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USC | Reviews

Milk + T: The Build-Your-Own Boba Bar That’s Changing the Game in Los Angeles

Zia Bedi Student Contributor, University of Southern California
This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at USC chapter and does not reflect the views of Spoon University.

It’s no secret that people in Los Angeles LOVE boba. But when there’s a boba shop on every corner, it’s pretty hard to stand out – unless you’re Milk + T in Little Tokyo. “Why are people so obsessed with this place?” you may ask. Well, Milk + T is LA’s first self-service boba bar that’s changing the game in the boba scene with its high-quality ingredients and picture-perfect aesthetic.

The Experience

The first thing you’ll be asked when you walk up to the counter to order is whether you want your drink in a 20-ounce plastic cup or a 16-ounce glass jar. There’s no extra charge if you choose the glass jar, and you get to keep it and can bring it back for 10% future purchases! It might sound like there has to be a catch, but this is actually part of Milk + T’s commitment to sustainability and efforts to achieve zero-waste by the end of 2018. 

Once you choose your cup, it’s time to choose your flavor and sweetness level. Milk + T has three sections on its menu – milky, fruity/refreshing, and premium – and four sweetness levels – quarter (25%), half (50%), less (75%), and regular (100%).  With 13 options – from the Best Friend (green milk tea) to the Lady Bug (watermelon + strawberry black tea) to the Pink Panda (strawberry milk + cookies and cream ice cream) – there’s something on the boba bar’s menu to satisfy any craving. 

This is where the “build-your-own” part of the experience comes into play. After marking the flavor and sweetness level, the cashier hands you back your cup so you can fill it with all the mix-ins your heart desires. While many boba bars charge for each topping, Milk + T wants no part of that! Whether it’s classic tapioca balls, lychee jelly, chia seeds, condensed milk, or tajin, at Milk + T you’re free to build the boba of your dreams.

When you’re satisfied with your mix-ins, leave your cup at the counter and let the Milk + T employees work their magic. They’ll prepare your beverage using only the highest quality ingredients: real loose-leaf tea imported from Taiwan, real lactose-free milk, and handcrafted syrups made with real fruit and sugar.

Before you gulp down your custom, made-to-perfection drink, don’t forget to snap a pic for the ‘gram! The photo ops inside Milk + T are endless, from the iconic neon “#bobawasted” sign to the bobadrake cardboard cut-out. After all, “pics or it didn’t happen,” right?

boba bar
Zia Bedi

boba bar
Zia Bedi