Rao R.
Yelp
Now, as someone who has grown up in a non-Asian community, bubble/green tea shops is not part of my life. In most Asian communities around Canada, green tea and bubble tea is sold regularly and drank religiously (maybe I'm exaggerating but the point still remains). Personally, I've never heard of Chatime prior to my visit.
So, today I'm embracing my Chinese roots and decided to try Chatime. After indulging a tasty ramen noodle soup, I decided a sweet drink would finish my meal perfectly.
This particular location is situated in strip mall, filled with Chinese restaurants and other Asian shops. The facade stood out as trendy and alive, distinguishing itself from the other shops. As I step through the threshold and into Chatime, the first thing I notice is the ambient vibe of the atmosphere. The decor was designed with a hip, modernized, teenage setting made for the 21st century. A waitress, wearing an apron and glasses stood behind the counter, with two other waitresses already mixing drinks. The line ups were generally short.
The menu was vast and wide in variety, consisting of green teas, healthy shakes and side toppings to top the drink off. I order the lychee green tea, with no tapioca or any extra toppings. I step off to the side into another line to pick up my drink.
The wait time was excruciatingly long. Line ups began to form behind me, as I patiently and eagerly waited for my drink. The waitresses, in a frenzied pace, hastily mixed and blended ingredients together into the delicious green tea. A waitress handed me my drink.
I left the shop with my drink and quietly sat in my car in silence. I stared directly at the cup that laid before my eyes. I raised my cup slowly, placing the straws slowly into my mouth and pressing my lips down slowly. I sip slowly, and swallowed the sweet liquid in my mouth. I started to grin heavily like a fool.
The sweet taste of lychee and strong flavors of green tea balanced perfectly. The drink was ice cold, giving me brain freeze that shook my entire body. I sipped the final drops in my cup, savoring every flavor. However, my only criticism was the drink was not mind- blowing, staying within the same chapters of its contemporaries.
Although Chatime is not perfect, nor anything special, the entire experience left a good first impression. Hence the reason why I will recommend you visit Chatime and get your Cha-Cha-Cha going (forgive my atrocious humor. I should stop :) ). I digress. If you visit, you might see me here purchasing another green tea.
[I have drank bubble tea and green tea in the past, but not frequently. Hence the reason why I wrote, "nothing mind blowing."]