Do you love to eat? Do you miss the act of chewing when you’re just drinking a boring ol’ beverage? Well fret not, dear reader. The solution to this, one of life’s great problems, is bubble tea! Grab an over-sized straw, pop it into a cup full of your milky or fruity drink of choice, and suck up a few fun-to-munch tapioca balls with every sip.
There are a number of places in the East Village to get this sweet refreshment. TKettle on St Mark’s Place has a pretty expansive menu, and they claim to have “The best bubble tea in New York.” Neighborhood newcomer Kung Fu Tea seems like it’s probably most similar to the tea shops in China (though it might just be because everyone who works there speaks Mandarin).
But the best of all bubble tea shops in the area is Thirstea, on 10th Street between 1st Ave and Avenue A. In addition to their to-go drinks, this charming little shop also has shelves full of a vast collection of loose tea and tea bags by the box. And they offer unique flavors of bubble tea, like Blackberry Sage Coconut and Crunch Berries (yes, this tastes just like the milk leftover from the sweet, fruity cereal). You can get tapioca pearls or lychee jelly for that sought after added texture, too.
If you don’t want something too sweet, order one of their unsweetened iced teas in a flavor they brewed that day; or, if you have a few minutes to spare, they’ll make you whatever kind you want from a selection of about 30 teas. Another great option is the Fruit Bubble Tea, made with fruit pulp and green tea (no dairy) in deliciously refreshing flavors like Kumquat Lemon or Passion Orange Guava.
As of this month, Thirstea has been open for two years, so stop in, grab a drink-and-snack-in-one, and wish them a happy anniversary!
Thirstea
280 E 10th Street
(between 1st Ave and Avenue A)
New York, NY 10009
212-260-0436
280 E 10th Street
(between 1st Ave and Avenue A)
New York, NY 10009
212-260-0436
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