The Sweet Booth

"The Sweet Booth owner Calvin Tong never fails to remind every customer that his drinks are always made with fresh ingredients. Within the confines of his small booth, Calvin manages to craft the most refreshing smoothies, juices, and milk teas (with housemade boba, of course). The cult favorite is his avocado smoothie, with fresh taro milk a close second. My current obsession is his delicious Chinese-style bitter almond milk blended with fresh almonds and his homemade grass jelly. But on a hot day, you really can’t beat the freshly chopped watermelon juice. It’s Calvin’s practical care and attention to detail that keep his regulars coming back. When asked why he’s forgone using powders and continues to hand peel and cut fresh fruit to order for the past 28 years, Calvin answers resolutely, “It’s healthy... and more delicious!”" - Daphne Wu

"The Sweet Booth owner Calvin Tong never fails to remind every customer that his drinks are always made with fresh ingredients. Within the confines of his small booth, Calvin manages to craft the most refreshing smoothies, juices, and milk teas (with housemade boba, of course). The cult favorite is his avocado smoothie, with fresh taro milk a close second. My current obsession is his delicious Chinese-style bitter almond milk blended with fresh almonds in addition to his homemade grass jelly. But on a hot day, you really can’t beat his freshly chopped watermelon juice. It’s Calvin’s practical care and attention to detail that keep his regulars coming back. When asked why he’s forgone using powders and continues to hand peel and cut fresh fruit to order for the past 28 years, Calvin answers resolutely, “It’s healthy...and more delicious!” photo credit: Andria Lo" - Daphne Wu

"Chinatown has no shortage of boba spots, but the Sweet Booth has been a mainstay since the ‘90s. The shop is known for using actual fruit (as opposed to powdered mixes), blended to order, in all of its fruit-based smoothies and tea drinks. The delicious “pearl taro” — with a scoop of vanilla ice cream blended in for good measure — is like a meal unto itself. During shelter in place, the shop is open for takeout from noon to 6 p.m. daily." - Luke Tsai