Imagine you are walking around Rio, having a good time with your friends when suddenly a wave of thirst washes over you. You begin to crave the perfect drink: bubble tea. Walking into the store, you feel overwhelmed with all the options: smooth tea with tapioca pearls, fruity and refreshing tea with little fruit flavored popping bubbles or even a slushie. Obviously picking just one item out of so many delicious options is a difficult decision, so here is a guide to help you navigate the Kung Fu Tea menu.

The first is a classic: the Kung Fu Tea milk tea. It may be a bit basic but you can always depend on it to satisfy your bubble tea cravings. The rich, sweet tea with the mix of the tapioca bubbles may be the perfect drink for you. “[The Kung Fu Tea milk tea] has a very reliable, palate-cleansing flavor and the flavor of the bubbles tends to stand out more when the tea is plain,” freshman Heerah Jayakumar said.  

Secondly, I have to go with my personal favorite, the honey oolong tea, another classic worth considering. The smooth, slightly sweet taste of the oolong tea, which resembles a black tea with earthier undertones, mixed with the mix of the rich honey, accentuates the flavor. The tea is sweet at first and then a bit more bitter and will have you earning more after every sip.  It becomes even better when you add the tapioca bubbles. Now, you have the perfect palate cleanser after every sip. The slightly sweet taste added by tapioca pearls makes it a perfect addition to your drink.

Moving onto the fruitier teas, the winter melon tea is a favorite for senior Shana Gittleson – a refreshing drink perfect for hot days with more of a sweet, cucumber-like taste. “I like the winter melon tea because it has a very strong flavor and is perfectly sweet. It’s different from anything I’ve ever tasted before as the tapioca balls I add in are such an interesting texture but they definitely add to the drink,” Gittleson said. 

Fourth is perfect for satisfying a craving for a sweeter and colder drink: the taro slush. This sweet slush with nuttier undertones and an intriguing purple color may be a good option for you to try. You might be even more tempted to try it when you find out that taro is a root and is similar to sweet potato. 

Senior and Kung Fu Tea employee Jordan Cole-Sanni recommends her favorite drink, which is the rose hip lemonade. “It is my favorite because it is sweet and sour at the same time which creates the perfect balance and because it is refreshing at any time of the year,” Cole-Sanni said.  

Much like the drinks, the working conditions are also great. “I like working here. It’s super fast-paced and customer service is a must for me, I am super social and I am in my  element here. I love my job and how competitive we all are with each other,” Cole-Sanni said.