Order: 2 popcorn chicken, chicken wings and sesame ball Service: appropriate wait time but ask for napkins and provided with only 2 napkins for 4 items...?!?!? I prefer Castro Valley i-tea over San Leandro. CV popcorn chicken has more seasoning, spice and flavor. SL popcorn chicken was tasteless and bland. If I ever crave popcorn chicken or any sort of snacks I would go to CV I-tea. read more

I'm debating really hard on giving this review 3 stars or 4 stars. Let me give you some insight first, then my experience here last Saturday night. I will say i-Tea is one of my favorite boba chain restaurants in the Bay Area because of the equality and price you pay for it. My favorite item on the menu is hands down their croquettes. I've tried croquettes at other places, and for some reason, nothing has even been to the level of i-Tea. Now fast forward to Saturday night. If you been to i-Tea recently, you'll know that lines get pretty long here and it take a while for to make the drinks. With that in mind, I decided to put in an order online. The order placed at 8pm, they close at 9pm. I ordered the signature milk tea, croquette, and garlic short rib noodles. I've never tried their short rib garlic noodles before, but had many of their other food selections before and they are surprisingly better than expected from a boba spot. It took 35 mins for the order to be ready for pick up. I get home and to my surprise when I bite into the croquette. It tastes completely different from what I had remembered. They changed the ingredients or how it was made. The filling is Chinese curry or something, nowhere near the sweet buttery filling that I was used to. Then there was the short rib garlic noodles. The garlic noodles were fine, it's within what I expected. However, there was no short ribs to be found. There was regular beef strips but no short ribs. That's just not right. It's beef garlic noodles, not short ribs. Incredibly false. I would really love for the croquettes to go back to how I remembered them. And for there to be actual short ribs with the garlic noodles, or changed menu to properly reflect that there's no short ribs with the garlic noodles. I'm just hoping these inconsistencies are because of an off night, or just this location. Again, I usually have positive experiences at i-Tea, but the experience I had has me weary. Especially this location. read more

See all

I mostly came for steam buns since I was having a craving. Full disclosure it was super busy. The staff were very nice, but when they took my order I overheard them asking if they had steam buns available to which the other staff member said yes. When I got them, they seemed pretty warm but were still partially frozen. At first, I thought they were just a bit cold but by the second one I was pretty sure they weren't heated through. I was several blocks away already and thought about turning back to return them, but I felt like that would be unproductive. I'd say in the future if you don't have a food item ready and available to just say so. I'd have preferred to order something else than get something that hadn't been defrosted. read more

i-Tea - Pork Baozi - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

See all

I don't understand how the food can be so good at a boba tea place. And the prices are really fair for the portion size

Review is mostly for their steamed pork dumpling dish (4 flavors) in spicy peanut sauce. The sauce did not go well (sauce profile would have been better for satay grilled skewers) and was overly sweet and greasy. It would have tasted better with just plain chili oil. The stuffing consisted of minced pork with cabbage, pork with chives, pork with corn and woodear, and another pork variation inside different colored wrappings. I also tried the Lava salted egg yolk, taro balls. That was Okay. Had to reheat that at home in the air fryer when I returned. Their drinks are pretty good though. Hit or miss with some of their food items. read more

i-Tea - Steamed pork dumpling dish (4 flavors) in spicy peanut sauce. Looked good, but didn't taste good at all. - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

See all

Busy location! The parking lot is pretty crowded because this plaza has lots of great stuff to offer but this location is popular for good reason! Great teas and yummy snacks! read more

Ive always gone to this place since its opened and more conveniently since COVID started and they implemented their online/phone ordering system. They are always reliable, nice, and fast. Roasted Oolong Milk Tea are always my go-to and it never disappoints. And for the first time, we decided to try the food options here. AND WOW! I am so surprised that this very popular boba place can produce this delicious food quickly enough to accompany my drink. We got the chashu rice bowl and the beef garlic noodle and the portion size was HUGE that we had to take some home. LOVE! read more

i-Tea - Chashu Rice Bowl - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

See all

One of the best menu selections I've seen at a boba place - so many options, from simple go-to drinks to incredibly fancy concoctions. Also this I-Tea was packed out and had a big line, so the customer hype speaks for itself. I tried their special seasonal drink, the mango pomelo sago! The amount of sago you get is great; they were a little light on the pomelo but it was definitely on the tart side so maybe it evened out. But otherwise drink consistency and flavor was excellent. My only complaint was that it wasn't very cold, and for a dairy-ish drink you definitely notice. There isn't a ton of seating but this feels more like a grab and go sort of location. And the tables could probably benefit from a wipe down every now and then. I'd definitely come back here and do what we did again, which was get pho at Joe's Pho nearby and walk over for boba after! read more

This i-Tea location is in San Leandro in the Pelton Shopping Center. This is a busier plaza and it is small and tight, so parking may be hit or miss. This is a busier store as well, so ordering ahead or online would be the most ideal. They are more consistent at this particular location, but the service here is not the best. My go to is their jasmine milk tea. I feel like this drink here has a good cream and tea ratio. I noticed when I order ahead for pick up, my drink is not as cold as if I order them in person - I am not sure how long they sit out for, until I get that message confirmation to pick up my drink. read more

This was my first visit. I tried the garlic chicken noodle plate. The food was well prepared and of good quality ingredients. I will be back, if not to this location, then one of the other many locations. Thank you!!! read more

Things are much better now but I never use their app. Just go up and order in person or call in and go and pick up. Lines aren't as long nowadays especially at off hours. My go to is still the mango frosty (with mango pieces) -- especially thirst-quenching on a warm day! I get it 50% sugar so that it isn't so sweet. read more

See all

Loved our drinks! I got one Fresh Mango Sago, 30% sugar. Has nice chunks of fresh mango in it. For got to ask for boba in mine which made me sooo sad, but that was totally on me. Got fried calamari. If you're sensitive to spice, make sure to tell them no red pepper. I appreciate that they have a decent amount of caffeine free drinks, although I'd like to have more dairy free AND caffeine free options. read more

I salute Mango sago. It is made with perfection it will never let me down when I needed a drink one of the best! it gets really crowded here but it's not too bad I can wait couple minutes since this place gets so busy. I have no complaints It can also get really loud in here. I sometimes think that Im inside the bar instead of a boba shop LOL read more

On a hot day I find the rose green tea cool and satisfying! AHHhhh Since I was making a drink run I also picked up a mango sago and jasmine green milk tea with boba for the fam. Since the pandemic I got use to the convenience of ordering online and skipping long lines during peak times. I find it very efficient and you can customize to your liking on the website. Oh highly recommend setting up a profile to get notifications. After placing your order, you get a text message and email (1) order was placed (2) order ready for pick up. So simple right? If you are craving a snack the basil popcorn chicken or fried sesame balls with red bean are my fav. Curry fish balls and seasoned curly fries are yummy too. read more

i-Tea - Rose green tea and jeen-doy. - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

Before all the other Itea spots opened up in the Bay Area, this was one of the go to spots for me. They have a large seating area and happy hour. Their lines go all the way around the building during normal hours. Because of COVID, there's no more indoor dining but I still enjoy stopping by and grabbing a drink when I'm in the area. The quality is consistent and the service is quick and friendly thanks read more

i-Tea - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

Such a cute storefront with very efficient staff. Lots of good options for food menu items too, but I always stick to my favorite - basil popcorn chicken! Garlic chunks and seasoning on chicken were good, though I wish the staff asked me if I could change the spice level - I like it spicy haha read more

i-Tea - Basil popcorn chicken - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

With shelter-in-place enforced, my mom and I are thrilled that i-Tea is still open for business and draws a crowd. When we went on a Saturday afternoon, there was quite a line of people. It was worth it though. The staff was efficient with giving out boba orders after boba orders, and the Taiwanese popcorn chicken that we ordered was fresh and hot! I think we finished our popcorn chicken within 10 minutes of getting it. The entrance has been converted into a ordering station and a pick up station, so no customer can actually enter the establishment. They provide hand sanitizers too, which is great! Definitely hoping that this place makes it through the pandemic. read more

See all

I was surprised by how good the food is at i-Tea. I've had plenty of popcorn chicken and fried snacks from a LOT of boba places, but I wasn't sure if I was going to be impressed or disappointed by the ramen and dumplings at i-Tea. Color me impressed. However, if you can avoid coming here on a weekday during the school year after school has let out, I'd recommend it. There's nowhere to sit to eat your food thanks to the high schoolers who do their homework at the tables like it's the library and the workers who don't ask them to move once they're done with their food and drinks. If you can grab a table though, grab a bowl of ramen to enjoy while you're seated. I tried to get the spicy angus rib noodle, but they were out, so I went with the dan dan noodles instead. I also got an order of the pork dumplings in chili peanut sauce. The drink menu here is alright. Yes, it's huge, but I also didn't see a ton of drinks that really jumped out at me. I ended up ordering the strawberry and mango fruit tea with boba. This was a full-sized bowl of ramen that got me full, especially with the dumplings. The slices of chashu were a little on the small side, though, but the broth was delicious. Good flavor and a nice level of spice. The chili peanut sauce on the dumplings was a little too salty (like someone went too heavy handed seasoning it), but the flavor was fantastic and the dumplings had a lot of pork in them. There were also a lot of dumplings to one order; that could be a light meal on its own. The strawberry mango fruit tea was great, very refreshing and not over-the-top sweet, but the fruit was cubed up too large to drink with the boba straw. I would've had to have gone in there with a spoon and ripped the plastic off the top of the cup to eat it all. I'd recommend these guys start cubing the fruit smaller so it doesn't go to waste and is drinkable with the boba straw. I can see why there are always lines out the door for i-Tea. Not my favorite boba spot, but really, really solid overall and good food. read more

Came here when our usual Boba Spot was closed and I think I might've found my new place! We ordered the passion frosty & crème brûlée milk tea. Passion frosty - 10/10 I also added heart jelly which tastes like strawberry jelly. It was delicious. Only thing I would point out is I ordered it extra sweet and it was not extra sweet at all. Still very tasty! Crem brûlée milk tea - 8/10 we also ordered this sweet and it did not come this way. It also comes with real crème brûlée on top to eat with a spoon! Would try again but I'd definitely make sure to emphasize the sweetness. read more

iTea is one of our go-to boba places in San Leandro. They offer different types of drinks, snacks, rice meals and ramen too. I tried their special Japanese Matcha Red Bean smoothie and I really liked the combination. Definitely a must-try! I recommend ordering online and pick up since it gets packed especially in the afternoon. read more

i-Tea - Japanese Matcha Red Bean Smoothie, Panda Milk Tea - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

This is one of the most consistent iTeas in the Bay Area. We've been coming here for many years and the drink is always on point. They must do a good job training their employees to follow the recipe! Please open the whole seating area! I miss hanging out here and eating noodles too. You guys had good vibes going on here precovid. Our usuals: milk tea w pudding, Thai tea (perfect flavor), oolong tea, passion fruit tea. I do have to say though, their boba/pearls are good but not the best. They don't sit well with me. I switched to pudding which is so smooth with the milk tea. Located in the Pelton Plaza. There is a parking lot but it could be tricky finding parking during busy times. read more

I ordered a classic milk tea with boba 50% sweet. The flavor of the milk tea itself was fine but the boba balls felt really stale and unpleasant to chew to the extent that I didn't want to finish my drink :/ I much prefer the boba other places. Didn't dine in so no comments on the service or ambiance. read more

After eating dim sum for lunch, I was craving boba. Luckily, i-Tea was within walking distance to Xiao Long Bao. i-Tea is located in the Pelton Shopping Center. Good thing we didn't drive because we discovered more metered parking at this shopping center. However, we had about 30 minutes to spare and after all that good eating, we had no excuse but to walk over to i-Tea. I thought I could order my boba and go. I didn't realize how busy this place is! It was so crowded! I was in line for about 10 minutes before I could place my order. And then another 20 minute wait for my drink to be prepared. Their menu is quite large. Lots of unique flavor combinations. I was hoping to try the Tiramisu boba but they were sold out. So my next choice was the Creme Brulee Boba Milk Tea. Glad I picked this one. It was the perfect "dessert" in a cup! The creme brulee was thick and creamy with that slight burnt taste you get from caramelizing the sugar. I appreciate how you can adjust your sweetness and ice levels too. I loved the beverage container. It includes a clever plastic spoon holder on the lid so I could scoop out any bites of creme brulee. Genius! We had to walk back to our car quickly because we knew our meter was going to expire and we didn't want a ticket. Wouldn't you know it. Expired! Well, at least we got a few steps in! Next time I hope to try the Tiramisu boba. read more

See all

Tea and food are both great from here. And their selection is huge. I can't really comment on their boba and creamy drinks but I love their pomelo green tea. I've ordered a number of food items and they have all been good. Don't hesitate and always order the popcorn chicken cuz it's delicious and yes, its legit and actually comes with basil. Their black garlic ramen is surprisingly impressive and umami fosho. Their tea eggs and spicy wontons hit the spot too. It looks like they're always adding new seasonal food items to try too. Their kitchen back there puts in work! They also have convenient ways to order ahead online on their website. Ordering togo in the store was quite efficient for me as well. They have been good with my orders with door dash as well. I think their portion sizes are great with their prices. Would definitely recommend this restaurant so you can satisfy boba tea and asian food cravings in one! read more

Had a hair in my fried calamari twice, on separate occasions, but won't stop me from coming here. Best tasting classic milk tea and calamari. That's why they get a 5 star review. read more

3/16/23 Alright, I gotta admit, their drinks are top-notch. Like seriously PUNCHY drinks. BUT............... they REALLY have to work on their efficiency. It was pretty ridiculous. 7:30pm on a Thurs night, and yeah they got plenty of business, but TWENTY FIVE MINUTES for our drinks??? I checked the timestamps on my pics--yes 25min from order to getting our drinks. That's unacceptable. 1. Super Lime Sijichun + Boba $6.25: It's like a super duper strong limeade with an Asian/Japanese citrus flavor. I think their default has no add ins, so I added boba, which btw was a perfectly mex of tenderness and texture, and also stayed that way for hours. 8/10 2. Double Chocolate Tea Bobaccino $5.75: Got this for my 3yr old cause he's totally into "hot" chocolate these days, and man it's like drinking a chocolate mousse. Really good. 10/10 3. Signature Boba Milk Tea $5.25: Good tea flavor. Nice. 8/10 I probably would have given them 5 stars, but to wait 25min for 3 drinks at a boba shop is pretty bad. 4/5 #sanleandro #bobatea #bobadrinks #chinesedrinks #chinesesnacks #chinesestreetfood #chocolateboba #bobamilktea read more

Will someone please tell me what all the fuss is about??? Is the a shortage of boba shops in San Leandro? I rarely write reviews under 3 stars it sadly this is one of them. I landed at this spot since I was in the area and craved a boba tea. Nobody told me that parking was going to be a super pain and that I'd have to literally pay for a parking space. Next, the line was about 4 deep when I walked in while many people were coming in and out for called ahead orders. I patiently waited 18 minutes for my order. 18minutes!!! For 2 regular sized, basic menu drinks (ube with boba and kiwi w/ boba). I patiently waited as I saw more and more people get in line after me to order. When my number was finally called, there was only one drink on the counter. I asked "where's my other drink"? The kind lady said, "it was here". I told her that I watched a child retrieve the drink and put it on his table. She walked over, grabbed it, took it back behind the counter, mumbled some words to me and about 30 seconds later, gave me the (same) drink. I didn't complain or ask her to remake it because at this point, I wasn't willing to wait another almost 20 minutes for a mediocre drink. She didn't offer anyway. Not enough kiwi flavor. Sadly, I was not mind blown with the flavors, or service, and I won't go here again. read more

i-Tea - Sad looking kiwi tea- watered down - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

I love iTea and it is one of the best milk tea places around. With the SIP, I believe that this franchise has done a great job in customer service and providing quality food and drinks. I HIGHLY recommend you to order through the phone at least 10 minutes before you go to pick up the goods. You have the option of paying through phone or paying there. I usually pay there because I don't want to share my card number. For the people who are getting upset at their slow service, I just want you to remember that everyone is trying their best during times like this. Be patient. Nonetheless, iTea is very professional at handling customer service and I will keep coming back! Thank you iTea! read more

I like the calamari here, they give plenty. Kinda stingy with the drink holders; asked two employees for one for my to go drinks and was first told that they were out. I asked why other orders were being placed in holders and was told that they were for to go orders only. Weird. read more

Food was great. Descent price, large portions. We ordered fried fish fillet (Y14), Baked chicken and rice in Portuguese sauce (Y44) and BBQ Pork over rice (cha siu, Y88) and a Strawberry Delight . Everything was delicious and the strawberry delight is my new fave. It was refreshing and a great treat to end the weekend. Parking was hard to find but if you're patient, you will find a spot. I recommend order online or phone in ahead to pick up orders without waiting long. read more

See all

This location is always busy in downtown San Leandro but it's great. All of their drinks are amazing. I typically opt in for less sweet.

When you dine in at a restaurant especially for hot noodle, I expect a real bowl and not just take out containers. Even when I asked for a bowl, a small styrofoam bowl was brought out. Not only is this bad for the environment, this just takes away from the taste of the noodles. Prices had been raised but overall service and everything else has gone downhill. This used to be our go to spot but, after this, no more. Pet peeve that the business is just cutting cost to the point of creating more plastic for our community and environment. I just can't support dine in restaurants that serves food in plastic and styrofoam. read more

i-Tea - House noodle in plastic container - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

I always thought this chain was just a boba store. While I'm Asian, I never had "Tiger parents" and not into boba drinks. However, inspired by the #yelpeastbay posting on Instagram, I've discovered I-Tea offers food! A quick look at the reviews and saw my yelp peeps Karen L Tiffany N, Edna G, and Hazel C gave it a thumbs up! I took a look at the menu posted and decided to trek down for dinner. Black Garlic Oil Ramen was on my mind and saw the price was right. I also saw the Earl Grey Milk Tea, which reminded me of HKg. Okay I'm ready to order. A darling Asian sista took my order and I found a seat. It's a big store and fairly clean. You pick up the drink at the counter and the food comes to your table. The napkin says "Chaoshang Tea." I looked it up. The Chaoshan region in the eastern part of China's Guangdong Province. The Black Garlic Oil Ramen came garnished with a soft boiled seasoned egg, spinach, bamboo shoots, saffron, gobo (burdock root), kamaboko (Fish cake, corn, a piece of nori, and three double cut char sui. The noodles are medium firm. A lot more going on than Japanese Ramen, but tasty nevertheless. A nice big portion. My Earl Grey Milk Tea was classic HKg. Very British. I loved it. No topping, even though the Yelp check-in provided a free topping. There's so much more on the menu with rice plates and other a la carte entrees. I'll have to come back! read more

See all

This place has really good garlic noodles and I love the drinks and how the sugar level can be adjusted. The service is always great! read more

They've got great boba and delicious food! I love the way they season their fried calamari. Another favorite is their shrimp lollipops. Their portions are big, which i love! They're usually very busy, so sometimes there's a bit of a wait, but it's so delicious and worth it!! read more

Service is good and the drinks are always consistent for the most part. I've been recently into non caffeinated drinks lately and the hazelnut pudding milk is great. It usually comes in a large size as standard but the last couple times here, they've been giving it in a regular cup. Since the drink was dropped off to me, I couldn't not address this with the staff. Drink is still good but I wish it came in its proper read more

I-tea in general is my fave boba tea place! But I realized today when I was craving a fruit smoothie that they're lacking in the smoothie department. Got the Mango Sago, thought it was ok. Lots of hype around it, but I think it's just ok. The juice reminds me of the mango juice you get from Costco in the big jug. Idk, just wasn't super special to me! I also tried the seafood baked rice dish. Lots of rice but not a whole lot of sauce or seafood. I actually came here twice today. The first time around there was a line and I was rushing to go somewhere else so I just came back a couple of hours later. When I got back there was still a line! It didn't move super quick, so be prepared for that. Also be prepared for limited parking on a weekend. read more

i-Tea - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Leandro, California

Food was over price but we paid it. The drinks were just ok. The young cashier was not happy at all to be doing her job. Rude attitude honestly. $90.00 waisted but it was worth trying it to know that we are not coming back. read more

i-Tea doesn't fail. It's casual and has tasty food options, and occasionally they experiment with new type of dishes that I imagine is based off of what the community likes. If what you're ordering is: 1) A main entree. You order, take a number, and get seated and then a server will bring the food out to you. 2) Appetizer or snack or drink. You order, and they give you a receipt with a number and they will yell out the order number. 3) Combo of 1 and 2. Take your number and sit down. Main entrees will come to you, but you'll have to be cognizant of your receipt number (a different number) where your drinks and appetizers will be called atthe counter, separately. Don't worry, I made a fool of myself plenty of times waiting for all my order to come through at the table. These notes are more for me then it is for you. Foodwise, ramen is surprisingly good for a place that doesn't really advertise ramen. I highly recommend it. The egg and chashu is cooked on point, every time. I just don't quite fancy the type of noodle and consistency of it (too soft for me), but 5/5 times I dine here, I'll get the ramen. The popcorn chicken is also pretty good. I always douse the hell outta that chili powder so it's a nice red coat all around. Trust me, if you like spice, it'll taste way better, and it's not really even spicy at all. For tea, I like the Roasted oolong milk tea with 30% sugar, and no ice, add egg pudding, and sometimes grass jelly. Always no ice! Don't worry, it will be cold, and you'll get a lot more tea than ice. Sometimes I've considered more than 100% sugar or ice and just to muse over an overly sweet icee/slushee mountain like you would get at 7-11. The only thing I don't like is their lack of a central source for information. Some of the menu items you see on the TV monitors by the entrance, some by the cashier, some behind the counter...and they're ALL different. Happy hour isn't really listed anywhere other than by the island counter at the entrance that you may happen to gander. Not that they need to advertise it better considering how booming this place is on the regular... Oh, make sure you check-in on Yelp for that free topping and also put your number in for the Five-star reward to get that free drink after 10 drinks. If you're like me, you'll be coming back for it. read more

I-tea has been my go-to place for boba and snacks for years now. The food has really good flavor and my favorite is the popcorn chicken. The service is really quick, especially if you're able to order online. The place used to have way more seating, but with COVID-19, they had to reduce the amount of tables. Nonetheless, it's still a great place to grab a quick bite and a drink. read more