Vic C.
Yelp
Ding Tea Seattle is a new tea house that can be found at University Square, between Cafe O'Dessert & Top Hair Studio. Also located behind the Safeway. Only street parking (fee required) is available.
My husband and I decided to stop this afternoon, around 12:50 pm for some tea. After browsing the menu, we ended up ordering:
Hot Milk Taro Tea, $3.50 prior to tax- Because this place is currently in their grand opening, small drinks are automatically upgraded for free (also the current Yelp check in provides Yelp members 1 free upgrade). My husband requested that this drink be made with 50% sweetener. Initially, he thought it was watered down (and I have to agree when I tried it). So he explained to an employee of the taste and so she remade it. My husband thought the drink was better, but still left this artificial, chemical taste. I didn't try his drink the 2nd time so I can't comment on it.
Hot Hokkaido Black Milk Tea, $3.50 prior to tax- I opted for this drink to be made at 50% sweetener as well. I thought this drink was made fine, but did leave a strong aftertaste of the hokkaido (I would describe as a caramel, strong milk tea flavor), which did not bother me.
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(Total= $7.71, after tax)
Initially, I ordered a logan tea but was told that they are not able to make it. I was disappointed since that is what I always like to order at Ding Tea (it's a chain) because so few tea houses actually offer it. I wanted to order the lychee milk tea, but that is only made available iced and I wanted a hot drink for the cold rainy day. So I opted for the hokkaido drink (lately my current drink of choice at tea houses).
I appreciate that the employee that made our drinks asked us how our drink was and if we wanted to make adjustments, she would be able to do so without any problem.
But even with 2 adjustments of trying to redo my husband's drink, I don't think I can give this place anything above 3 stars (but 3 stars still means "A-Ok" people, so don't freak out) and find this particular location to be average. Yes they are brand new and some bugs may still need to be worked out, but for the time being, based on this trip, 3 stars.
Please note that there is free WiFi available and the unisex restroom (you have to request for the key) was clean and adquately stocked with the essentials.