Bubble tea or pearl milk tea — more commonly referred to as boba tea — started gaining popularity in Asia during the 1980s. It took off in the states in recent years, especially among Gen Z, and it seems like it’s here to stay.
We asked our Instagram followers to nominate their favorite boba tea shops in LOU, and here are the suggestions:
Fun Tea, 1608 Bardstown Rd.
Build your own bubble drink — plus, don’t skip trying a bubble puff cake dessert.
Sip this: Lavender milk tea, which can be served hot. Instagram user @e1s0ph0b1a recommends the bubble waffles.
Tiger Sugar, 150 Bardstown Rd.
This national chain has both milk and non-milk teas, like its award-winning oolong tea.
Sip this: The Tiger Mango Sago, made with mango chunks.
Sharetea, 3333 Bardstown Rd. + 13210 Shelbyville Rd.
Pick from a wide range of fruit teas, milk teas, blended drinks, and even five kinds of mojitos.
Sip this: Decaf strawberry matcha topped with sakura crystal boba.
The Bep, 1702 Bardstown Rd.
Take your pick of milk and non-milk teas, plus toppings like cheese foam, cream brulee, and popping fruit jellies.
Sip this: The herbal fresh coco refresher comes with grass jellies, a mild, herbal gelatin with a hint of mint.
Paris Bahn Mi, 1237 Bardstown Rd.
Pair your drinks with Vietnamese food at this vegetarian/vegan-friendly spot and dine-in with indoor and outdoor seating.
Sip this: Completely customize your tea, refresher, juice, coffee, milkshake, or slush with toppings, jellies, and flavors.
Da Tea, 304 W. Woodlawn Ave.
Visit the Louisville Streatery for a range of classic teas, plus Korean shaved ice.
Sip this: The wintermelon fruit tea.
Honeydew, 135 Breckinridge Ln.
Check out their bubble teas, smoothies, and juices, plus ice cream and a BOGO 50% off happy hour, 5 p.m.-7p.m.
Sip this: @motherlordtrashcan0_0 on Instagram says “PEACH TEA LYCHEE PEARL 100/10.”
