Best Places for Bubble Tea (Boba) in Pittsburgh

Bubble tea, also referred to as Boba is a Taiwanese drink that was brought to the United States in the 1990's. The characteristic bubbles found in the tea are sweet chewy tapioca pearls. Bubble tea comes in many different flavors and can be served both hot or cold. It is typically served cold as a sweetened latte. While the idea of tea with chewy tapioca pearls may sound weird it is surprisingly good and boba has quickly become a fashionable drink for those in the know.

Where Can I Find Boba in Pittsburgh?

With the growing popularity of bubble tea (boba) most cities have several Asian cafes and even tea and coffee shops that serve Boba (though Starbucks still hasn't added it to the menu). If you are looking for a café or restaurant in Pittsburgh that serves bubble tea you should head to Squirrel Hill or Oakland for the best selection.

The Rose Tea Café which is located at 5874 Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill comes highly recommended. The little Taiwanese café is a great place to get authentic Chinese and Taiwanese food and is also known for the wide variety of bubble tea flavors. The Rose Tea Café is my number one pick for boba in Pittsburgh.

If you are looking for Boba in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh near the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon campuses there are several places to go. Orient Express on S. Craig Street in Oakland serves bubble tea as does LuLu's Noodles which is also located on S. Craig Street. There is also an Asian food stand in Schenley Park that is open during the spring and summer months that serves bubble tea to many university students.

Bubble Pi which is located on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill is another place to stop for bubble tea. This little Asian Café also serves many delectable pastries. You can't beat the hip and fun atmosphere in this Asian café and the bubble tea is a real treat.

Green Mango Hut has two locations in Pittsburgh that both serve bubble tea. The original location is on Braddock Avenue in Regent Square and a second location which has recently opened in Monroeville. The Singapore tapioca tea which sells for $3.50 is a yummy rendition of bubble tea.

If you have never tried bubble tea (boba) it is certainly worth a try. You may discover that this Taiwanese treat is even better than your normal Starbucks Latte.