I must admit that being a boomer, I'm not versed of the many choices of ordering boba drinks like the Gen X, millenials, and the Gen Z. Going to Tea Time Taiwan for the first time, I was somewhat intimidated, as I was amazed at the unlimited choices you have in placing an order. Lol, how can you make an easy decision on something that you know nothing about?!
Bubble tea, also known as boba, originated in Taiwan in the 1980's and arrived in the US in the 1990's, but didn't get popular until the 2000's. Bubble tea normally consists of tea with chewy tapioca balls (boba or pearls) but can be made with other toppings. Bubble tea has many varieties and flavors and predominantly comes in two categories: tea without milk and milk teas, with tea flavors of black, green, oolong, or other as the base.
Tea Time Taiwan, a family-owned restaurant and managed by Ivy Chiu, opened in Pearl City in Feb. 2014 that specializes in a huge selection of authentic Taiwanese drinks and desserts. This shop makes its fresh tea and boba every four hours and does not use powders or premade products that other shops do. In fact, Ivy is so passionate with this business that she travels to Taiwan twice per year to bring back the latest trends to HI. (Also note that Tea Time Taiwan opened its 2nd location at the Kapalama Shopping Center in Kalihi in Apr. 2020.)
There's a process in ordering your customized drink:
· Choose your drink flavor: sweet milk, ice tea, tea latte, smoothie, fruit tea, milk tea, or specialty.
· Choose your size: medium, large or jumbo.
· Choose your add-ons (50¢ each): tapioca, jellies, puddings, ice cream, foamies.
· Choose your sugar level: extra 110%, regular 100%, less 70%, half 50%, light 30%, or none 0%.
· Choose your ice level: extra, full, light, or none.
It was not so simple to make these choices, as I was not familiar with the tastes of all the items nor did not know what I would like or not like (drink choices, flavors, and toppings too numerous to list). Thanks to Evan, as he asked me a number of questions to determine what he could suggest.
We've had the following:
· Wintermelon tea with non-dairy latte, size large, half small tapioca balls, half custard, half sugar level, and no ice. Wow, that was good and so refreshing on this hot day! The wintermelon had a mild and subtle sweetness to it, and I loved the soft and the perfect chewiness of the bobas, and the creamy custard. Thanks, Evan, I didn't have to think! Plus, there was a listed posting of five of their current popular drinks, which should assist in making an easier decision.
· Spring tea, peach base, less sugar, coconut jelly. Thanks to Evan's assistance, he helped me concoct a very tasty and refreshing drink! Initially, I had wanted custard, but he mentioned that a better choice would be coconut jelly. This drink was fruity and had a light pineapple taste that I really liked.
· Eggfles. These egg waffle desserts were introduced in Spring 2021 and are a perfect tasty snack, as the egg-shaped bubble waffle each had a filling of custard, azuki bean, or boba balls. It was interesting to watch how the eggfles were made in the waffle mold machine, as Evan "branded" each with its "Tea Time Taiwan" wording.
Customer service was excellent! Ivy's mother and brother, Evonne and Evan, respectively, were in charge while we were there. Both were very friendly, accommodating, and spent time to answer my many questions to customize my drink to my preferences. Always smiling, they did not rush me to make a decision.
The interior décor is cool, casual yet stylish, and trendy! There are varying sizes of wooden teak tables with cushioned and colored chairs and sofas to make you comfortable as you enjoy your boba drinks and desserts. It's clean, with bright white walls adorned with tastefully art décor.
COVID requirements are in place: social distancing, tables and seats appropriately placed, facial masks, and hand sanitizer available. All staff is fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination required for customers to dine in.
Hours of operation are Mon 12:30p-9:00p and Tues to Sun 10:30a to 9:00p. Free parking in their private lot that is shared with other businesses by driving up a ramp right next to the shop (before Midas) and taking the elevator down to the 1st floor. Free curbside parking in front or park in the Times Supermarket parking lot and walk down.
Note that there is a $10 minimum for credit/debit card purchases. Tea Time Taiwan also participates in the Clover rewards program, so you just need to punch in your phone number when you make purchases.
Learned a lot about bubble teas! It's never too late for the first time, and we feel more at ease to return and start trying the many different combinations of drinks and desserts available! Can't wait! read more