"Quietly opened in Kearny Mesa just in time for Comic-Con, Bopomofo Cafe's highly anticipated Los Angeles transplant is operating ahead of its grand opening event on Saturday, July 27 (noon–7 p.m.) after a June sneak preview. The shop—popular in the SGV with locations in San Gabriel and Artesia and co-owned by YouTuber/filmmaker Phil Wang (Wong Fu Productions) and co-founders Eric and Philip Wang—will have the co-founders on hand for the launch; its priority reservation list is currently full but walk-ins are welcome. Customers can expect core signatures like strawberry basil ginger lemonade, coffee milk tea, and a carrot matcha latte (matcha mixed with carrot juice), plus seasonal specials such as watermelon oat milk and Summer Blossom green tea; other distinctive drinks include strawberry corn milk and strawberry ginger lemonade. Bopomofo's boba drinks avoid artificial flavors, syrups, fructose, and powdered creamer, relying instead on real fruit, pressed juice, loose-leaf teas, and fresh milk, with lactose-free, oat, coconut, and almond milk as non-dairy options. The menu fuses Chinese, Taiwanese, and American classics—highlights include a honey walnut shrimp burger, braised beef shank sandwich, mapo tofu tater tots, and a Hainan chicken taco touted as one of LA’s most creative tacos—and the co-founders plan to open more San Diego locations and introduce San Diego–exclusive menu items." - Candice Woo