Top 5 Bubble Tea Near San Mateo, CA

1) Purple Kow

Our Review of Purple Kow in San Mateo, CA

Upon visiting this bubble tea location, I was instantly struck by the size of the cups. Serving sizes here are noticeably generous, which may be a literal handful for some. This certainly corroborates with the idea that you’re getting good value for your money – a factor not to be undermined in the competitive bubble tea landscape.

One of the standout beverages I indulged in was the Toffee QQ, which was adequately sweet, even at half sweetness. The inclusion of oat milk added a multi-dimensional taste, creating a harmonious blend with the toffee notes.

The bubble tea here seems to be a haven for fans of iced milk drinks. The freshness of the boba is commendable, adding a delightful contrast of texture within the drinks. For those with a sweet tooth, rest assured, the sweetness level in the drinks here will satisfy your cravings.

One drink that particularly caught my attention was the D3 – a house blended sweetened milk made with organic milk, accented with caramel, pudding and boba. The amalgamation of these distinct components resulted in a beverage well-balanced in terms of both flavor and texture.

On a side note, their menu is not confined to just bubble tea. They also serve food items such as salt and pepper chicken nuggets, which could make for a perfect savory accompaniment to the sweet drinks.

In conclusion, this bubble tea spot caters to a versatile palate, with offerings that range from the sweet and creamy to the fresh and flavorful. If you’re in search of a place where quality meets quantity, this just might be your new go-to.

2) Urban Ritual

Our Review of Urban Ritual in San Mateo, CA

After frequenting this bubble tea spot multiple times, I can confidently say that their tea selection is impressive and the flavours are strong yet delectable. I have a soft spot in my heart for their house milk tea complemented by their exclusive house cream, the blend of which is enigmatic yet absolutely delightful. The tea isn’t just the only star here, the efficiency of the service deserves a standing ovation too! The quick service coupled with the intuitive ordering kiosk system really adds to the overall experience.

However, it’s important to note that my experiences with the staff have been a mixed bag. There have been days when the camaraderie with the workers was top-notch whilst on others, it left much to be desired for. That being said, I do believe that one’s experience shouldn’t be judged solely on the basis of a single interaction.

What truly sets this place apart from its peers is the uniqueness of its menu. My visit to this place was marked by the delightful experience of trying out the Creme Brulee Milk Tea and the Ube. Quite frankly, the combination is an extraordinary take on the traditional bubble tea offerings. It retains the familiarity we love about bubble tea but is bold enough to shake things up and make its own mark.

As I look back on my varied experiences at this location, it strikes just the right balance between tradition and innovation. It’s a place that constantly keeps you on your toes while ensuring you leave with your bubble tea cravings satisfied. I’ll definitely make a point to keep returning and exploring what new delights they have in store.

3) TP Tea

Our Review of TP Tea in San Mateo, CA

During my frequent visits to the popular bubble tea spot, I’ve found that utilising mobile applications, like Snackpass, to place your order ahead of time can turn your experience into a breeze and get your refreshing drink in hand faster. However, it’s essential to pay keen attention to your order, as I’ve had instances where my order was incomplete – nothing like expecting a delicious milk tea only to find a vital part, the milk, missing! This slight inconsistency can be a bit off-putting.

Nevertheless, this spot has managed to capture my loyalty over the years. I’ve made it my go-to weekly boba spot for a reason, and it really stands out amongst the crowd of bubble tea spots around town. One particular element that sets this place apart is their offering of unique toppings, such as QQ noodles. As one who grew up adoring QQ noodles, it’s a nostalgic experience being able to enjoy these in my bubble tea. Each sip evokes cherished childhood memories intermixed with new ones being formed right at this spot.

In conclusion, while there may be some minor hiccups, there’s no denying that this bubble tea place has built something rather special. It’s indeed a spot that continues to resonate with my very taste buds and I believe it’s worth a shot for any bubble tea enthusiast out there.

4) Aqua Club Dessert & Beverage

Our Review of Aqua Club Dessert & Beverage in San Mateo, CA

After my recent visit to this bubble tea spot, I have to say, this place manages to blend the traditional and the trendy in quite an impressive way. I took a chance on the Mango Dream and I was not disappointed. It was delightful, offering a sweet escape with every sip. The mango was vibrantly fresh, tickling your taste buds with its tropical magic.

And if you’re a fan of taro, then you’ll be thrilled with their Taro Sago. There’s something about its blend of flavours that feels deeply comforting. Taro adds an earthiness that is beautifully balanced by the sweet sago.

But the crowning glory, at least in my book, has to be the Marble Milk. Can we just appreciate the genius combo of coconut milk, sago, and grass jelly? The coconut milk provides a creamy base, the sago adding a lovely chewy texture, and the grass jelly introducing a unique, refreshing note. And personally, I recommend going for a 25% sweetness level, it makes the flavors shine without being overpowered by sugar.

Finally, I must mention the coconut sago paired with fresh mango. It’s like a song where every note hits perfectly. The sweetness of the coconut sago harmonising with the vibrant mango makes it an absolute joy for your palate.

Also, kudos to the quick and easy service. It’s perfect for when you need to satisfy that bubble tea craving without wasting time. In conclusion, whether you’re a long-time bubble tea lover or a curious newbie, this place has something delightful in store for you.

5) MandRo Teahouse

Our Review of MandRo Teahouse in San Mateo, CA

Upon trying this bubble tea spot, I was instantly reminded of the tantalizing sensation of finely shaved ice, melting the moment it graced my tongue – truly a refreshing experience to say the least. However, I do advise visiting during a less busy period as the service can be a touch slow during peak hours, especially on hot days when everyone is in urgent need of a quenching drink. I once waited for over 50 minutes for just two drinks!

Despite that, I will commend the establishment on its impressive space management. The location is notably larger than their Milpitas branch, providing a more relaxed and spacious ambiance. There’s also a bounty of tables for customers who want to sit down and enjoy their beverages. Plus the parking isn’t an issue since it’s located in a plaza, which alleviates any potential stress about finding a spot for your vehicle.

Another point deserving of praise is their bingsoo. In my honest evaluation, it is one of the best I’ve had, truly an exemplary instance of this beloved Korean shaved ice dessert. From all of this, I can truly attest to the charm and appeal of this bubble tea hotspot. It hits all the right notes, making it a must-visit for any self-respecting bubble tea enthusiast.