Tastea

As one of the earliest boba tea shops in the United States, the first Garden Grove location of Tastea has since spawned over 30 additional locations, two-thirds in Orange and LA Counties, the rest franchised elsewhere in California, Arizona, and Texas. Though it was preceded by Tapioca Express in 1999 and Lollicup in 2000 – the latter infamously expanding to the point of implosion and brand erosion – Tastea moved more cautiously, waiting 15 years after its first location opened to begin franchising past its third company-owned store. As a result, its quality is comparatively consistent: Across 10 OC locations, this is the rare boba brand that has remained good to very good for nearly 25 years, and one we’d gladly recommend to anyone.

Almost all of Tastea’s menu focuses on various forms of tea: milk-free “Specialteas,” more basic “Simpliciteas,” three ascendingly complex types of Milk Teas, plus three non-tea categories: Smoothies, Slushy Freezes, and a small collection of Coffees. Prices range from $5 to $6.80 for a 20-ounce cup, or from $7 to $8.80 for a 32-ounce cup – each is larger than typical 16-ounce portions, and the latter actually looks and feels like two drinks at the same price as some boba shops now charge for one. We ordered a 32-ounce cup of the slushy-styled Lychee Freeze ($8.55) and were still finishing off the last bits of lychee and coconut jelly 30 minutes later, having enjoyed every prior sip.