Grayson Rivers, a rising senior at Hall High School and We-Ha.com contributor, set out to sample West Hartford’s bubble tea offerings.

By Grayson Rivers

From all over social media to throughout our own West Hartford Center, bubble tea is everywhere.

The drink’s characteristic tapioca pearls, also known as boba, have propelled tea drinking into the mainstream. Bubble teas everywhere can be recognized by their unique plastic seals and wide, pointed straws that allows for mouthfuls of boba to be siphoned up along with milky tea.

With four bubble tea shops located within West Hartford, there are plenty of places to find your new go-to summer drink. I took a trip to all four shops and tried their classic black bubble teas to see what each had to offer. Here’s my guide to West Hartford’s small but mighty boba scene. 

Gong Cha – The All Rounder

Neighboring Blue Back Square (932 Farmington Avenue), this establishment of the Gong Cha franchise has something for everyone. In addition to their standard bubble tea series, this location also has the Slush and Creative series of drinks for an icy or uniquely flavored summer treat. And for those who enjoy a simple coffee or hot tea, there’s a menu item for you, too.

If you’re looking for a standard black tea and boba, Gong Cha specializes in making the perfect Goldilocks cup. Not too sweet or strong, their bubble tea comes with soft, chewy boba. The shop also allows customers to customize their drinks sugar levels, and the default sugar level of 70% will be just right for most.

The franchise’s trendy drinks match its trendy atmosphere too. Gong Cha has plenty of great seating for large or small groups. The shop even has a small alcove with a plush leather couch perfect for taking pictures in. Outside, Gong Cha’s own parking lot keeps your car off the road, a standout from the other tea spots on this list. 

Tea Break – The Zen Garden

A secluded spot in a busy area (994 Farmington Avenue), this staple of the West Hartford Center offers customers a cozy and quiet atmosphere. The wall of large tea bags to the left of the door instills an immediate confidence in your drink’s freshness and quality.  

Their classic bubble tea is slightly less sweet than Gong Cha’s, and has a firmer boba too. The clear yet subtle black tea flavor not only comes through in Tea Break’s drinks, but it also wafts through the air, making this shop a relaxing stop on your way to or from work. 

Kung Fu Tea – For the Dessert Lover

This spot’s bubble tea is sweet! Kung Fu Tea opts for a 100% sugar level as its default, compared to Gong Cha’s 70%. Kung Fu also uses red tea instead of black, and this ingredient may be the reason for their drinks’ vanilla and cherry notes. Kung Fu’s cups are even shaped like cake cones – those ice cream cones with a larger, rounded top half and a flat bottom. 

If you’re craving dessert in the form of a caffeinated beverage, Kung Fu Tea (5 South Main Street) is a great last stop for a night out in the Center. During the day, you can gaze at the Noah Webster Library through the shop’s floor to ceiling windows, take in the kaleidoscope of colorful wall decals, and bask in the natural light. 

Cha Papi – For the Tea Lover

If you’re used to plain black tea, this shop may be a stepping stone into the world of bubble tea. Possessing a powerful steeped tea flavor and low sweetness, the drinks from Cha Papi transport you to a London cafe. The store’s interior sells the experience – the classic coffee shop aesthetic matches the classic removable lid that comes with every order. 

And Cha Papi (150 Shield Street) doesn’t just boast an impressive host of drinks, it also serves desserts: a large selection of differently flavored mochi donuts and taiyaki, a Japanese pastry. Cha Papi’s extensive menu, along with its large seating selection, green potted plants, and inviting atmosphere make it the place to sit down and enjoy a light meal!

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