This place is a gem and really deserves to be highlighted! Although it looks like a small shop on Main Street in Metuchen, it's a booming and popular bubble tea place. Love coming here and seeing people from toddler age to folks with their grandparents. Bubble tea is for all! My husband loves to try the new fruity varieties that get added to the menu. Every few weeks there is a new, unique fruit combination that blows him away. I stick to my tried and true Thai iced tea with boba, and NOWHERE else has been able to compete. The details are what makes this place stand out. If you buy multiple drinks, they place your order in an adorable, reusable purple bag. Also, there is a rewards program. So if you're an avid boba drinker, make sure you sign up. Every few orders you can score a free bite to eat or bubble tea. Since it's a hit spot, this place can get packed at peak times (post work hours, and especially on weekends). So happy to have such a lovely shop in my town. Thanks, Akihi! read more

Akihi - Every few months, Akihi has some promotion or event going on. So fun! - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

While exploring in Metuchen, I came across this dessert/bubble tea spot, and of course, I had to try it out. The inside was very different from your usual bubble tea spot, and it was very welcoming and cozy. I could definitely see myself just chilling and reading a book while enjoying my food and drink. I placed my order through the kiosk while looking over the menu, which had a lot of good options. I couldn't make up my mind and decided to go with the bubble tea and Oreo waffle crepe. Both items were good, and I enjoyed the waffle, which had ice cream as the filling and was stuffed with fillings, but it was a little difficult to eat since the wrapper is not very practical, and I had to use my hands, so it got a bit messy. Did I regret it? No way, I loved it; hopefully, they would just have a better container for it, lol. Definitely will get a sugar rush, so be careful hahaha. I would definitely go back to try the other flavors read more

See all

What a super cute place. Super easy. Walk in and multiple touch screens. Tons of comfortable seating. I got the milk tea with exploding strawberry boba. Never had these exploding bobas before. They are an awesome addition. You get to choose the amount of sweetness too. 30% was good for me. I can't imagine what 50% is like. They have actual food here too. I got some waffle fries and crispy chicken. Super delicious. Fries were way better than chick fila. Super crispy and not greasy. The chicken was flavored with red peppery spices. No sauce or messy wetness. Food and tea, out super quickly. I can't believe I've never heard of this place before. I love it. read more

See all

Always have good boba with a good amount of options! Seating was limited. Service was friendly & there was only street parking! read more

Akihi - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

Stopped in at Akihi for a quick snack. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of of chicken you get in an order. I order the mild which still was a little spicy. Inside is very cute and they have plenty of different board games and such. Wish there was a little more seating but overall a really nice place to catch up with a friend. Very clean inside and the service is quick. Can't wait to come back and try their bubble tea! read more

Akihi - Chicken - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

See all

The service has gotten much faster compared to when they first opened. I also enjoyed their taro potted plant smoothie. However, I wish they had more seating options. The seating on the floor looks cute, but after while it gets a bit uncomfortable. I recommend putting some pillows for comfortability read more

Akihi - Super Bowl and Taro Potted Smoothie - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

First timer here. I did go in once before and left because I didn't know what to order. The workers were too busy for one-on-one attention. Today, I got lucky! I showed the person a picture of a Boba I had in ATL and kinda wanted to replicate my order. Fortunately, she knew their equivalent. Unfortunately, it was very watery. I sucked up the tapioca balls and tossed the rest. Maybe I need a new order! But I definitely want something with a little thicker than thinned out lactate milk. Again, if I had ordered something different, I may have enjoyed it more. read more

Akihi - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

See all

Quick and efficient service. Ice cream is so creamy and filling. The strawberry soda water quenched my thirst but wasn't too flavorful. The vibes are relaxing and fun. read more

Akihi - Strawberry soda water - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

Do not get the brown sugar milk tea ice cream. On the kiosk menu, it looked great, but the taste was far from that. It was so sugary that I was tasting diabetes. Absolutely do not get this. It's just a soft serve vanilla ice cream with extremely sweet brown sugar syrup. This place gets a star for having a cute cup sleeve and having some board games. I liked how trouble and two other games were in boxes that looked like books. They have a little shelf of games, but they don't look that well-cared for or clean. There needs to be more seatings at this location. There's only a couple tables and high tables. Paid street parking right out front but is free at night. read more

Akihi - Brown sugar milk tea ice cream - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

Easy to order, super cool aesthetic and amazing reward system ! My bubble tea ice cream mix was AMAZING, I've never had anything like it. Servings are huge but well worth every penny. I will be going back for more ! read more

See all

Loved the vibes of this store! My sister and I walked in on a Friday afternoon, and we were immediately impressed by the cleanliness and the openness of the space. I liked that this store catered to different visitors. There was a cozy nook tucked into the corner of the store for people who would prefer more privacy, and there was a really open, sunny spot next to a huge window for people who wanted to chat and/or people watch. The drinks were great, and the service was also excellent. I would come here again! read more

Akihi - Mango Pomelo and Fresh Pineapple Mango Tea - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

Went with friends on a sunday we were planning on going to eat somewhere nearby here but they dont open until 12 so it was nice that this place was open and got to try it out. We ordered brown sugar boba, watermelon slush, mango slush with sticky rice. It was empty when we got there and ordered through the kiosk. It was ok I have had better ones though read more

Akihi - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

On one of these warm October days in NJ, we were craving bubble tea and tried this place out. I got the crème brûlée milk tea (because who can resist dessert in a cup?) creamy, sweet, and had that perfect caramelized flavor vibe. Then I tried the mango slushee with boba and lychee jelly wow, that combo just worked. Refreshing, fruity, chewy perfection. The place had chill vibes, friendly staff, and my drinks looked so good I almost didn't want to sip them (almost). Definitely coming back for another round read more

This spot is conveniently located right next to one of my favorite local bakeries. Street metered parking is available, and if you didn't know, the first 10 minutes are free before payment is required. Just make sure to tap the meter before you run in to grab your to go order. Quick tip: there are two doors at the entrance. Make sure to go through the left one for Akihi because the right one leads to an apartment building. Inside, it's a modern space with thoughtfully designed seating - minimalist chairs (great for posture!) and even some cozy floor seating on rugs. I ordered two brown sugar brûlées for my husband and I, and it came in logo cups with matching sleeves (I'm a sucker for good store branding) plus the cutest bag. Of course the real test is the drink. I've been dazzled by aesthetics before only to be disappointed, but not here. One shake, one sip... absolutely worth it! I'll definitely be back to explore more on the menu. And, don't miss their VIP perk. Be one of the first guests to snag a daily badge, collect all 7 to earn a personalized VIP card and get 10% off every order at any Akihi location. Check out my photo for more details. read more

See all

its a good cafe i love the drinks the boba and the service the staff give but i despise the bathroom, i walk in urgently needing to shit and i walk in and its BLASTING 2016 trending hiphop songs and i cant shit in peace and its just blasting and blasting shit experience, i hate everything about the bathroom remove the fucking radio either change it up to calming jazz or normal buzzing sounds dont make it have a loud ass radio or atleast lower the volume by like 80% i'm tryna shit not bust a move you guys needa lock tf in read more

We only got drinks. We got 5 different drinks but I don't remember their names. - Cookies & Cream - Strawberry - Mango - Passion Fruit Tea They were all very good! Service: not much to say since the only interaction was when my hubby picked up the drinks from the counter. It's a nice little place with cute settings. I love how they have a few small tables with mats where you have to sit on your buttons hehehe Highly recommend this to anyone. read more

See all

The drinks are extremely delicious, very unique and not the norm at most other boba shops. I like the customization options, particularly since I don't like too sweet boba. The drinks were a little pricey, but I like that togo orders were packaged in cute purple bags. Very attentive staff and adequate amount to churn out orders quickly. They had a sit down area on the ground for a cute catch with friends or a table in the back for larger parties. I used the study spot in the back. read more

Akihi - Study spot with outlets and salty foam Jasmine green tea - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

SUCH A CUTE BOBA TEA SHOP! And in Metuchen of all places... I am so happy. Inside was cozy and fun - I wouldn't say it's the best place for studying but a good hangout and date spot! Orders were placed on a tablet and came out quickly. - Peppermint Jasmine milk tea: 4/5, tasted like peppermint milk aka tasted like Christmas - but the peppermint flavor wasn't overwhelming - Royal blueberry peach tea: 5/5, refreshing, sweet at 50% still and cold The packaging is absolutely to die for- the bags, logo, branding, and the interior of course. Absolutely CUTE!! tenks for reading read more

See all

Akihi Metuchen is one of my favorite places to be when I have time to kill and am willing to splurge for a pricey drink. It seems to be doing well, thanks to its prime location on Main Street almost directly across the street from Metuchen Train Station. This high-traffic location makes it great for both after-work commuters and Metuchen locals. For everyone else complaining about the parking situation--welcome to Metuchen! Now occupying the space formerly leased to Bagels4u, this location has a surprising amount of empty space. The two self-serve touch-screen kiosks are frequently busy during peak times, so if you're in a rush to pick up your order you might want to order via Snackpass or your favorite food delivery platform. The seating options include four counter-height seats in the back, some chairs with no table, some chairs with a table, and tatami seating by the window. When it's not too busy, it's a good place to get some work done. The drink menu features a familiar selection of teas, juices, and slushes--although none of them are particularly exceptional or unique. I ordered a mango slush recently, and it tasted like it was made with frozen fruit cocktail concentrate (which is expected since fresh mangoes are out of season). If you're hungry, there is a motley assortment of random snacks like tater tots and takoyaki, which made-to-order tea stores in Taiwan generally don't sell. If you're particular about the quality of your tea ingredients or highly specialized tea, I'd recommend Gong Cha or 50 Lan. Most of the tea drinks on Akihi's menu are novelty drinks that run on the sweet side. My favorite part of the Akihi experience is the cup, which is made of durable insulated plastic. The lid is also specially designed for boba straws. I really like the collectible cup sleeves, which feature artwork for different store locations. read more

Akihi - This $3 sausage was tasty but also very tiny. - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

See all

Always hits the spot for a quick bite and def for their bubble tea. This is our go-to spot in Metuchen. Interior is minimalistic yet cozy, and the restrooms are clean. Service has always been friendly and fast, may have to wait once it gets super busy. We've tried their earl grey ice cream with boba on the bottom and it is fantastic as well! Try their strawberry and mango shaved ice too. Takoyaki portion is good and not the microwaveable kind. crispy chicken is so good- well seasoned with spices and you chooose the level of spiciness. Mild is already spicy for me. Metered parking along Main Street Metuchen and just across from the train station. read more

See all

PROs - amazing tea , ambience , service CONs- parking , price slightly high One of the best bubble teas I have ever had ! Wow . Such amazing flavor ... so many different varieties!! My son loves this . They have such an amazing ambience . I love their sit in the floor concept . You can order thro a terminal and customize the order based on ur preference - sweet, sweeter , sweetest etc ;) amazing service . They are quick and very helpful. Only issue is the parking ! Of course it's on Main Street and is very tough to get a parking ! Price was also slightly high but it's ok once in a while ! Loved this place anyways and will surely go back .. read more

See all

Stopped in here after visiting the cute plant shop nearby. This place seemed like a place to hang out with friends or a great place to do some studying for school. They had four seating up front by the window and three more areas of seating down in the main space. There is games available to play while you sip on your drinks or eat your snacks. The vibes here are very chill. They had a wide variety of drinks and a couple snack options. To order, they have two kiosks as well as someone at the register if you want to order in person. My drink was delicious! It was light and refreshing with the fruit pieces in there and not too sweet just how I like it (50% sugar, less ice). I did wish there was a bit more boba though. Overall, if I'm back in the neighborhood I will be stopping back in for another drink. read more

See all

Came here for an after dinner drink and there were a good amount of people sitting inside. The place has a nice modern and clean aesthetic. You order via a kiosk. I tried the brown sugar brûlée with boba (50% sugar with a milk tea base). Even with 50% sugar I thought it was pretty sweet because the boba themselves seemed to be coated in brown sugar. Once you mix everything it becomes more balanced. The thing that sets this drink apart is that they actually brûlée the top of the drink with sugar. It looks really cool but you don't really taste the burnt sugar since it's on the top of the drink. Overall I like the creativity of the drinks at this place and it feels more premium than other boba spots. I will definitely come back again to try the other drinks and food! read more

Akihi - Brown Sugar Brulee - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

One of the best additions to downtown Metuchen in quiet some time, especially for late night options that don't require alcohol. A bit on the pricier side compared to the old school bubble tea joints we grew up with, but well worth it it terms of customization and presentation. Make sure to combo your beverages with some spicy karaage to balance out the sweetness read more

I think this is a neat bubble tea cafe. I like the relaxing interior set ups the store has. It is great for friends to grab some drinks and snacks and hang around. Or if you can grab a drink and get some work done in the cafe as long as you don't mind the average noise level, as customers do walk in and out. Their drinks are pretty good. The egg waffle is alright, definitely not the best. It is crunchy though, but missing some egg flavor. And tbh, imo a bit overpriced. If I am revisiting, I will definitely grab their drink and maybe try out their other food snack, maybe not the overpriced egg waffles next time. read more

Akihi - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

See all

I visited Akihi for some Friday night dessert. The inside is pretty spacious with ample seating. I chose to use the order screen to be able to look at several different options. I decided on the Brown Sugar Ice Cream cup. I waited about 10 minutes for my order, which I thought was fair for a busy Friday night. I was pretty impressed after my first few spoons of the Brown Sugar Ice Cream. The ice cream was decadent and had just the right amount of syrup and boba layered into the cup. The boba quality was great, and it tasted fresh. Akihi is a solid spot overall, providing both great desserts and a nice ambiance to sit and enjoy. I would recommend the spot to anyone in the area. read more

I discovered this place because my friends and I desired some bbt :) That seating area was nice, but the tables were not completely cleaned off when we decided to sit there. It was nice and zen to sit there, but probably wouldn't be comfy if you wanted to sit there long term. I liked that it had an order kiosk that you could choose everything yourself and wait for the order. The bbt was yummy. Would visit again! Parking is a bit tough to find though, but that's the down side of the area and not the store itself. read more

See all

Cute bubble tea, dessert and snack shop on the Main Street, in the heart of Metuchen. The vibe is cool here and definitely geared towards young crowds who just wanted to enjoy their sweets and lounge. There's a shelf full of board games to keep you and your party entertained. There's also free WiFi if you just want to do some work or study. More seating is in the back. Place your order on one of the kiosk and what for your order number to be called. I had a watermelon slush with lychee jelly. It was good. I'll try other items when in the area. Parking is metered off street. read more

#18 review for 100 challenge Cool new bubble tea place that opened 4 months ago in Metuchen NJ. We stumbled upon this relaxing and zen store while walking downtown over vacation. As you entered store, the cashless ordering stations made ordering easy and seemless. The staff was friendly and the vibe was cool so definitely made you want to hang out on their floor bamboo straw seating for tea and treats . read more

Akihi - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

This spot exudes a fantastic atmosphere. I spontaneously visited on a late Sunday night, delighted to find a dessert haven still open. The interior is bright and spacious, with a captivating loft-style seating area by the window. Despite limited seating, the cozy decor is inviting--I can envision hanging out with friends or working here during the day. The ordering counter is petite, yet three self-service kiosks are available (one was unfortunately out during my visit). My order--peppermint jasmine milk tea at 50% sweetness and a double chocolate waffle with lychee jelly--was nothing short of absolutely delicious! read more

Akihi - Across the street - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

Atmosphere: 5 Super cute!!! I love the raised seating area. It's very reminiscent of Japan with the floor seating and zen garden underneath. I've seen groups of friends drinking tea and hanging out there. There's also a more private nook towards the back where you can sit and do some work if you wanted. The decor is simple but tasteful. The open kitchen makes the whole shop feel more spacious and relaxed. I love the order machines. Portion: 5 The size of the drinks are just like other competitors around. There's a good amount of tapioca in their bubble tea. The touch screen allows us to customize the drink how we like. More toppings? Less sugar? There's even options for different type of milk! Really can't go wrong with the ability to customize. Flavors: 5 The tapioca is chewy but not mushy nor overly hard. Sugar level is slightly sweeter than I prefer at the 30%. It is also a bit milkier than I prefer. The waffles are perfect. The edges are crispy and inside is fluffy. Love it!!! Their chicken is also really flavorful. Pretty addicting! I've already ordered from here a few times. They're right in town and I love that they have snacks too. The atmosphere is so welcoming inside, that we don't have any issues dropping in. So happy they opened up. Just waiting to be able to order from them online! read more

See all

We went to try this place for the night after dinner. We ordered Taro Milk with boba. They opened two weeks ago. Great location near the Metuchen train station. The place is well lighted and clean. It offers free wifi. Servers are friendly, kind and helpful. This place will be the new hangout for students. read more

See all

JANUARY 17th 2023: Now, I found this place because I had went to Kit Tea and I messaged them about opening a location closer to me haha. They told me their other spots were called Akihi. Not much closer but I still made the trip! I got the Taro with cheese foam. This whole cheese foam thing is a game changer. When I was at Kit Tea, the girl there had guided me on how to order. So this is how I ordered on their kiosk: the percentage part, I put 70% with regular ice. Another reason I love them is for the popcorn chicken. When I loved in California, there were Quicklys everywhere and they had the Taiwanese popcorn chicken. Very special spices and addicting. Well this place has it and it does not disappoint. So so good!! Please open a location close Summit or Madison hahaha $6.50 for drinks - plus $1.50 for salt cheese and $0.75 for boba read more

See all

Nice interior with wooden simplistic theme. Different types of seating including floor seating with centered table, high chairs, low chairs. Games were available to play while enjoying teas/ food. Service was quick. I got the Thai tea with lychee bubbles and my friend got the crème brûlée tea. We each really enjoyed our drinks. Perfect amount of sweetness. Great flavor. Can't complain. There were lots of choices for drinks and food. They're also open late which is rare for the area so it's a nice place to hang out. I would definitely come back to try different teas and enjoy the vibes inside. read more

Akihi - Thai Tea - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

Recently visited for an after dinner "something sweet." Akihi is located in the busy main street in Metuchen. Parking can be a little difficult as there are many restaurants and shops along the street. However we were lucky enough to find a get a spot in front. When you walk in they have such a chill aesthetic. Some high top tables and a cool sitting area in the front. They have some fun flavors of drinks some teas, slushes, and even milk teas with soft serve and then with so many different toppings like bubbles, jelly, popping bubbles and even Oreo. They even have some small snacks to order. This time I ordered the brown sugar brulee and added boba. I also got a plain waffle. I ordered on the self checkout machine and waited for my order to be made. The waffle was made fresh and served warm and not too sweet. The brown sugar brulee was a milk tea with a sweet brulee topping. It was so good! I will definitely be back again and def a cool spot to hang out and even work at during the day. I'll be back again. Parking is a little tough as it is only street parking but there are lots nearby. read more

See all

Good bubble tea spot. A bit pricey but it is in downtown area so no surprise. Got a 50% sugar hot bubba tea. Like how easy it is to order your customized bubba on the kiosk. Not a big fan of mandatory tipping to place your order. They already charge a service fee so giving a required tip is excessive. Maybe if you order at the counter there is no mandatory tip. I dunno. Overall a good bubble tea place. Took a star off for the value/weird tipping system. read more

See all

Love going to this place. They have such interesting flavors. Who knew sticky rice can be a topping!? Definitely something I never had before. Their teas and very good and you can tell they use quality ingredients. I also love that they over a bowl of fried goodness in top of your bubble tea. I tried their Karaage. it Is not your traditional karaage but it was still very tasty. read more

It's a decent cute cafe styled Boba shop. I ordered a pinky drink at the kiosk and everything went well. The drink taste okay but the tipping culture went into affect here. You had to tip a min $1 in the kiosk or could not proceed. It was kinda a turn off making the drink $7. Otherwise it's okay and in a convenient location. read more

Akihi - Pinky - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey

New boba spot to the quaint Metuchen area. The moment you walk into this shop, you feel like you're in Tokyo. Wood elements, green plants, bamboo details and wicker furniture gives you a sense of calmness and zen. Lots of seating areas throughout. Order at the kiosk. Make sure you are thirsty because these drinks come in one large size. There are some very unique drink choices. Here is what we ordered: - Royal Blueberry Peach Tea - Sticky Rice Milk Tea - Salted Cheese Jasmine Tea At 30% sugar level it might not be sweet enough for most people but it was perfect for Ms. Bobalicious. I could really taste the tea flavor coming through. I had the Sticky Rice Milk Tea but wished the sticky rice was not too clumped together. VIP Card Rule - Only the first 10 guests of the day gets a corresponding button badge - Collet all 7 days (Mon-Sun) button badges for a VIP card with your name - Present this VIP C=card in any of the AKIHI stores to get 10% off every order I think this is one of the coolest boba rewards I have come across. This shop is not close to me so Idk if I can collect all 7 buttons (actual pins) but I feel determined to just because. Reminds me of the Yelp badges. Lol. read more

See all

Beautiful interior. I love the lofted wooden seating area above the sand where you can sit on bamboo cushions for a more intimate and proper tea drinking experience. The warm lighting and almost Chic tree house vibes make Akihi a comforting place for a retreat...and a treat! The Milk Tea Ice Cream in a waffle cone May be a bit pricey but worth it! The ice cream is so soft, creamy, and delicious. The waffle is the perfect complement to it. I've heard nothing but great things about all the drinks. Lots of customizable options so you can't ever leave unsatisfied, the service is always quick and efficient! read more

Akihi - Bubble Tea Near Me - Metuchen, New Jersey