Taiwanese Bubble Tea And Street Food - BoboQ @ Charing Cross Street

The Real Deal Taiwanese Bubble Tea

With Bubble Tea Shops sprouting like mushrooms all over Europe, it is often difficult to know which one to pick. Let me give you a hint: If it’s genuine you are looking for, BoboQ’s London branch is a good place to start. The real deal Bubble Tea shop in China Town is run by a mix of Taiwanese staff, from the place that brought the bubbly brew into our lives, and helpful locals that can guide you through the art of ordering bubble tea.

Spoilt For Choice – BoboQ Drinks Menu

The first reaction when you walk up to the counter is a wave of astonishment at the sheer range of choices. Originally made with black milk tea and tapioca pearls, bubble tea has long since evolved into something much more complex.  BoboQ offer black teas, green teas or even yoghurts with extra flavouring such as mango, strawberry and passion fruit to choose from. For those amongst us, who prefer it less sweet there half sugar or no sugar options are also available! And then you still have to add the topping! Tapioca Pearls have been joined by new additions such as Aloe Vera Jelly or Popping Bobas. What now?

Let’s back up a little…Popping Bobas, what the heck is that? The little pearls of fruit juice are produced using principles of molecular gastronomy: through a chemical reaction a thin skin forms around the drops of juice making them POP and explode in your mouth in all their fruity glory.

The choice of 20 different toppings at BoboQ is one of the largest on offer with tastes from lychee to yoghurt. Apparently, especially newcomers to the BT scene enjoy the extensive range and create their own crazy tea and bubble mixes.

Of course the question is, has BoboQ chosen quantity over quality? I can assure you, it hasn’t. Its original Pearl Milk tea is sweet, but not too sweet. It tastes of tea, but not too strong. The pearls are chewy, but not hard. Simply tealicious.

Taiwanese Snacks and Cakes at BoboQ

Since the culinary trip would not be complete without a taste of Taiwan, BoboQ offers a range of Taiwanese snacks, which will be even further extended in 2013. So far you can get Taiwanese street food such as my absolute fav, the classic Taiwanese salty crispy chicken (aka salt and pepper chicken), an amazingly fragrant and tasty vermicelli noodle dish with Chinese mushrooms and tender pork or Guandong Zhu, a mix of stewed fishball, sausage and vegetable skewers cooked in broth (non- spicy or steam-out-of-your-ears-spicy, i.e. the best!) amongst other signatory dishes.

If you have more of a sweet tooth you are sure to find something at the cake counter, any child’s dream come true. In cooperation with Old Tree, BoboQ is offering an extensive range of aesthetically decorated, yummy cakes ranging from classics such as cheese cake to more daring flavours for Western mouths such as green tea cakes and biscuits – definitely worth a try, if you are interested in tasting new things.

BubbleTail Revolution?

And as if this were not enough, BoboQ has even become an innovator in the world of Bubble by creating the first Bubble Cocktail (or BubbleTail as I think it should be called!). BoboQ’s very own bartender has infused a milky smooth Grasshopper cocktail with tapioca pearls. And here I was thinking Bubble Tea could not get any better!

More than just Tea To Go – Bubble Tea Café and Party Floor

So, now you will be wondering why BoboQ has its very own barman. Well, that is because BoboQ is not just another small Bubble Tea shop with a counter and two tables to stand at. It is actually the largest BT shop in London with a very generous seating area, comfy sofas and even an upstairs party floor including bar.

Ivy, one of BoboQs friendly staff tells us that making people feel welcome to stay and chill out for a while is the whole point of the shop. Not just another rush-in-rush-out To Go tea shop but more of a café where people can stay and work or just relax after a long day.

And this is exactly what the café’s design reflects. Stylishly decorated in warm orange and white tones (apparently within only the space of one week!), spacious and with cosy seating, the shop has such a calming, relaxed feel, a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of busy London. Absolute highlight are the coat hangers shaped as dog butts – I am in love!

In such a central location, it just lends itself for an after-work chat. You are more of an after-work party person? No problem! BoboQ has a licence and the second floor has space for parties of around 40 people – private or company – with a bar and even karaoke! You can enjoy your BubbleTail and party it up with your friends. They are even having a party for New Years.

To sum it up, the friendly staff, the lovely atmosphere and the good food and drink make BoboQ a wonderful place to hang out, let the soul dangle and try something new! Their different offers such as 2 for 1 per Facebook like or a cake and a drink for £5 make it even more tempting.

***Sadly it seems that this place has been closed down****

BoboQ

61 Charing Cross Street

WC2H 7PR London

BoboQ UK