Boba tea — also known as bubble tea and pearl milk tea — refers to the creamy, tea-based drink that’s topped off with chewy, bouncy tapioca balls. This popular concoction hails from Taiwan and the love for it has spread, over the years, across to the West. In Seattle alone, international chains have been pouring in and more specialty, artisanal boba shops (focusing on using all-natural, high-quality ingredients) have been popping up as well. Lately, officials warn that a shipping backlog may create a shortage of boba tea ingredients in the U.S., but for now, Seattle definitely has no dearth of amazing boba shops that are still going strong. Whether one is in the mood for a creamy milk tea, a refreshing fruit infused tea, or a caffeine-free drink, there’s something for everyone across the city. Here are some of the best places to seek out, listed from north to south.
Most places below offer takeout and/or delivery, but a number of Seattle restaurants have resumed indoor and outdoor dining as well. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns: for updated information on coronavirus cases in the area, please visit the King County COVID update page. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
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