Bubble Tea in DC?

When we were in San Fran we had "bubble tea" at Ten-Ren and really liked it.

I have been to the Ten-Ren in College Park, MD and had it there, but cannot find it in DC.

Does anybody know where you can get bubble tea inside the District?

What is this? Could you please describe it? TIA!

Bubble tea is iced chinese tea with tapioca balls (the bubbles) in it.
They give you a wide straw so that when you drink in the tea, the straw allows the tapioca balls go up the straw (looking like bubbles) which you can then eat. The tapicoa takes on the flavor of the tea.
(I think I've explained it right)

You can get bubble tea in a variety of flavors. My favorite is green tea with honey.

Hi,

I've had bubble tea at Teaism in Penn Quarter, and I believe the Post did a story on it awhile (maybe *quite* awhile) ago, that listed a spot at Eden Center, the mostly-Vietnamese plaza in Falls Church/Seven Corners.

I could swear the place you mentioned was listed at the time, but maybe they quit offering it.

I know it gives me an overwhelming urge to shoot tapioca balls spitball-style at my unfortunate companion (not that I have, of course...).

Around Los Angeles they call the drinks Boba.

I love them!

AKA Pearl tea, try the taro version

I think there is a place on 6th near H, in Chinatown that has bubble tea. Can't remember the name, but do remember seeing signs for bubble tea in the window.

The way you're all describing bubble tea sounds like it tastes "wierd", kinda slimy with odd-ish musty flavors.
Does it taste "wierd" or "normal", if you know what I mean?

This sounds interesting. I'll be on the lookout for it, thanks for the description!

Not musty at all. The tapioca ball isn't slimy, it's more like gummy, but NOT slimy.

It's also a bit sweet.

The place at 6th and H is wok-n-roll. Had it yesterday on my bike ride after posting on this site.
It was nothing like the bubble tea at Ten-Ren. It was overly milky and way too sweet.

I will have to try the Place in Penn Quarter (Teaism).

quote:

Originally posted by Scorereader



The place at 6th and H is wok-n-roll. Had it yesterday on my bike ride after posting on this site.

FWIW, that Wok-n-Roll is on the site of Mary Surratt's boarding house. She was John Wilkes Booth's landlady, and a convicted co-conspirator in the assassination of Lincoln. I think she was the first woman to be executed in America, so don't be surprised if thre are some ghosts hanging around when you fetch your boba.

http://americanhistory.about.com/library/prm/bljohnwilkesbooth2.htm

quote:

Originally posted by Scorereader

Not musty at all. The tapioca ball isn't slimy, it's more like gummy, but NOT slimy.

It's also a bit sweet.

The place at 6th and H is wok-n-roll. Had it yesterday on my bike ride after posting on this site.
It was nothing like the bubble tea at Ten-Ren. It was overly milky and way too sweet.

I will have to try the Place in Penn Quarter (Teaism).

Scorereader

It wasn't Wok n Roll I was referring to -- they are on H. The place I was thinking of is on 6th, right beside the movie place. I'll have to go and check tomorrow and get the exact name.

And speaking of...

The Post Going Out Gurus Blog has a recent bit on a new bubble tea place in DC!

http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/going_out_gurus/2005/08/snap_to_it.html

Marberthenad,
have you found that place on 6th?

(Unfortunately I had a bicycle accident and won't be biking for a week or so, but I'll be to Chinatown for a tea as soon as I can sit on the seat again)

scorereader

If you get to Tyson's Corner Mall, they have it at the Teavana Store there as well.

Thai tea is great. I had the regular Thai tea, and it tasted like the scent of alfalfa hay. I know it sounds terrible, but it is sweet, and earthy, with milk added.(it reminds me of a Sombrero drink) I plan to start making my own. The Bubble tea is available online , at least the ingredients. A little labor intensive, not complicated, and well worth the effort. I think vegetarian Thai food is great. The flavors, and textures are unique, and it's better than junk food.

It's also called Boba Tea and Pearl Tea. It's gaining popularity and there are some great flavors that I have tried like melon, green tea, peach and mango. In Washington DC there is Teaism, Wok & Roll and Cozy Cafe (according to a news group post).

Wok-n-Rolls is not good at all.

I like the Bubble Tea at Ten-Ren (College Park and Rockville), but haven't tried it elsewhere, yet.