Aimee Pimentel 
The colorful beverages are probably all over your social media feeds. Tapioca pearls sit at the bottom of drinks that come in literally any color and are topped with anything from fruit to flavored foams. Boba is a Taiwanese import that has grown in popularity here in the US. In Northern Virginia, there are dozens of boba shops offering these customizable delights. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite boba shops in the area, and broken down how to get the perfect boba order. Read on for more about where – and how – to order boba in Northern Virginia.
Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, when tapioca pearls (also known as boba) were added to iced tea, creating a chewy, sweet drink that quickly gained popularity. Boba, or tapioca balls, are typically small black balls made from tapioca starch. Many companies have adapted this Taiwanese drink and made it their own in various ways. Boba is a great dessert or sweet treat option, as there is a variety to choose from.
Boba has evolved from just being tapioca. Boba can be made from fruit to create something called ‘popping boba’ or ‘popping pearls’. The possibilities are endless. The pearls are dipped into molasses or fruit syrup to create the sweetness. From there, they are added to a drink of choice. Boba is not limited to just traditional Taiwanese iced tea; it can be added to smoothies, juice, milk tea, fruit tea, coffee, and even cocktails. Boba may also be served in either hot or cold drinks.
Boba shops usually offer a variety of flavors and options to choose from, including the type of popping pearl, sweetness level, and type of drink.
At the Boba Shop
It is easy to get overwhelmed when trying Boba for the first time. Menus typically display a variety of options, so it can be challenging to decide what to get, especially when you’re given an array of seemingly endless different options to choose from.
The first step is to take a look at that overwhelming menu. Note that there will be options for sweetness, ice levels, fruity drinks, dairy drinks, and traditional drinks. Each ship will have “signature drinks” that customers have rated and ranked. You’ll pick the base liquid, toppings, ice level, and sweetness level to create a custom drink.
Each boba shop will have a step-by-step ordering guide to help customers. The first step will include the base liquid. Teas, coffees, Yukas, and smoothies. Every shop does this differently, and many of these base flavors will be featured in the signature drinks. Tea options can include normal tea (green, black, jasmine, oolong, herbal) or coffee-style drinks. Juices, fruit teas, and smoothies are fairly popular amongst customers as they are refreshing. This is a great combination for a hot summer day. These drinks are typically more fruity, as some places may combine two popular fruits.
Lastly, many boba places offer a coffee base. This option is a nice pick-me-up for those who need it. Shops will offer a classic milk tea. Customers may have the option of choosing their milk and tea to combine for the perfect light combination. Many shops offer non-dairy milks for those with dietary restrictions.
Read more: It’s a Family Affair at Herndon’s Moo Thru Ice Cream
There are many toppings to choose from. One such topping is foam, also known as “cheese foam” or “milk cap”. This topping is made up of heavy cream or cream cheese (depending on the recipe), salt, and sugar. The foam adds a sweet and/or savory aspect to the drink. Some places may flavor the foams to add another flavor on top. Tapioca pearls are one of the most popular. If that isn’t the mood for the day, shops will have other options, including fruit jelly, pudding jelly, seeds, beans, popping boba, and milk foam.
The next decision on the journey to a perfect cup of tea is adjusting the sweetness and ice grade. Once you have chosen your flavour and toppings, the percentage of sugar and ice is next. 100% means the full amount, 70-75% indicates slightly less sweetness, 50% means half sweet, 25-30% is lightly sweetened, and 0% is no sugar. The amount of ice follows the same scale.
With this guide of bases, toppings, sweetness, and ice level, anyone can become a pro at ordering. If you’re stumped on where to get a cup of boba, here are five must-try spots in Northern Virginia.
Gong Cha | 13945 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly
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Gongcha, located in the Sully Place Shopping Center, puts a classic spin on flavors. Drinks can be made hot or cold, in either medium or large sizes, and milk can be substituted for a non-dairy option—just let them know. If you’re unsure what to order, check out the secret menu. It features unusual flavors like mint chocolate chip and coffee, reimagined, as well as tropical options such as lychee, passionfruit, and strawberry.
Tea Do | 11075 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax
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Tea Do is located off of Fairfax Boulevard. It has a wide selection of tea options and toppings, and food.
TFG pick: Brown Sugar Milk with tapioca pearls and the Honey Lavender Oolong with Lychee Jelly.
See more: Meet Carmen Corsi, Loudoun County’s Thrifting Fairy Godmother
The Teahouse | 24640 Southpoint Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly
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Located in the Gum Spring Village Center, the Teahouse is a modern spot for bubble tea that highlights balanced yet flavorful drinks served with delicious toppings. Snacks available here include macarons, cookies, croffles, madeleines, brownies, and mini cakes. The Teahouse is a great place for a modern twist on bubble tea, blending traditional teas with American flavors.
TFG pick: Thai Milk tea with tapioca pearls and the Strawberry Milk tea with strawberry jelly.
Teas’n You Fusion Tea House | 8032 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
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Teas’n You is the quintessential Northern Virginia experience, tucked away off an access road. The shop is known for its natural honey and dairy-free options—perfect for those with dietary restrictions. They offer a selection of pastries and other bites. Teas’n You is currently offering a late-night happy hour: $4 per drink from 9 PM to 1 AM. It’s a must-visit spot for visitors who want an aesthetic yet elevated boba experience.
TFG pick: The horchata Matcha, and the Taro Milk tea
YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea 一芳 | 11270 James Swart Circle, Fairfax
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YiFang is located in Fairfax and is known for its locally sourced fruits, 100% organic milk, naturally brewed cane sugar, and a wide selection of teas. YiFang puts a unique signature twist on traditional teas, milk teas, fruit teas, frappes, and tea lattes.
TFG pick: There are a lot of good things on this menu; The Fairfax Girl recommends ordering the Lemon Green tea and Sun Moon Lake Black Tea.
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