Williamstown’s boba scene is expanding, with four establishments offering this traditional Taiwanese drink made from tapioca pearls and tea. Goodrich Coffee Bar and Blue Mango have been long-standing players, and now, newcomers Tea and Boba Lounge and Spoon Café have entered the market. Two boba enthusiasts undertook the task of determining the best boba in town, evaluating Goodrich Coffee Bar, Tea and Boba Lounge, Blue Mango, and Spoon Café based on cost, speed, accessibility, and flavor range.
Goodrich Coffee Bar: A Cultural Feast
Goodrich Coffee Bar, renowned for its weekly Boba Night, presented a vibrant menu featuring culturally significant drinks like Zobo/Sobolo/Sorrel Tea and Morir Soñando. The hibiscus tea, though marred by slightly overcooked boba, impressed with its addictive flavor, perfect sweetness, and a generous serving of pearls. The variable quality of boba, acknowledged by regular patrons, doesn’t detract from Goodrich’s unique and affordable offerings.
Tea and Boba Lounge: A Flavorful Newcomer
Tea and Boba Lounge, a recent addition to Williamstown, boasts a wide selection of teas and a build-your-own option. While the “Thai No Dye” lacked the expected vibrancy, the “build-your-own” Sakura rose milk tea showcased creativity with a pleasing flavor profile. The inconsistent chewiness of boba was noted, but the establishment’s focus on tea and boba offers the town a diverse range of flavors.
Blue Mango: A Stalwart Challenger
Blue Mango, a long-standing player, impressed with its Thai tea boba, delivering a well-balanced sweetness, perfect viscosity, and a high pearl-to-tea ratio. The strawberry matcha latte, while divisive, stood out for its boba quality. With a solid line-up of flavors and affordability, Blue Mango continues to be a reliable choice for boba enthusiasts.
Spoon Café: Crystal Boba Twist
Spoon Café, traditionally known for frozen yogurt, entered the boba scene with crystal boba made from konjac. The taro boba impressed with its nutty flavor and good sweetness, but the separation issues in the strawberry boba and the divisive opinions on crystal boba highlighted the challenges of this new addition to the boba offerings.
Final Verdict: No Clear Winner
After a thorough taste-testing adventure, no establishment emerged as a clear winner. Goodrich Coffee Bar and Blue Mango share the top spot, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Spoon Café and Tea and Boba Lounge, tied for second, offer unique features and flavors, making them valuable additions to Williamstown’s boba landscape. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities, whether it’s cultural diversity, affordability, consistency, or creativity.
