Why Does NYC Boba Suck?

Coming from San Francisco, where the boba is considered some of the best in the country, I feel as though my experience with boba is strong. 

Since moving to New York in the middle of 2023, I have been on a mission to find the best boba. I have tried countless places from both Manhattan and Brooklyn, ordered different types and tried new flavors. But with each experience I was met with disappointment and dissatisfaction.

New York boba is small and chewy, missing that sweet and soft experience. The tea itself lacks the smoothness that makes boba so desirable. Instead, the outcome is a 1/3 watery low flavored drink.

For those who don’t know San Francisco boba I’ll explain it to you. The boba is soft, warm and oozing freshness, a perfect sized bite, large enough to really soak in the sweet and delicate favors. The tea is a perfect flow of creamy and smooth, a silky texture in your mouth.

Now let’s talk about proportions, because as far as I can tell New York doesn’t seem to understand this concept. The ratio of boba to tea should in my opinion be enough to get a piece or two of boba in every sip. In New York however, there is only enough boba to make it into one of every four sips. Stripping customers of the harmonious blend of joy that comes with the mixture. 

Where do I get my favorite boba?

My favorite boba is from Tpumps, a classic SF boba shop on Irving Street in the Sunset district. Anyone from SF will tell you that the top two boba places are Tpumps and Boba Guys. Now New Yorkers might think hey we have Boba Guys, they are WRONG. The Boba Guys in New York is a merge with another boba company and let me tell you it is a completely inappropriate use of the branding.

Tpumps is simply put magical, and famous. The shop has slideshows with customers, some including Bay Area local celebrities such as, Emma Chamberlain. One of the special things about Tpumps, aside from the magnificent taste, is that every Tuesday they have an event called “Tpumps Tuesday”, where their largest size is the price of their smallest. 

Experience

Lastly let’s compare the overall boba experiences of both locations. In New York boba is a quick grab and go on your lunch break, or while waiting for the train at Penn Station. New York moves fast, which don’t get me wrong has its perks, but it’s detrimental to the boba experience. Boba is meant to be sipped slowly and enjoyed with each sip, like a fine wine.

     In San Francisco, getting boba is an event, an experience of its own. Plans can be (and in my case often are) made purely off getting boba with friends, it’s more than just a passing thought or a grab and go, it’s a part of the culture of the city.

Recommendations?

Here is where I ask for your help, if you or a loved one know of any boba spots in NYC that you think could live up to my standards then please please share them with me, at this point I am desperate.