Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Norfolk’s bubble tea spots!
Norfolk is home to some of the best bubble tea spots. Spots where you can enjoy everything from creamy milk teas to fruity blends with chewy tapioca pearls. Whether you’re a bubble tea enthusiast or trying it for the first time, these 7 local shops are sure to offer the perfect drink to satisfy your cravings. Explore the top bubble tea destinations in in the city for a refreshing experience.
Tealux® Cafe Ghent
9.4/10 (148 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 757-919-1368
Flavorful teasCommunity vibeCozy hangout
Tealux® Cafe Ghent has hit the sweet spot with bubble tea aficionados who prize a robust tea experience over overwhelming milkiness. There’s a palpable love for their diverse menu, offering everything from specialty drinks like the half-sweet Islander to crowd favorite brown sugar milk tea. This cozy spot thrives in creating an upbeat social vibe with board games for entertainment and seating both inside and out. Aromas wafting from their signature Bánh Mì and popcorn chicken tempt the taste buds, proving this cafe is not just about drinks. The staff shine with helpful recommendations and warm service, though some inconsistency in service has been noted. Observations about their vibrant boba pearls reveal a perfect texture balance between soft and chewy. Amidst the array of boba shops, Tealux stands out by letting the rich flavors of tea be the star. This isn’t just an ordinary tea hub; it’s a community haven where acts of kindness make their mark. Despite occasional hiccups in pricing and cleanliness, the energetic atmosphere and flavorful offerings have won many over and turned them into loyal patrons.
Tealux® Cafe
9/10 (386 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 757-707-9000
Real IngredientsUnique Bahn MiFriendly Service
Tealux® Cafe draws visitors back with its distinctive take on both drinks and food, crafting an experience that’s far from cookie-cutter. Their fruit and milk teas are a must-try, featuring real ingredients like fresh lychee and butterfly pea flowers that add bursts of flavor and visual appeal. The boba itself is praised, in particular the brown sugar milk tea, despite some inconsistencies. A standout feature of Tealux Café is its food offering, surprisingly diving into the world of Vietnamese cuisine with toasted bahn mis, complete with crunchy garlic bits and balanced filling ratios. The crepes and mochi also grab the spotlight for their execution. While the cafe’s cozy interior boasts a vibrant atmosphere with board games and picture-perfect spaces, the pressing heat inside sometimes detracts from the experience, leading to longer-than-expected waits. Yet, the welcoming staff attempts to offset this with warm service. Tealux Café creates not just drinks and bites but memorable hangouts. Still, areas for improvement linger, especially around customization options where pre-made batches falter, leaving some patrons longing for personalized drinks. Prices reflect the crafted experience, though some might find them steep for certain menu items. This fusion of vibrant flavors, standout culinary options, and an engaging atmosphere continues to shape Tealux Café as an intriguing stop for many.
Gong Cha
9/10 (29 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 757-799-0294
Diverse optionsStudent discountsCharming decor
Gong Cha bursts with a contemporary flair, inviting patrons into a vibrant space filled with playful decor that exudes a bubble tea oasis decked out in bright furniture and charming accents. The menu is extensive, offering a myriad of creative and delightful drinks that keep regulars coming back for more tropical sips, like the Sparkling Peach-Lychee with White Pearls—a bubbly concoction offering a refreshing splash of East Asian flavor. Kung Pao options like Shrimp tempura dry noodles catch the eye on the food side, complementing the drink offerings with their heartiness and flavor balance. The staff maintains a welcoming presence and efficiently handles a bustling crowd, showing consistent charm. Students have additional reasons to love this spot, as regular discounts sweeten the deal, making Gong Cha a popular dive for those seeking an affordable yet quality drink. Milk tea with boba consistently wins praise for its balanced flavor and texture, a testimony to the high standards upheld at this shop. Even during peak hours, the ordering process is designed to be smooth, an effort backed by an online menu allowing for easy decision-making before stepping in. Hiccups like long waits and order mix-ups occasionally mar the experience, but those willing to overlook these find a vibrant, photogenic hub to enjoy their next boba fix.