J’s Tea

If you’re a big fan of bubble tea and hanging out late, J’s Tea is the place. It’s right at the end of Dominion Road (in Mt Roskill). The size of the bubble tea is huge and drinks are well-made. They even have the right sweetness, and this I like, because normally all bubble tea are too sweet for me!

Sesame Bubble Tea with Pearl.

They have a range of snacks and food, but bubble tea is the main item here. J’s Tea is often packed, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so be prepared to go for take away.

Highly recommended, 9/10.

Angie’s Kitchen

I got recommended to this place and heard lots of good things about it. Angie’s Kitchen is located very near to AUT in the CBD. Parking is quite a pain to find, but on the weekend it’s alright. The place is also a halal restaurant which is pretty good.

Samples below:

Kapitan Curry Chicken on Rice.

Braised Beef Noodle Soup.

Teh Tarik less sugar (with a free apricot biscotti).

Kopi  less sugar.

I thought the Kapitan Curry Chicken was very good, but the braised beef noodle was plain. The mistake was probably not selecting “traditional” Malaysian food, i.e. Nasi Lemak, Laksa or whatever.  The price of the food was above average, I don’t remember it being less than $10, so not a cheap option. The coffee and tea drinks didn’t taste that great.

My rating is average, 6.5/10. The pricing didn’t help.

Hulu Cat

Hulu Cat.

The last time I’ve been to this place was like 2007. That was a while ago and for a good reason. They’re located on Anzac Ave, near the Beach Road end. First, they seriously need to clean up their toilets cause I can smell pee like 3 metres away from the toilet door. Secondly, the damn place is cursed with no parking. I think they’ve removed like 90% of parking spots on Anzac Ave, so good luck to those who wants to “drive” to Hulu Cat. A couple of sampled drinks:

Wheat Tea with Pearl.

Mango Slush with Pearl.

I have to admit, their drinks are great provided you don’t let them go nuts on the syrup. What I’ve learnt, is that you have to request for less sugar for all these milk tea drinks. The staff just love to pile on the syrup. I wasn’t taking note of the price of these drinks but I think they were around $6. From what I remember, it wasn’t expensive or cheap, so pretty much standard price.

Anyway, they are famous for their pearl tea and quality is good. Environment is great and cosy, as long as you don’t sit near the toilet. Otherwise, a pain in the bum to go for a drink because of lack of parking around the area.

My rating is a favourable 8/10.

Easyway

Now, now, now….

Easyway, what can I say, a fantastic place to get the traditional Asian drink – bubble milk tea. I don’t know what the history is and I only started drinking lots of it thanks to my girlfriend. There are so many places out there that sell these drinks. Some notable ones are Momo Tea in Mt Albert and Northcote, Hulu Cat Tea House on Anzac ave, Quickly in the Atrium food court etc. There’s too many and they all vary!

Anyway, bubble tea is just a milk tea (brewed or powder) with the option of having pearl (tapioca balls?), coffee jelly, green tea jelly, coconut jelly etc. Furthermore, the milk tea can be flavoured, for example taro, honey melon, mango etc, or just stick to original.

In comparison, of all the places, Easyway on Hobson Street (next to the Pizza Hut) is absolutely perfect. Let’s compare it to Momo Tea. It is one of the most popular places in Mt Albert, but the powdery thick milk is just not natural tasting and it’s fatty! Next is Hulu Cat Tea House, their milk tea is too creamy and feels like a meal. Quickly is too sweet (urgh!). Easyway on Hobson street just got it right, good tasting tea, not too powdery, pearls are perfect and for the zillion of times I’ve been there – they’ve never got it wrong. Only at times, they ran out of pearls. This means they’re good and they do it right – not for profit!

Original milk tea with pearl.

I suggest going over to the place one night when you’re bored and order an original pearl milk tea. It’s only $4.90. If you’re feeling generous, go for a large, it’s only $5.50. If you buy 8, you get one free. I give this place a 9/10. Perfect drink.