Newly opened in Kerrisdale is Boba Boy, an Ontario-based franchise that is quickly expanding in BC. Boba Boy is known for their signature Boba Boy bottles which are tall, reusable containers with screw on caps that are great for on-the-go. Another unique aspect of Boba Boy is that they freshly make their own tapioca which come in different flavours like matcha and taro. I was in Kerrisdale yesterday and decided to try out Boba Boy for the first time.
Note: None of the drinks in this review were complimentary. This review is done anonymously.
Boba Boy Kerrisdale Menu
Boba Boy Kerrisdale offers a variety of drinks including Fruity Tea, Signature Milk Tea, Fresh Sunkist, Fresh Tea, Speciality Slush/Smoothies, Mousse Latte and Fresh Juice/Milk. They offer a variety of toppings like Tapioca, Coconut Jelly, Grass Jelly, Pudding and Red Bean. The drinks come in regular size ($4.50), large ($5.50 – $5.80), and their signature Boba bottles ($5.50 – $6.50). The Boba bottles are about $2 premium over the regular size.
Some of their drinks come with tapioca and are a bit cheaper as a “package”. These are listed in a separate menu.
Freshly Made Tapioca
I found an official video by Boba Boy which showcases how they make their tapioca. The tapioca do not have additives or preservatives.
On one of the walls inside the store are some facts regarding tapioca. Some of the apparent benefits of tapioca include healthy weight gain, increased circulation, improved digestive system, boosts metabolic activity, improve brain health, blood pressure regulation and increased energy level. I didn’t know that there were so many “health benefits” to tapioca!
Modern, Clean Interior
The interior of Boba Boy Kerrisdale has a modern, clean design. There are some tables for two and a lounge area in the back with some larger tables.
A musical trio came into the store just as I was there. They were working with the Business Improve Association to bring in some cheer to the neighbourhood.
What I Tried
I ordered the Purple In Love Latte ($5.50) with Taro Pearls (+$0.60) and the Original Pearl Milk Tea ($6.50) – both in Boba bottles.
Flavours
The taro latte was particularly good as it was rich and creamy. The original milk tea wasn’t as strong and flavourful as elsewhere but I can live with it.
Tapioca
The tapioca were smaller, harder and chewier than ones you would get say from Chatime. I guess that’s what you get when you have more naturally-made tapioca. The pearls didn’t hold much of their flavour. The taro and original pearls tasted pretty similar in my opinion. In terms of volume, the pearls occupied approximately one-fifth of the Boba bottle. They are smaller but densely packed and were stuck together at the bottom of the cup. I would swirl the drink with my straw or shake the bottle in order to loosen the pearls.
Boba Bottle
Was the Boba bottle worth it? To start, I like it for the novelty factor. It’s a great way to get bubble to go. If you have a large to-go order of bubble tea say for like 10 of your friends, I think the Boba bottle works perfectly.
PRO TIPS: The Boba bottle has a special, longer straw so don’t grab the wrong one meant for regular size. If you bring the Boba bottle on your next visit, you apparently get a refill for the price of the regular drink ($4.50).
I’m not sure how “reusable” the Boba bottle is as it is not indicated to be BPA free or what not. However, I did find the Boba bottle to be pretty sturdy plastic which works well if you need to stuff it in your backpack.
Overall Impression of Boba Boy Kerrisdale
I really liked the richness of the Purple In Love mousse latte, but the Original Milk Tea could have a stronger tea flavour. The concept of preservative-free, fresh house-made tapioca is fantastic but their hard, chewy texture leaves much to be desired. The initiative to have customers reuse cups for bubble tea is a good one. All things considered, I would be interested in returning to Boba Boy to try out more of their drinks. Rating: 3.5/5
Boba Boy Kerrisdale
Address: 2184 West 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC
Website: bobaboy.ca