Bubble tea is a delicious Taiwanese drink that has taken the world by storm in recent years. While there are many variations, the most popular version is made with black tea, milk, and tapioca balls (or “bubbles”). Because of the dairy milk traditionally used, this drink is not originally vegan.
Fortunately for vegans, New York City is home to a few excellent bubble tea spots that can make a vegan version – read on to find our top choices!
- What is Bubble Tea?
- How Do I Order a Vegan Boba?
- The Top Vegan Bubble Tea Spots in New York City
- The Best Vegan Boba Tea Recipe (3 Flavors!)
- The Bottom Line
1. What is Bubble Tea?
Bubble tea is a type of Taiwanese tea that has become popular in recent years. It is made by mixing tea with milk, fruit juice, and chewy tapioca balls.
Bubble tea can be served cold or hot, and it can be made with different types of tea, including green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. The pearls can be cooked or uncooked.
Bubble tea is often sweetened with sugar or honey, but it can also be made without sweeteners.
Bubble tea can be found in many Asian restaurants and cafes, as well as in some Western countries. bubble tea has become a popular beverage among young people, who enjoy its unique taste and chewable tapioca balls.
Bubble tea is often customized to suit the customer’s preferences, and it can be made with a variety of different teas, fruits, and syrups.
2. How Do I Order a Vegan Boba?
Most boba tea is made with cow’s milk, which means that it is not suitable for vegans. However, it is possible to order a vegan version, as long as the shop has the ingredients needed for the alternative drink.
When ordering, simply ask for your tea to be made with plant-based milk such as almond or Soy milk.
While many boba tea shops use honey as a sweetener, most are willing to use agave nectar or another type of vegan-friendly sweetener upon request.
With a few simple adjustments, it is easy to enjoy a delicious cup of vegan boba tea.
3. The Top Vegan Bubble Tea Spots in New York City
Bubble tea has become increasingly popular in recent years, but vegans can still find it difficult to find plant-based options at many bubble tea shops.
While some shops are beginning to offer vegan options, others have yet to catch up. However, even if you don’t find the option on the menu, it is always worth asking the staff if they have any plant-based milk available for your order.
In many cases, they will be able to accommodate your request. So don’t be afraid to ask!
Below are some of the top shops in NYC that carry plant-based milk and will be able to make you a tasty cup of bubble tea.
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3.1. Boba Guys
Boba Guys is a great option if you’re looking for quality tea and bubbles. Their Milk Oolong Tea is made with organic oat milk and has earned rave reviews from both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Boba Guys offers a range of flavors to choose from, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a dairy-free alternative. Boba Guys also uses high-quality vegan milk, which means that your drink will be both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re vegan or not, Boba Guys is worth checking out!
Boba Guys have two locations in NYC:
Soho Location
145 Greene St (entrance on Houston)
Nolita Location
35 Spring St
3.2. Tea & Milk
Tea & Milk is a great place to get your bubble tea fix. Their teas can be made with vegan milk options like almond and oat, so you can enjoy your favorite drink without worry. They also offer a delicious Watermelon Green Tea that is perfect for summer sipping. So head to Tea & Milk next time you’re in the mood for something fruity and refreshing!
NYC Address:
75 9th Avenue (Lower Level)
3.3. Juicy Cube
Juicy Cube is a great spot for vegan bubble tea in the city. They offer a wide variety of flavors and options, so you’re sure to find something you love. Whether you’re a bubble tea fanatic or just looking to try something new, Juicy Cube is the perfect place for you.
NYC Address:
674 Lexington Ave (between E55th st + E56th st)
3.4. Gong Cha
Gong Cha is a popular bubble tea chain that started in Taiwan. They are well-known for their high-quality tea and their wide selection of flavors. Gong Cha offers both hot and cold options, as well as a variety of milk tea flavors. You can also request non-dairy milk for your tea if you prefer. Gong Cha is a great place to get a refreshing and flavorful cup of bubble tea.
NYC Address: 75 West 38th Street
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4. The Best Vegan Boba Tea Recipe (3 Flavors!)
The great thing about making boba tea at home is that you can control the ingredients and make it exactly how you like it.
This vegan boba tea recipe is made with three delicious flavors – strawberry, mango, and lychee – but feel free to experiment with other fruit combinations. The tapioca pearls can also be flavored, so have fun and be creative!
Ingredients:
-1 cup of black or green tea, brewed
-1 cup of non-dairy milk
-1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
-1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
-1/2 cup fresh or frozen lychees (or other fruit of choice)
-3 tablespoons tapioca pearls, cooked according to package instructions
(optional: flavor the tapioca pearls with a little bit of syrup from the fruit)
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea and let it cool.
2. In a blender, combine the tea, plant-based milk, strawberries, mango, and lychees (or other fruit) and blend until smooth.
3. Divide the mixture into glasses and add the tapioca pearls. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
This recipe makes enough for 2-3 servings, depending on how big your glasses are. If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge and enjoy them within a day or two. The tapioca pearls will start to get mushy if they sit in the tea for too long, so it’s best to consume them right away.
That’s all there is to it! This vegan boba tea recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your taste. Experiment with different fruits, flavorings, and even colors to create your perfect cup of bubble tea. Enjoy!
5. The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing vegan bubble tea in NYC, then you should definitely check out one of the spots on this list. From Boba Guys to Gong Cha, there are plenty of great places to get your boba fix. So what are you waiting for? Go out and enjoy a cup of bubble tea today!