Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Pasadena’s bubble tea spots!
Pasadena 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.
HaiCha
10/10 (418 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 626-365-1099
Passionate ownerFresh teasCozy ambiance
Tucked in a quieter part of Pasadena, HaiCha offers more than just a typical bubble tea experience. The owner, Tommy, greets each customer with warmth and passion, creating a space that’s as much about the people as it is about the drinks. HaiCha delights with an extensive menu of vibrant and fresh teas, from jasmine oolong to taro milk tea, each cold-brewed for robust flavor. Sweetness levels are adjustable, ensuring each sip caters to individual preferences. The boba pearls boast the perfect texture, elevating every drink. With cozy seating and soothing music, the shop transforms into a haven where patrons can unwind, study, or chat with Tommy, who’s quick to recommend favorites or surprise guests with thoughtful gifts like wireless chargers. It’s not just the drinks that leave a mark; it’s the experience, making a simple tea stop feel like visiting a close friend. Refreshing options like the mango smoothie with brown sugar boba or more bold choices like the roasted high mountain oolong reflect high-quality craftsmanship. Free Wi-Fi and ample parking contrast the bustling nearby boba locales, adding to the charm of a spot that seamlessly marries tradition with the sweet comforts of a modern café.
ALittle Tea
9.6/10 (40 reviews)
Affordable pricesDiverse toppingsHaagen-Dazs ice cream
Dive into a bubble tea experience at ALittle Tea, where prices are friendly without skimping on taste. Right across from Pasadena City College, this spot knows how to blend a tasty brew with value. Their black tea with Haagen-Dazs ice cream is irresistible, putting a creamy twist on a classic favorite. The tapioca pearls often praised for their chew and taste amplify any drink. While there’s occasional buzz about undercooked pearls, many find the boba delightful. This haven offers generous topping options with a compelling, easy-to-use rewards program. Students and locals flock to enjoy refreshing choices like mango or jasmine milk teas. Quick service and cheerful staff create a welcoming vibe for those in a hurry or ready to hang out. The modern interior is just as inviting—clean, aesthetically pleasing, and sprinkled with seasonal decorations. You might spot students hitting the books or friends catching up over drinks. Convenient parking equals less city hassle, making it a breeze for anyone needing a quick boost. In a sea of boba options, ALittle Tea carves a unique niche with quality, affordability, and that touch of charm.
Yin Yang Tea
9.6/10 (119 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 626-314-2538
Inventive flavorsAttentive staffRelaxing atmosphere
Yin Yang Tea has swiftly established itself as a delightful gem in the boba landscape of Pasadena. This cozy spot offers an array of drink options, from the classic milk tea with perfectly soft and sweet tapioca pearls to inventive flavors like mango and honeydew milk tea. Adventurous drinkers can even enjoy custom fruit teas with minimal ice, ensuring a more flavorful experience. The Vietnamese coffee with an intriguing salted foam and the banana milk tea are standout choices, showcasing the shop’s commitment to both quality and variety. Frequent seasonal specials keep the menu fresh and engaging, enticing regulars and newcomers alike. Warm and knowledgeable staff are a constant presence, offering attentive service and tailored recommendations to suit diverse palates. The boba shop’s setting is simple yet inviting, featuring Wi-Fi and ample seating that encourages visitors to hang out and relax. Games and a post-it note wall add a unique charm, inviting patrons to leave their mark while sipping their beverages. Despite a few critiques regarding the robustness of certain drinks, Yin Yang Tea remains a beloved neighborhood favorite, combining well-executed tea craftsmanship with a welcoming atmosphere in an area that long lacked a boba haven.
MACU TEA – Pasadena
9.4/10 (53 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 626-817-9017
Fresh fruitsFriendly staffUnique toppings
In the bustling locale of old town Pasadena, MACU TEA introduces a refreshing twist to bubble tea enthusiasts with its inventive menu inspired by its Taiwanese roots. The vibrant tea shop features a wide array of options, from milk teas to fruit-infused delights, each crafted with precision and generous portions of fresh fruit. The King of Mango Smoothie emerges as a crowd favorite, celebrated for its balance of sweetness and abundance of mango chunks. The store is compact with limited seating, creating a quick stop atmosphere perfect for picking up a refreshing beverage before exploring the neighborhood. Service shines at MACU TEA, where staff engage with patrons by offering samples and detailed explanations of unique menu terms like “bobo” and “chi chi.” Parking can be a nuisance, with limited free and metered street spots, but the quality of fresh fruit guarantees an authentic taste reminiscent of Taiwan that’s worth the effort. A variety of toppings and customization options allow for personalized drinks, ensuring each visit is unique. The atmosphere is lively, with a clean and welcoming environment despite the cozy space. MACU TEA earns its stripes through an engaging experience bolstered by genuine friendliness and a commitment to quality ingredients, promising to brighten any day with a sip of their innovative creations.
It’s Boba Time- Pasadena
9.2/10 (60 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 626-486-2602
Diverse menuFast serviceFree boba
It’s Boba Time in Pasadena has quickly established itself as a vibrant hub of flavor and efficiency. Offering a dazzlingly varied menu, this spot brims with drinks and treats ranging from smoothies and milk teas to pastries and acai bowls. Highlights like the Thai Tea Smoothie and Strawberry Matcha Milk Tea bring joy to taste buds, while the galaxy-themed boba drink and Unicorn Crepe Cake delight with both taste and aesthetics. Efficiency is the name of the game here, with orders completed almost at the speed of thought, ensuring that the hustle-bustle doesn’t steal away from the enjoyment. The interior is spacious and bright, making it an inviting place to unwind or study, though some may find the music volume a touch off-putting. For those particular about their desserts, the Irish Cheesecake and Earl Gray macaron have received praise along with an impressive array of quality and fresh add-ons, like the perfectly-textured boba that comes free with drinks. Fastidious about cleanliness, the store matches its tidy interior with lively and attentive staff, whose mission seems to revolve around maximizing the visitor’s experience. Parking is conveniently located behind the building, counterbalancing the sometimes bustling atmosphere due to its proximity to Pasadena City College. It’s Boba Time complements Pasadena’s energetic scene with flavors that cater to every craving, and a service that leaves a lasting impression.
Boba ChaCha – Cafe Pasadena
9.2/10 (149 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 326-236-1535
Perfectly Cooked BobaAtmospheric VibeWoman-Led Business
Despite the abundance of boba shops in Pasadena, Boba ChaCha stands out with a certain charisma. The shop showcases a relaxed yet vibrant haven, inviting locals and newcomers alike. Upon entering, patrons are greeted with a lively atmosphere, enhanced by comfortable seating and a clean layout ideal for both solo browsing and group gatherings. The drinks at Boba ChaCha are the real stars, offering a tantalizing array of flavors and textures, each customizable in terms of sweetness and ice levels. Their use of quality ingredients, particularly in the iconic Boba ChaCha drink, resonates with those who appreciate the signature smoothness of perfectly cooked boba. For those pushing boundaries on flavor adventures, the Milo drink and coconut pearl pudding set a new standard in decadence, marrying sweetness with unique textures. Boba ChaCha cleverly integrates deals like size upgrades and discounted refills to entice experimentation among patrons, providing excellent value for curious sippers. A woman-led business, it takes pride not only in its innovative menu but also in its warm, accommodating service, encouraging engagement with both staff and fellow visitors. While a few hiccups linger in the form of pricing and wait times, the café sustains its allure through friendly interactions and an unwavering dedication to quality, making it a charming gem in the heart of Pasadena.
Bubble Puff & Tea Cafe
9/10 (129 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 626-421-6929
Unique DessertsVibrant AtmosphereCreative Menu
Bubble Puff & Tea Cafe presents an intriguing mix of dynamic flavors and vibrant aesthetics, making it a standout destination for bubble tea enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike. Tucked conveniently near Pasadena’s educational hubs, this spot provides a perfect environment for both socializing and studying, enhanced by spacious seating and a relaxed vibe. What sets this cafe apart is its playful twist on traditional offerings, featuring bubble puffs—a modern take on egg waffles—that are fresh, airy, and customizable with delightful toppings. Their diverse menu sees adventurous drink choices like Hokkaido Milk Tea and Strawberry Matcha, with signature fruit teas providing a refreshing splash of flavor on warmer days. The cafe’s durian puffs cater to adventurous palates looking for something beyond the ordinary. Known for efficiently creating crispy and flavorful curry chicken bowls, meals are a satisfying accompaniment to their well-loved drink selection. Despite minor challenges such as occasional slow service and steep pricing of some beverages, the quality and creativity in their offerings invite repeated visits. The staff ensures warm service, standing ready to personalize every experience. Simplicity in ordering through kiosk systems offers a taste of modern dining convenience, although human interaction remains essential for nuanced requests. Always bustling with purpose yet retaining a sense of calm, Bubble Puff & Tea Cafe refreshes its patrons with a blend of tradition, innovation, and community spirit.