Pearl Castle
Monday, December 28, 2009 by Bubble Tea Reviews
Honey green tea - Copa Cafe
Saturday, December 12, 2009 by Bubble Tea Reviews
2/5
Not great bubbles tasted old
Twinkle2 Cafe
Monday, April 20, 2009 by Bubble Tea Reviews
Address: Alexandra Road, Richmond, BC
Payment Options: Cash Only
The drinks selection at Twinkle2 is excellent. The menu is filled with intriguing choices like "Shrek" and "Sneezy". Since some of the menu items are quite vague, it's good to know that the servers are willing to answer any questions regarding the menu.
Ambiance [rating:4]
The modern and elegant small cafe restaurant can seat about 50 people comfortably, not to be confused by their other location (Twinkle 1) which is much smaller. There were quite a bit of people when we went so there was a good busy, bustling sound in the restaurant, something I prefer over ridiculously quiet places where you can hear every chew.
Drinks [rating:4.5]
Chocolate Oreo with Mango Star Jelly The chocolate oreo was delicious! Just the right amount of sweetness although I would prefer to have a lot more Oreo in my drink. But, its chocolatey goodness sure won me over. Might I suggest though that if you are planning to order this drink, do opt for the regular bubbles instead because the mango jelly (which flavor was picked for me by Twinkle2 staff) definitely did not mix all too well with the drink itself. Now, this was not Twinkle2's fault simply because I wanted to have their popular star jellies in my drink too so I wouldn't feel left out next to my friends. ;)
Service [rating:4.5]
Our waiter was very courteous and knowledgeable. He knew the drinks well when questioned about what a particular "mysterious" drink contains. The same goes for describing the food menu items they have available. Great job!
[rating:overall]
If you want to try something different other than the regular bubble tea places around your area, consider visiting this place instead. Their drinks menu would not disappoint your cravings. With that said, I would definitely go back to Twinkle2 again. I cannot wait to try the rest of their drinks and perhaps try a King Kong size too! Now I know why this is my cousin's favourite bubble tea place in Richmond.
Payment Options: Cash Only
The drinks selection at Twinkle2 is excellent. The menu is filled with intriguing choices like "Shrek" and "Sneezy". Since some of the menu items are quite vague, it's good to know that the servers are willing to answer any questions regarding the menu.
Ambiance [rating:4]
The modern and elegant small cafe restaurant can seat about 50 people comfortably, not to be confused by their other location (Twinkle 1) which is much smaller. There were quite a bit of people when we went so there was a good busy, bustling sound in the restaurant, something I prefer over ridiculously quiet places where you can hear every chew.
Drinks [rating:4.5]
Chocolate Oreo with Mango Star Jelly The chocolate oreo was delicious! Just the right amount of sweetness although I would prefer to have a lot more Oreo in my drink. But, its chocolatey goodness sure won me over. Might I suggest though that if you are planning to order this drink, do opt for the regular bubbles instead because the mango jelly (which flavor was picked for me by Twinkle2 staff) definitely did not mix all too well with the drink itself. Now, this was not Twinkle2's fault simply because I wanted to have their popular star jellies in my drink too so I wouldn't feel left out next to my friends. ;)
Service [rating:4.5]
Our waiter was very courteous and knowledgeable. He knew the drinks well when questioned about what a particular "mysterious" drink contains. The same goes for describing the food menu items they have available. Great job!
[rating:overall]
If you want to try something different other than the regular bubble tea places around your area, consider visiting this place instead. Their drinks menu would not disappoint your cravings. With that said, I would definitely go back to Twinkle2 again. I cannot wait to try the rest of their drinks and perhaps try a King Kong size too! Now I know why this is my cousin's favourite bubble tea place in Richmond.
Ajisen Ramen - Mango Milk Tea
Thursday, March 5, 2009 by Bubble Tea Reviews
Restaurant Name: Ajisen Ramen
Address: 1190-4380 No. 3 Road, Richmond BC (Parker Place Mall - back entrance facing Hazelbridge Way)
Payment Options: Cash, Debit & Credit
I am no stranger to Ajisen Ramen. As a matter of fact, I've been there a few times for some ramen and share plates... but never for bubble tea. I always thought it was a bit strange that this little funky japanese restaurant in Parker Place features bubble tea in its menu. Although there are less than 10 flavours to choose from, I figured I would give it a try or else I will always be curious.
Ambiance [rating:5]
The bold hot pink color coats the restaurant walls and dresses the cushioned seats in style. Aside from the crazy bright color, amusing sumo wrestler wall art adds to the funky atmosphere at Ajisen. Looking around the restaurant, it is obvious it is a popular place among youth and young families.
Drinks [rating:1]
Mango Milk Tea My tea arrived in a regular to-go plastic container with a flat lid and straw on the side. The plastic cup was very plain and generic and the colour of my drink, very dull. There was no excitement felt upon getting this drink at all. In one word: boring. After taking a sip, it was worse. The powdered mango flavor was not sweet enough to be a sugar rush powder milk tea drink that would often satisfy my sweet tooth. On top of that, I didn't taste much of the mango either. Maybe the measurements were all wrong or perhaps the supplier where they get their bubble tea from just has a horrible mango flavor. I do NOT recommend this drink. It was too difficult to even drink half of the glass.
On a slightly more positive note though, I do find it intriguing that they have a few flavors for the bubbles/jelly. I did not try it this time but I may give them one more shot just because I am curious about the lychee flavored jelly.
Service [rating:3]
Our server was very friendly. Strangely enough, she was also quite timid. We did not get superb customer service but she didn't mess up our orders either. Overall, it was a nice, quiet late dinner.
[rating:overall]
Although Ajisen serves delicious ramen, this is not the case for bubble tea. I may have paid only $2.99 for my milk tea without pearls since I ordered a menu item, but it is still not worth it. I think they should consider expanding their menu, changing their drinks, or completely getting rid of bubble tea from their menu.
Address: 1190-4380 No. 3 Road, Richmond BC (Parker Place Mall - back entrance facing Hazelbridge Way)
Payment Options: Cash, Debit & Credit
I am no stranger to Ajisen Ramen. As a matter of fact, I've been there a few times for some ramen and share plates... but never for bubble tea. I always thought it was a bit strange that this little funky japanese restaurant in Parker Place features bubble tea in its menu. Although there are less than 10 flavours to choose from, I figured I would give it a try or else I will always be curious.
Ambiance [rating:5]
The bold hot pink color coats the restaurant walls and dresses the cushioned seats in style. Aside from the crazy bright color, amusing sumo wrestler wall art adds to the funky atmosphere at Ajisen. Looking around the restaurant, it is obvious it is a popular place among youth and young families.
Drinks [rating:1]
Mango Milk Tea My tea arrived in a regular to-go plastic container with a flat lid and straw on the side. The plastic cup was very plain and generic and the colour of my drink, very dull. There was no excitement felt upon getting this drink at all. In one word: boring. After taking a sip, it was worse. The powdered mango flavor was not sweet enough to be a sugar rush powder milk tea drink that would often satisfy my sweet tooth. On top of that, I didn't taste much of the mango either. Maybe the measurements were all wrong or perhaps the supplier where they get their bubble tea from just has a horrible mango flavor. I do NOT recommend this drink. It was too difficult to even drink half of the glass.
On a slightly more positive note though, I do find it intriguing that they have a few flavors for the bubbles/jelly. I did not try it this time but I may give them one more shot just because I am curious about the lychee flavored jelly.
Service [rating:3]
Our server was very friendly. Strangely enough, she was also quite timid. We did not get superb customer service but she didn't mess up our orders either. Overall, it was a nice, quiet late dinner.
[rating:overall]
Although Ajisen serves delicious ramen, this is not the case for bubble tea. I may have paid only $2.99 for my milk tea without pearls since I ordered a menu item, but it is still not worth it. I think they should consider expanding their menu, changing their drinks, or completely getting rid of bubble tea from their menu.
Totoro Cafe
Monday, February 9, 2009 by Bubble Tea Reviews
Totoro Cafe
2140-8391 Alexandra Road, Richmond, BC
Payment Options: Cash Only
It's true, there are a lot of bubble tea places in Richmond, especially if you're on Alexandra Road. Some might even say there's too many choices! Another place to add to your bubble tea house list is Totoro Cafe on... you guessed it, Alexandra Road across from Estea (another bubble tea place - see previous reviews) and on the same row as Chubby Lamb.
Nestled in the always busy "downtown" street in Richmond, it's easy to miss the smaller restaurants like Totoro Cafe simply because there's only a single lane to drive on and slowing down or stopping to peek at restaurants will cause your ears pain due to excessive honking by the car behind you. Because of this, finding a parking space first then walking is recommended! Anyway, the next time you're on Alexandra with a small group, don't forget to stop by Totoro Cafe. Why? Read on!
Ambiance [rating:4]
Even though it is a small restaurant that doesn't boast a lot of seats, they sure maximized the space and still managed to make the place comfortable and very inviting. I really liked the vibrant colors on the walls and the kooky cat-related artwork and display all over the restaurant. It's a definite conversation starter. Plus, I think this adds personality to the place and at the same time, it sure makes it more memorable in my mind when it comes to thinking of a bubble tea place in Richmond. One thing is for sure, the owner must like cats! =^.^=
On another note, it is great that this location has free wi-fi. With Totoro being so close to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, students can go to Totoro and be able to study on their own or with a group comfortably.
Drinks [rating:4]
Orange Chocolate Bubble Tea I wanted to try something different than my usual Taro and this drink definitely caught my eye in their elaborate (but slightly hard to read) menu of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Upon receiving my drink, I was eager to try it and I must say, it did not disappoint! The bubbles were nice and chewy and the blended iced chocolatey goodness was delicious! Although I would have preferred a little bit more orange in my drink, I still enjoyed it very much. As a matter of fact, even after a very filling dinner, I managed to finish my drink including the bubbles (where in most cases, I'd be too full to finish the drink).
Hot Ovaltine As far as I know, everybody loves Ovaltine as I'm sure we all have fond memories of eating it out of the can when we were kids (and adults alike). This drink was ordered with a hefty side of bubbles and delivered in an adorable kitty mug. Taste-wise, there was nothing innovative as it is your standard Ovaltine drink. The pearls add a tad bit of excitement but since the drink is already very sweet, the bubbles just end up being chewy things at the bottom of the mug that you can do without. I think it's just hard to mess with the original Ovaltine drink. ;)
Service [rating:4.5]
There weren't too many people working the Friday night we came but the server was fast and efficient. We got our table right away and although I really wanted to sit by the loungey area at the front, our table for four did not disappoint because we were near the TV, magazines and the tea bar. By the time we were about to leave, the place was packed and the staff at Totoro continued to work hard and keep all customers happy. Well done!
[rating:overall]
Totoro Cafe is a delightful little bubble tea house in Richmond. It is a good alternative to the other very busy and often overly crowded bubble tea places in Richmond. It is perfect for small parties due to the limited seating. But before heading there on a weekend, be sure to be prepared for parking space hunting!
2140-8391 Alexandra Road, Richmond, BC
Payment Options: Cash Only
It's true, there are a lot of bubble tea places in Richmond, especially if you're on Alexandra Road. Some might even say there's too many choices! Another place to add to your bubble tea house list is Totoro Cafe on... you guessed it, Alexandra Road across from Estea (another bubble tea place - see previous reviews) and on the same row as Chubby Lamb.
Nestled in the always busy "downtown" street in Richmond, it's easy to miss the smaller restaurants like Totoro Cafe simply because there's only a single lane to drive on and slowing down or stopping to peek at restaurants will cause your ears pain due to excessive honking by the car behind you. Because of this, finding a parking space first then walking is recommended! Anyway, the next time you're on Alexandra with a small group, don't forget to stop by Totoro Cafe. Why? Read on!
Ambiance [rating:4]
Even though it is a small restaurant that doesn't boast a lot of seats, they sure maximized the space and still managed to make the place comfortable and very inviting. I really liked the vibrant colors on the walls and the kooky cat-related artwork and display all over the restaurant. It's a definite conversation starter. Plus, I think this adds personality to the place and at the same time, it sure makes it more memorable in my mind when it comes to thinking of a bubble tea place in Richmond. One thing is for sure, the owner must like cats! =^.^=
On another note, it is great that this location has free wi-fi. With Totoro being so close to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, students can go to Totoro and be able to study on their own or with a group comfortably.
Drinks [rating:4]
Orange Chocolate Bubble Tea I wanted to try something different than my usual Taro and this drink definitely caught my eye in their elaborate (but slightly hard to read) menu of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Upon receiving my drink, I was eager to try it and I must say, it did not disappoint! The bubbles were nice and chewy and the blended iced chocolatey goodness was delicious! Although I would have preferred a little bit more orange in my drink, I still enjoyed it very much. As a matter of fact, even after a very filling dinner, I managed to finish my drink including the bubbles (where in most cases, I'd be too full to finish the drink).
Hot Ovaltine As far as I know, everybody loves Ovaltine as I'm sure we all have fond memories of eating it out of the can when we were kids (and adults alike). This drink was ordered with a hefty side of bubbles and delivered in an adorable kitty mug. Taste-wise, there was nothing innovative as it is your standard Ovaltine drink. The pearls add a tad bit of excitement but since the drink is already very sweet, the bubbles just end up being chewy things at the bottom of the mug that you can do without. I think it's just hard to mess with the original Ovaltine drink. ;)
Service [rating:4.5]
There weren't too many people working the Friday night we came but the server was fast and efficient. We got our table right away and although I really wanted to sit by the loungey area at the front, our table for four did not disappoint because we were near the TV, magazines and the tea bar. By the time we were about to leave, the place was packed and the staff at Totoro continued to work hard and keep all customers happy. Well done!
[rating:overall]
Totoro Cafe is a delightful little bubble tea house in Richmond. It is a good alternative to the other very busy and often overly crowded bubble tea places in Richmond. It is perfect for small parties due to the limited seating. But before heading there on a weekend, be sure to be prepared for parking space hunting!
Bubble World - Surrey, BC
Thursday, February 5, 2009 by Bubble Tea Reviews
Bubble World
137-10090 152nd Street, Surrey, BC
Payment Options: Cash Only
So where can you find a bubble tea house in Surrey? The simple answer: Bubble World. It is centrally located on 152nd Street, across from Guildford Mall by the T&T Supermarket complex. With already established locations in Burnaby, Coquitlam and Vancouver, customers can expect the same kind of selection and quality of drinks at the Surrey location. While other Bubble World locations are only tea houses, this location offers plenty of lunch/dinner/snack menu items to choose from.
Ambiance [rating:4]
This brightly lit restaurant with modern and minimalist decor is very similar to other cafes found in Richmond. However, a place like this in Surrey is not all that common. This is why while waiting for our seats, multiple groups of customers of various ethnicities walk in and out with their take-out drinks. It is obvious that this busy establishment is a late night hotspot for teenagers and families alike. From the outside, the place stands out with its vibrant atmosphere inside which definitely appeals to and is inviting to the passersby outside.
Food [rating:3.5]
Once you crack open the nicely bound menu, you'll be greeted with a variety of hot and cold tea drinks and food items that are sure to solve your hunger. For under $10, you can have a good sized meal with your favorite bubble tea drink on the side. This is exactly why I love asian cafes and restaurants!
During this visit to Bubble World, my group and I decided to order a food item for each of us and a couple of appetizers. The fried tofu was just the right amount of softness and firmness. Although it could use a crunchier shell for my liking, it tasted pretty good and was easy to share with a small group of people. The beef wrapped in onion pancake was OK. The green onion slices were a bit big and therefore had a stronger, dominating taste over the beef (which tasted good!). The only other tiny complaint with this dish is that I wish there was some sort of toothpick to keep the roll together. As you can imagine, it is not that easy to hold a huge roll with your chopsticks. I can't say I know too many people who can have that in one bite!
The main dishes we ordered included Salty Peppery Chicken with Rice, Shrimp & Egg Fried Rice and Satay Lamb Noodles, all under $7 each. Out of these three, the chicken was the biggest serving and probably the most interesting one. The chicken was boneless and it came with some salad and tofu too! It's a pretty good and complete serving for someone like myself. The fried rice was unfortunately nothing special as it was a little bland and the noodles was a little soupy. But, bonus points for having lamb as a menu item for such a small restaurant.
Drinks [rating:4.5]
Taro Slush One of the best taro bubble teas I've had. Although this artificially flavored taro drink may be too sweet for some, it's just right for my taste. However, the bubbles were a bit too soft, making them not all that chewy but at least easy to swallow with your meal.
Papaya Milk Tea This is a great refreshing drink for those seeking something a little different than the typical. If you are planning to order this, keep in mind that the drink will not really taste anything close to a real papaya, but perhaps candy. ;)
In addition, my group and I enjoyed receiving our drinks in mugs. Although it doesn't look all that big when you compare it to the typical to-go plastic glass, you'll be surprised how much that mug can hold!
Service [rating:3]
The customer service at Bubble World when we went (after 9pm on a weekend) was not as great. Although we did get our food and drinks at a very reasonable amount of time, the interaction between taking the order, delivering the order and dropping the bill was lacking. In a way, there was this slight feeling that we were being rushed to get out simply because there were more people coming in for a late snack. As much as we appreciate the quick service when it comes to clearing our tables, the not-so-subtle lingering around our table was a bit of a nuisance.
[rating:overall]
Overall, this first visit to Bubble World in Surrey was a success. We enjoyed our late dinner and left with full stomachs! The drinks were excellent and the atmosphere within this small restaurant in Surrey is a great place to have some good bubble tea and a late snack or dinner with friends and family. If you feel like having bubble tea on the go, Bubble World also has take-out bubble tea that they neatly place in plastic bags specifically designed to carry bubble tea drinks so it's likely you'll leave a mess in the car on the drive home! Plus, it doesn't hurt that you can use your stamp card when you order bubble tea to go. Like other establishments, all you need to do is buy 10 and get 1 free!
137-10090 152nd Street, Surrey, BC
Payment Options: Cash Only
So where can you find a bubble tea house in Surrey? The simple answer: Bubble World. It is centrally located on 152nd Street, across from Guildford Mall by the T&T Supermarket complex. With already established locations in Burnaby, Coquitlam and Vancouver, customers can expect the same kind of selection and quality of drinks at the Surrey location. While other Bubble World locations are only tea houses, this location offers plenty of lunch/dinner/snack menu items to choose from.
Ambiance [rating:4]
This brightly lit restaurant with modern and minimalist decor is very similar to other cafes found in Richmond. However, a place like this in Surrey is not all that common. This is why while waiting for our seats, multiple groups of customers of various ethnicities walk in and out with their take-out drinks. It is obvious that this busy establishment is a late night hotspot for teenagers and families alike. From the outside, the place stands out with its vibrant atmosphere inside which definitely appeals to and is inviting to the passersby outside.
Food [rating:3.5]
Once you crack open the nicely bound menu, you'll be greeted with a variety of hot and cold tea drinks and food items that are sure to solve your hunger. For under $10, you can have a good sized meal with your favorite bubble tea drink on the side. This is exactly why I love asian cafes and restaurants!
During this visit to Bubble World, my group and I decided to order a food item for each of us and a couple of appetizers. The fried tofu was just the right amount of softness and firmness. Although it could use a crunchier shell for my liking, it tasted pretty good and was easy to share with a small group of people. The beef wrapped in onion pancake was OK. The green onion slices were a bit big and therefore had a stronger, dominating taste over the beef (which tasted good!). The only other tiny complaint with this dish is that I wish there was some sort of toothpick to keep the roll together. As you can imagine, it is not that easy to hold a huge roll with your chopsticks. I can't say I know too many people who can have that in one bite!
The main dishes we ordered included Salty Peppery Chicken with Rice, Shrimp & Egg Fried Rice and Satay Lamb Noodles, all under $7 each. Out of these three, the chicken was the biggest serving and probably the most interesting one. The chicken was boneless and it came with some salad and tofu too! It's a pretty good and complete serving for someone like myself. The fried rice was unfortunately nothing special as it was a little bland and the noodles was a little soupy. But, bonus points for having lamb as a menu item for such a small restaurant.
Drinks [rating:4.5]
Taro Slush One of the best taro bubble teas I've had. Although this artificially flavored taro drink may be too sweet for some, it's just right for my taste. However, the bubbles were a bit too soft, making them not all that chewy but at least easy to swallow with your meal.
Papaya Milk Tea This is a great refreshing drink for those seeking something a little different than the typical. If you are planning to order this, keep in mind that the drink will not really taste anything close to a real papaya, but perhaps candy. ;)
In addition, my group and I enjoyed receiving our drinks in mugs. Although it doesn't look all that big when you compare it to the typical to-go plastic glass, you'll be surprised how much that mug can hold!
Service [rating:3]
The customer service at Bubble World when we went (after 9pm on a weekend) was not as great. Although we did get our food and drinks at a very reasonable amount of time, the interaction between taking the order, delivering the order and dropping the bill was lacking. In a way, there was this slight feeling that we were being rushed to get out simply because there were more people coming in for a late snack. As much as we appreciate the quick service when it comes to clearing our tables, the not-so-subtle lingering around our table was a bit of a nuisance.
[rating:overall]
Overall, this first visit to Bubble World in Surrey was a success. We enjoyed our late dinner and left with full stomachs! The drinks were excellent and the atmosphere within this small restaurant in Surrey is a great place to have some good bubble tea and a late snack or dinner with friends and family. If you feel like having bubble tea on the go, Bubble World also has take-out bubble tea that they neatly place in plastic bags specifically designed to carry bubble tea drinks so it's likely you'll leave a mess in the car on the drive home! Plus, it doesn't hurt that you can use your stamp card when you order bubble tea to go. Like other establishments, all you need to do is buy 10 and get 1 free!
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