You might think of Lakeland as a coffee town, but it also has a bustling boba tea scene. Boba tea, aka bubble tea, originated in Taiwan and is made with chewy tapioca balls. There are hundreds of boba flavor combinations — just visit one of these local eateries to find your favorite.
Hana Tea House, 4525 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 6
This shop has an extensive menu of specialty teas and smoothies, but you can also create your own. Don’t know where to start? We love the classic House Thai Tea.
Did you know that MK Boba is a Catapult Kitchen startup?
Photo by @mkbobatea
MK Boba, locations vary
You can usually find this boba truck at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market parked near Cedar Street. Pro tip: Arrive early, or your favorite flavor could sell out.
Saigon Bistro, 1554 Town Center Dr. W.
Visit this Lakeside Village restaurant and customize any drink on the menu to add boba pearls. Our favorite is the Florida orange blossom green tea.
Catch Mucho Boba at one of Lakeland’s outdoor markets.
Photo by @muchoboba
Mucho Boba, locations vary
The owner of this mobile tea vendor combines boba’s Asian roots with Mexican flavors like horchata + cacao. Follow along on Instagram to find it at a Lakeland event near you.
My Ramen, 3121 US Hwy. 98 S.
You won’t run out of options here — we counted over 70 menu options with flavors like taro, winter melon, and lychee.
Sabu Ramen, 640 E. Main St.
Head inside The Joinery and order a tea from this ramen stall. Keep an eye out for seasonal specials, or stick with your tried and true favorite.
Açai a boba tea in your future.
Photo by @tealargo
Tea Largo, 4634 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Need an energy boost? Add protein to your tea and choose from 10+ boba and jelly flavors to make it your own.
Tea Rx Café, 3114 S. Florida Ave.
Choose a milk tea for a richer flavor, or opt for green and black tea for a lighter taste. You can create your own drink with tapioca boba, jellies, or popping bubbles.
Quinteassence, 839 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Build your own boba with additives like kava concentrate, plus unique flavors like desert pear and rose.
