Hay Tea - Berkeley

I ordered a Brown Sugar drink, which was quite good, but the boba was really hard—I couldn't even break it apart while chewing. It was labeled something like "d... read more I ordered a Brown Sugar drink, which was quite good, but the boba was really hard—I couldn't even break it apart while chewing. It was labeled something like "dirty milk tea," and it definitely had an off taste. I'm not sure if they're not cooking the boba long enough, but the service was great, and there was plenty of seating outside.

The shop is quite small, but the staff welcomed me quickly and were incredibly friendly as they helped me navigate their fairly extensive menu. There were so ma... read more The shop is quite small, but the staff welcomed me quickly and were incredibly friendly as they helped me navigate their fairly extensive menu. There were so many unique options that I'd never seen before, and I ultimately chose their matcha latte with red bean and (sub) pudding. It was fantastic—definitely one of the best I’ve ever had! Their drinks and toppings are rich, creamy, and sweet, but not overwhelmingly so (I usually opt for 25% sweetness). Since then, I've returned to Hay Tea many times to sample other items on their menu. I highly recommend this delightful little tea shop!

The interior of the shop is small, featuring only bench seating, but there are a couple of tables outside as well. It doesn’t seem like people often linger insi... read more The interior of the shop is small, featuring only bench seating, but there are a couple of tables outside as well. It doesn’t seem like people often linger inside, so it feels more like a grab-and-go spot. It's easy to overlook this location since it's a bit separated from the other restaurants in the area and has its own entrance. I’ll definitely be returning to try more of their boba teas!

The place recently opened and I think it's great! The match flavor was nice and strong and I really liked the cheese cream on top. When I went, there was only o... read more The place recently opened and I think it's great! The match flavor was nice and strong and I really liked the cheese cream on top. When I went, there was only one girl working and she was on it! She took so many orders and made drinks so fast, literally on a roll. The place can be a little hard to notice since it's kinda in the back of this small food area, just be on the look out for its sign. Maybe stop by after class, walking around, anything! I love it!

Tons of options and a deep flavor as well! support small businesses, they have small sizes, I wish they had decaf tea.. read more Tons of options and a deep flavor as well! support small businesses, they have small sizes, I wish they had decaf tea..