As renowned boba connoisseurs, we know dedicated readers of the Register Forum have been eagerly awaiting a certified review of Harvard Square’s boba shops, and we won’t disappoint. To ensure an objective review, we asked each server for the best-selling drink, or their personal favorite if they didn’t know. So don’t fret, dear reader—we’ve got your back.
Kung Fu Tea
Boba: 3/5 Falcons
Vibes: 2/5 Falcons
Kung Fu Tea was the first place we visited, so we decided to get the server’s recommendation: the passion fruit lemon tea with boba. The tea was nice and refreshing—perfect for a hot summer day. One of our connoisseurs said it didn’t have much of an aftertaste, while another said it had a bitter, unsavory aftertaste. The tea wasn’t overly sweet, but it wasn’t too flavorful either; it’s not something we would order again. The store itself was humid and a little cramped, someplace you wouldn’t want to stay in too long.
Tiger Sugar
Boba: 1/5 Falcons
Vibes: 2/5 Falcons
At first glance, Tiger Sugar appears quite inviting, with an exterior that gives no hint of the disappointment hidden within. Its convenient location by the train station makes it seem like the perfect spot for a treat. However, stepping inside reveals a cold atmosphere contrary to the cozy boba place we had expected. Despite this, we ventured onward, determined to seek out the most popular drink: The Pearl Coffee Latte with Black Sugar Boba and Cream Mousse. What an extraordinary name and the picture was delectable! The purchase was made without hesitation, and we eagerly awaited such a drink. Yet, what was brought made our smiles turn upside down. The taste was reminiscent of a Dunkin’ drink brewed by a barista who woke up on the wrong side of the bed. The pearls were flavorless and sticky, akin to those found in canned boba. It’s not to say that all their boba drinks are unpleasant, but this particular one—allegedly, the most popular—was far from impressive.
Ten One Tea House
Boba: 5/5 Falcons
Vibes: 5/5 Falcons
This boba shop is the epitome of cozy—it’s filled with fun fall graphics and crowded with loyal customers. The staff were incredibly accommodating, and even let us sample the different boba flavors. We ordered the best-selling drink available: Tieguanyin Milk Tea with Roasted Oolong Pearls. It was perfect, not too sweet, and really refreshing—a welcome surprise after two disappointing drink spots. Overall, this was an absolute five-out-of-five.
Gongcha
Boba: 3/5 Falcons
Vibes: 2.5/5 Falcons
Gongcha’s interior design needs some work: it’s industrial, too warm, and filled with loud, unpleasant music. We asked the server for her favorite drink, but her taste was pretty questionable. So we decided to go with the Milk Foam Dirty Brown Sugar Milk Tea, one of their best sellers. While this drink tasted incredible at first sip, it only went downhill from there. “It tastes like formula milk,” one connoisseur complained. All agreed that it was overly sweet.
It is evident that Harvard has a diverse set of boba places ranging from terrible to extraordinary, and just as evident that many of you readers may have valid, different opinions than us boba connoisseurs. So fear not dear reader—continue liking your nasty drinks, or just go to Ten One.
