is soothing yet exuberant in every sip.

In conclusion, if you find yourself with a bubble tea craving, this place knows how to satisfy it with aplomb. The excellent rating it boasts is well earned. From their casual and welcoming environment to the delicious bubble tea, this place has my heartfelt recommendation.

3) Kung Fu Tea

Our Review of Kung Fu Tea in Richmond, VA

In my quest to find the most unique and delightful bubble tea spots, Kung Fu Tea certainly stands out as worthy of recognition. Its reputation preceded my visit, and I anticipated great things. Once inside, it’s hard to miss the noticeable variety on their menu. True, for a first-time boba explorer, it might seem a bit intimidating, but when one dives deeper, they’ll discover an array of flavorful delights that more than make up for the daunting choices.

Now, when it comes to the core essence of bubble tea – the drink itself – Kung Fu Tea does not disappoint. Their coffee milk tea is a delightful surprise for the taste buds. If you are adventurous enough, go for the coffee bubbles. They simply elevate the drink experience to a whole new level. The contrast of the creamy, smooth tea with the sudden burst of coffee is more than refreshing, it’s a true revelation for bubble tea fans.

I really enjoyed my visit to Kung Fu Tea, and would strongly recommend it to both die-hard bubble tea enthusiasts and to those who are new to this deliciously addictive beverage. Despite its extensive menu, once you’ve had a taste, you’ll certainly agree that it was worth the exploration.

4) Kokee Tea

Our Review of Kokee Tea in Richmond, VA

Stepping foot into Kokee Tea is like embarking on a delightful journey of vibrant flavours and refreshing tastes. The beautifully vast, and to a certain degree, overwhelming, selection of fruity teas is hard to pass up on. Each sip saw my taste buds immersed in an exquisite world of perfectly brewed tea, expertly balancing its natural essence with just the right dash of sweetness.

This delightful gem was an accidental discovery on a casual stroll in Carytown and since then, has become a regular haunt. It’s hard not to be drawn back to Kokee Tea, especially when you’ve experienced their impactful drink menu, which is in constant rotation a staggering 7 or 8 times per week. Every visit brings with it a new flavour experience to liven up the taste senses.

But it’s not just about the bubble tea! The sensory delight doesn’t end there. They also whip up a mean coffee milk drink, proving their expertise extends beyond bubble-infused beverages. The macarons, delicate and delicious, add to the charm of Kokee Tea, injecting a sweet surrender into its otherwise swirling, drink-filled narrative.

One thing that consistently impresses me at Kokee Tea is the staff; their customer service rarely misses a beat. They offer a helpful hand in navigating the drink landscape, making it even easier to find that perfect brew among their extensive choices. Overall, Kokee Tea is like a richly woven tapestry of unique flavours and outstanding service.

5) Chum Chum Onigiri

Our Review of Chum Chum Onigiri in Richmond, VA

Just from first impression, this place ticks a lot of boxes for those looking to quench their thirst with some quality bubble tea in a trendy location. Nestled in the heart of Carytown, you do have to work a bit for a parking spot, but trust me, it’s well worth the effort. Once you get over the initial exercise of finding a parking spot, you will be rewarded with an enticing drink menu that will transport you to a bubble tea haven.

The concept they have in place seems intriguing – a great thing for the adventurous bubble tea enthusiast. They offer some unique treats like musubi, which is not something you’ll find at your average bubble tea joint. It’s worth noting though, their freshness factor might be a tad underwhelming – let’s just say you shouldn’t rush over expecting made-to-order delicacies.

Now, if you’ve visited this establishment before, you might be aware they have multiple locations. Yes, slip into either location and you can expect to enjoy their signature bubble tea. However, the new Staples Mills location might just become your preferred spot. It boasts a more comfortable seating arrangement, a definite plus for those favouring a relaxed sip and chat session with their bubble tea.

All in all, a visit to this bubble tea joint should certainly be on your cards. They have a lot to offer despite some minor drawbacks. So go ahead, rally your bestie or your partner, brave the parking challenge, and delve into their unique concoctions.