FORESTea, a bubble tea cafe in Sumner set to celebrate its first anniversary, has unveiled an inventive culinary creation – the “croffle,” a delightful blend of croissant and waffle. Located at 15127 Main St. E., Unit 102, FORESTea, which opened its doors in January, offers a diverse array of treats, making it a popular spot for locals.
Customers can indulge in an array of hot and cold drinks, waffles, and the Korean shaved ice dessert bingsu. The cafe’s menu caters to various preferences, with prices starting at $4.99 for a small black milk tea without toppings. The final cost depends on the drink size and additional toppings.
Owner Jonathan Choi shared that the ube taro milk tea is among the popular drinks at the cafe. FORESTea also serves a selection of smoothies, energy drinks, sparkling sodas, and coffee. Excitingly, Korean-style waffles will soon be introduced to the menu, adding a distinctive touch to the cafe’s offerings. These waffles, thinner and crunchier than their American counterparts, are a beloved street food in Korea.
Choi, 40, expressed his passion for tea and coffee, which inspired him to open the cafe. Despite the option to establish the business in Bellevue or Seattle, he chose Sumner, aiming to integrate his venture into the local community. Differentiating itself from other bubble tea cafes, FORESTea’s intensive brewing process enhances the tea’s flavor, providing a unique and satisfying experience for customers. Choi, who frequently attends tea conventions and has taste-tested around 80 tea varieties, welcomes customer suggestions to further refine the offerings.
Having resided in Sumner for eight years with his wife, Choi, originally from South Korea, is deeply connected to the community. The cafe’s location was previously occupied by an employment agency, and Choi’s decision to establish FORESTea reflects his commitment to bringing a distinctive tea and coffee experience to Sumner. FORESTea welcomes visitors from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
