Na Li (娜爷 AM1050美食琅琊榜)
Google
It’s been a while since I last visited Teahouse Tapioca, and I came back recently with a few friends while we were working on a group project. We figured it would be nice to grab a cup of milk tea while working, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the most comfortable place to get things done.
Ambience & Setup:
While the place looks organized at first glance, it quickly becomes clear that it’s not ideal for group work. The power outlets are awkwardly placed—you either have to move chairs around or sit at the bar-style high chairs, which aren’t comfortable for collaboration. Also, the regular tables are extremely sticky. It felt like no matter how much they’ve cleaned them over the years, the surfaces have aged to the point of being permanently tacky. Every time I moved my laptop or rested my arms, it felt like I was peeling them off the table.
Food:
I tried the popcorn chicken this time. Taste-wise, it was actually pretty decent—crispy, seasoned well, and enjoyable at first. But the portion size was underwhelming, and once I got to the bottom, the pieces were so tiny they were more like popcorn crumbs than actual bites. That part was disappointing, and I’m not sure I’d order it again.
Drinks:
I ordered the House Special Milk Tea, expecting something a little more premium or unique. To my surprise, it didn’t come with any toppings—no Boba or add-ins—and every addition was an extra 90 cents. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by other tea shops around Houston, but paying nearly a dollar for each topping feels outdated now. And to be honest, the tea itself just didn’t stand out anymore. With so many great milk tea spots in town, Teahouse Tapioca feels a bit left behind in both taste and value.
Overall:
Between the sticky tables, inconvenient seating, underwhelming food portions, and lackluster tea, I’m not sure if I’ll be coming back anytime soon. There are just too many better options in Houston nowadays.