Verdict: While it finally seems as though Milk Tea (or Boba, as it's often called) is catching on…read morein the United States, I was thrilled to find that it already has a strong hold on the Asian mecca that is Melbourne's Chinatown, and while I can't say Bubble Cup is quite up to par with nearby Tea Station (http://www.yelp.com/biz/ten-rens-tea-station-melbourne#hrid:6CEehHivZT73eJ7ozLGbeA/src:self), they dish up some good tea.
Star 1: How was the service and atmosphere?
No different from the endless other small mall shops in Melbourne, Bubble Cup is pretty straightforward. There's a counter, you place your order, pay, and boom. Tea. Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
Having been to both Bubble Cup and Tea Station (and having walked past two other Milk Tea shops), it would appear as though the price for a large Milk Tea with Pearls is pretty fixed across the board at between $4.60 and $5.00. While I think Bubble Tea's large is a bit larger than that of Tea Station, both are a good value. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
My standard Black Milk Tea with Pearls was quite good, with just the right amount of sweetness brought on by a good milk to tea ratio, but I must say I was a bit disappointed with Bubble Cup's selection after visiting nearby Tea Station. While the menu may seem extensive, you quickly realize that most of the options are simply the same thing with one of a few flavor syrups added. Especially compared to Tea Stations behemoth of a menu, this was a bit disappointing. Single Star Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
Bubble Cup is quick, easy, affordable, and dishes up some good Boba. However, nearby Tea Station really does have them beat in terms of selection, so I can't say I'd come to Bubble Cup for my tea fix on a daily basis. No Star Granted.