Hidden Treasures - Kung Fu Tea

Kung Fu Tea is one of my ultimate favorite bubble tea spots back in New York. You don't understand when I say I crave for this thing so for those of you who have the advantage of drinking it, DRINK UP. For the rest of you who are living in Korea, they finally opened a small branch in the Gangnam train station. It was about time that this international brand was going to make its way to Korea because of all the other popup and crazy bubble tea joints like Gong Cha, Share Tea, Cha Time, Quickly, and the rest of the bubble tea knock offs like Bubble Pong. Moral of the story is shop til' you drop in the Gangnam station on line 2 and get some bubble tea! You'll find it right next to the Gong Cha. 

The only thing is that there's a slight difference with the taste. Unlike the New York versions that I always get, there is less of a milk flavor here. Koreans just do not believe in milk. They would prefer to have more of an actual taste of the beverage. On another note, the bubbles are a tad bit smaller and chewier, just not cooked the same way. Basically what I'm saying is do not go for the traditional milk tea because it tastes nothing like the one back at home. Go for their fruit flavors and opt for their jelly drinks, you won't regret. You will also notice that it's not filled to the top, really Korea? This is definitely not the first time it's happened to me, and this is the smaller size!

Bottoms Up - Gong Cha

With my cravings for bubble tea (boba tea), Gong Cha is definitely a café from heaven. Gong Cha offers one of the best bubble tea selections that I have ever had. With a number of locations across Asia, Gong Cha has finally made it’s way to Hongdae. It is my favorite spot for bubble tea! They try to stray away from the traditional and classic milk teas and fruit teas by offering other blends.

In addition to the traditional take on bubble tea, Gong Cha finds ways to cater to the customers tastes by adjusting the sweetness and ice level for each customer. When placing an order, they ask for the level of sugar which is important because we all know that sweetness is a constant complaint which differs from person to person. Depending on who is making the drink, the taste varies, but Gong Cha offers a more consistent and stable taste by monitoring the sugar and ice level.

I think it is a great concept, but the one complaint is the price. The drinks are a bit on the expensive side, but I think it is definitely worth it. The one recommendation that is my all time favorite is the Caramel Milk Tea with pearl bubbles. There are a handful of different topping choices that I have yet to try, but I will constantly visit!

Bottoms Up - Bubble Tea

For anyone and everyone who knows me, you all know that I am big on bubble tea which is also known as boba tea. It is usually made with a sweet thick fruit syrup and green tea. After shaken and mixed, it is poured into a cup that is topped with tapioca bubbles made from corn starch. This chewy boba is the most addicting and delicious thing for me, especially because it is soaked in a brown sugar syrup prior to enjoyment.

It is a bit ironic that I am finally blogging about my favorite drink now that I am in Korea. The reason for this is because I wanted to share with the world, especially Korea, my favorite refreshing drink. I have been on the search for bubble tea in Korea for quite a while now. Although they do have bubble tea at Dunkin Donuts, the drink is made from a powder which is just not the same as the fruit syrup. Aside from DD, there are random places around town that carries bubble tea, but it is usually made as a smoothie from fresh fruit juice which is just not the same. It is not as sweet as the fruit syrup mix that I drink practically everyday back at home.

Luckily for me, I finally found a spot in my favorite weekend place, Hongdae. Quickly, a bubble tea chain that is my absolute favorite back at home. Although the drink is made a bit differently here in Korea, it is still delicious. Rather using milk, the popular Korean yogurt drink is added to this mix which gives it a delicious kick. I definitely can't wait to go back and satisfy my cravings!