Portland, renowned for its coffee and beer scene, is now witnessing the rise of boba tea culture. Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, boba tea, also known as bubble tea, has become a popular beverage globally. In Portland, a city with a rich palate, boba tea shops are becoming the go-to spots for a diverse and refreshing range of drinks.
Navigating Boba Menus: A Primer for Enthusiasts
For those new to boba tea, navigating the extensive menus can be overwhelming. A classic entry point is the jasmine milk tea with boba, offering a delightful introduction to the chewy tapioca pearls. Milk teas, typically based on black or green tea with milk, often come with dairy-free alternatives. Beyond boba, menus feature an array of drink combinations, including fruit teas, catering to diverse tastes.
Boba tea aficionados explore various textures and toppings, ranging from whipped foam to coffee jelly. Fruit teas, complemented by jellies and aloe toppings, provide a refreshing twist. For those with a sweet tooth, specialty drinks like brown sugar milk teas or blended fruit shakes are popular choices. Personalization options extend to adjusting ice and sweetness levels, allowing customers to tailor their drinks to preference.
Neighborhood Gems: Exploring Portland’s Boba Scene
While boba tea shops may not rival the ubiquity of coffee establishments, they are scattered across neighborhoods in Portland. Yoonique Tea in Foster-Powell stands out for its inventive drink ideas, such as peanut butter milk tea and the ube-chi drink blending ube flavors with milk mochi. Tiki Tea on Northeast Alberta Street offers sea salt cream teas and horchata ceylon milk tea with a delightful floral sweetness from ceylon cinnamon.
In North Portland’s Overlook neighborhood, Auntea Ha boasts a small but impactful menu, featuring specials like a jasmine sea salt float. Swee2o, located in Downtown’s Union Way complex, entices with signature drinks like Paris Dream, a rose lychee slushie.
Boba Tea with a Side of Good Eats
For those craving both delectable food and boba tea, Southeast Portland offers noteworthy options. Soul-Cie-Tea on Division serves comfort food with a twist, such as the khao mun gai thod, a crispy fried chicken dish on warm rice. Their Strawberry Matcha Milk Tea, featuring house-made strawberry puree and organic ceremonial matcha, is a standout drink.
Portland’s boba tea culture continues to flourish, offering a diverse range of flavors and experiences for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
