With National Bubble Tea Day approaching on April 30th, Evanston, Illinois, finds itself immersed in a multitude of Bubble Tea spots, prompting enthusiasts to seek out the best among them. To provide insight into this bustling scene, a detailed exploration was undertaken to distinguish the nuances between the various establishments.
Janelle Bradley, a prominent figure in Evanston and a Dean of Students and Director of Student Life and DEI at Wolcott College Prep in Chicago, lent her expertise as a bubble tea aficionado for this venture. Armed with a rating rubric and a sense of adventure, Bradley, alongside a team, embarked on a mission to identify Evanston’s premier bubble tea destination.
Before delving into the rankings, a brief primer on bubble tea, or boba, was provided. Originating in Taiwan, bubble tea has gained global popularity, featuring tapioca pearls that are gluten-free and ideally possess a springy texture. A quintessential boba drink typically consists of freshly brewed tea combined with milk and sweetened to preference.
For the taste experiment, a standard matcha milk tea was chosen as the control drink at each establishment, supplemented by a specialty drink for variety.
The findings, ranked from bottom to top, unveiled Hokkaido Ramen & Sushi Bar at #7. Although part of a nationwide chain with 50 outlets across 22 states, Hokkaido’s bubble tea offerings left something to be desired, with a notable sweetness overpowering the matcha flavor.
Ume Tea claimed the #6 spot, known for its charming ambiance and freshly brewed tea. However, the prevalence of sweetness, particularly in the boba, overshadowed the overall experience, though the establishment catered well to its younger clientele.
Möge Tee, ranked at #4, offered a refreshing departure from the norm. With an appealing aesthetic and a focus on health-conscious options, Möge Tee impressed with its freshly brewed looseleaf tea and unique menu items. Despite the absence of matcha during the visit, the Dong Ding Oolong Milk Tea with boba proved to be a standout choice.
These findings offer insight into Evanston’s diverse bubble tea landscape, providing enthusiasts with valuable guidance as they navigate the plethora of options available.
