Boba tea is a global phenomenon that transcends generations. Boba tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s to cool down during the summer. It wasn't until the 1990s that boba tea made it to the United States, where it began gaining popularity throughout the early 2010s. New Orleans has gone through a bit of a boba boom as of late, with new locations popping up all over the metro area. Now going to a boba shop is an event of sorts where friends and family bond over a drink with (perhaps) way too much sugar.

 

Tiger Sugar Boba Tea
Image Courtesy of Tiger Sugar
Tiger Sugar Boba - New Orleans

A few notes for those new to boba; there are two main categories for which boba is judged–the pearls and the flavor.

Boba pearl consistency varies from shop to shop, but there is an industry term that every quality boba tea shop tries to achieve. This term is known as “QQ,” which is the perfect consistency between chewy and a perfect bounce. QQ boba pearls should resemble the texture of al dente pasta.

Then there is flavor, which is an obvious but important category to judge a drink by. There are multiple flavor notes to consider when drinking boba tea. Any boba drink should at least resemble the flavor they claim (Lychee, Mango, Passion Fruit etc.), and you should be able to distinguish the floral notes of the tea they used as the base of your drink (Black Tea, Jasmine Tea, Oolong Tea, etc.). These notes should have a balance and should not be pure syrup, nor should it be overly bitter with no enjoyability.

Top 5 Places to Get Boba Tea in the New Orleans Area

Feng Cha New Orleans
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Colton Clifford, New Orleans & Co.

Feng Cha

This boba tea shop is on the iconic Magazine Street, and features a massive front window that allows for excellent people watching. Feng Cha is known for their fruit teas, but milk teas are also available. Their fruit teas have the perfect balance between sweet and bitter, and they make for the perfect way to cool down during warmer summer months. Another item that puts Feng Cha on the map is their cheesecakes, which come in flavors such as Oreo Cheese, Matcha Love, and many more mouthwatering flavors.

Tiger Sugar - Boba Tea
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Image Courtesy of TIger Sugar

Tiger Sugar

Located just outside of New Orleans in the Metairie suburb on Severn Avenue, Tiger Sugar is a boba tea chain loved around the world – it was even awarded with the “Superior Taste Award” by Brussels International Taste Institute. Formerly “Sweet Handkraft” this boba shop has been open since 2022. Fun fact– I was second in line out of at least one hundred on their opening day. In fact, you can find me in one of their very first reels! Tiger Sugar is known for their “Signature,” which consists of their milk tea, tapioca pearls, and a cheese moose–fancy!

Fresh Fruit Boba - Follow Tea
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Image Courtesy of Follow Tea

Follow Tea

Also on Severn, Follow Tea is a local gem with drinks that you will not find anywhere else. This shop has your classic milk teas and fruit teas, but they brew interesting variations of traditional boba such as their fruit cheese teas, yogurt boba slushes, and so much more. My personal favorite drink is their Lychee Rose Cheese Tea, which is the perfect mix of sweet and savory.

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Gong Cha

Back on Magazine Street, Gong Cha is a chain of over 1,800 boba tea shops globally, but don't let the quantity of shops fool you. Gong Cha prides themselves on craftmanship, using only premium quality tea leaves. Beyond their quality they are known worldwide for their “Milk Foam.” I can speak from personal experience when I tell you this milk foam is an amazing add-on for your boba tea.

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Pho Orchid Express

On Airline Drive back in Metairie, Pho Orchid Express has a variety of boba drinks made with quality. Here you’ll find milk teas, fruit teas, and chillers. Their chillers are my personal favorite–they’re made with real fruit and pearls that are perfectly “QQ.” Although the boba is great, the drinks are not the only star of the show. Pho Orchid Express is a Vietnamese restaurant that is also known for their amazing pho.