Bopomofo Cafe

4.1 (324 reviews)

Cafes, Sandwiches, Bubble Tea

Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated 2 weeks ago

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Bopomofo Cafe - Honey Walnut Shrimp Burger, Taiwanese Fried Chicken Sandwich, Strawberry Matcha, and Strawberry Corn Milk - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

Bopomofo Cafe - Self Ordering Kiosk - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

Bopomofo Cafe - Scallion Pancake Chicken Wrap Supreme - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Bopomofo Cafe - Inside - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Bopomofo Cafe Popular Dishes

$14.50

Popcorn Chicken

86 Photos127 Reviews

$17.50

Honey Walnut Shrimp Burger

34 Photos42 Reviews

$15.00

Spicy Popcorn Chicken

30 Photos33 Reviews

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BOPOMOFO CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

40 Photos

Moderate noise

Dogs allowed

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Yau-Ru C.

3.5 stars. I really hoped for a 5-star Taiwanese food experience here after seeing it featured on a YouTube show. But, I think some of the food looked better than they tasted. The classic popcorn chicken was the right texture and came out nice and piping hot. But it needed more salt & pepper seasoning...the chicken itself was juicy but bland. The scallion pancake wrapped chicken was ok. The scallion pancake itself had zero flavor and quite greasy...so when eaten together with the chicken steak, it didn't do much to complement the flavor profile. Ok on nori fish sandwich...nothing wrong with it, just not memorable. Don't get Assam milk tea with 50% sugar because it will taste like plain water with tea coloring. I've gotten milk tea at 30% sugar at OMOMO and the fragrant tea flavor stood out even with reduced sugar, quite nice. The reduced sugar option at Bopomofo is not a good choice...should just get 100% sugar because it will at least taste sweet. Service is okay. There's no inside seating so gotta grab a table outside or take food home. Bopomodo has a good menu of food and drinks, but someone really needs to take time to taste test the flavors because everything tasted under-seasoned.

Chloe H.

I absolutely love the BA-LA Matcha from Bopomofo! It's everything I look for in a matcha: great quality, reasonably priced, a natural guava flavor and no additional charge for oat milk, unlike some other matcha spots. Bopomofo is a standout beverage spot for me because of how kind the staff and especially the owners are! One time, I was ordering with my mom and telling the owners how much I love their matcha. To my surprise, they gave me a discount just because! It was such a kind gesture, and I always love stopping by to get my matcha. Bopomofo is also super clean and takes care to prevent cross-contamination between its different dairy options, which is really nice to see. All of their drinks are made fresh, and the staff is always willing to make adjustments to your order as needed. I never have to wait too long for my drink, which is another plus. I'd highly recommend Bopomofo if you're looking for a high-quality matcha with a great price point!

Andy T.

Bopomofo was something that I tried years ago at the San Gabriel location and didn't end up enjoying their drinks. After trying it again at this location, I could say it was a much better experience. The store itself is located in a large plaza with other businesses. There are lots of parking spaces but it was busy when I went around 6:30 pm. The store doesn't have any seating inside but there are some tables out in front. There's a tablet in the corner for ordering and paying. American Express is accepted here. Honey Walnut Shrimp Burger: This was my favorite item from the visit. They got the flavor down to what you'd expect and makes a good asian fusion dish. Pancake Scallion Pancake Chicken Wrap: Another asian fusion dish that was interesting on paper. I felt it was an okay flavor, especially with the sauce. It was a good first try but not something that I'd go out of the way for again. Fish Burger: Not something that really unique. Flavors tasted very similar to a filet o fish. Hojicha Latte: Unlike other ones that I've tried, the hojicha flavor was very vibrant and didn't get lost in the milk.

Black Sesame and Honey Roasted Oolong Milk Tea

Angela N.

Pretty good boba spot that does focus on being more tea forward. I like the variety they provide and they do a decent job being original and different from other groups. The popcorn chicken was also tasty and well battered! I would like to come again to try more teas and snacks :)

Hugh T.

Bopomofo Cafe is finally in Irvine, so I had to try the famous Wong Fu cafe! It's a small shop, but the space does the job. It's located in the Alton Plaza, which has plenty of parking, so no worries there. We walked in and were greeted right away. The cashier was super nice and recommended a couple of things for us to try. What we got: Spicy Popcorn Chicken - 8/10 I've been looking for a good popcorn chicken spot outside of Tastea, and this wasn't bad! Lots of spicy seasoning on top, and the aioli it comes with pairs really well. Watermelon Oat Milk - 6/10 Nothing super special for a seasonal drink. It pretty much tastes like a creamy watermelon drink haha! Not bad, but probably wouldn't get it again. Lychee Pear Blossom - 9/10 Big fan of this one! I got it a little less sweet, and it was delicious. Just the perfect blend of lychee and pear without being overly sweet. Highly recommend this one! Overall, glad I finally got to try Bopomofo and would definitely come back for the Lychee Pear Blossom!

Emily K.

I usually go to the Artesia location but I tried out the Irvine location for the first time! This location is to-go ONLY-- if anyone was looking for indoor seating. The artesia location has indoor seating though :) There is a lunch combo deal right now with regular/spicy popcorn chicken and your choice of drink!! Definitely a good portion for a single person having lunch alone. The service was quite slow (maybe abt 15 min standing) but the food was good! I chose dark meat (there's also white meat), and chose spicy which was not too spicy but did have a nice kick. I think the lunch combo is worth it-- if you're looking to grab and go some milk tea and popcorn chicken :)

Amber N.

Decided to come here because it was on the way. I've always wanted to try this place because I seen it all over IG/Tiktok and I've been a long time fan of Wongfu Productions. The store is small. There's no chairs or tables inside. You pretty much order and go. I believe there was outside seating. They have a sign on the right with all the celebrities they collaborated with. You can order on the kiosk that's on the side or the cashier. I ordered the regular size Ba La Matcha which is the Guava Matcha ($7.65) I noticed that their menu is more popular with their food and snack options. The drink came out quick. It was good at first... You can definitely taste the guava but later, it started tasting watered down. I didn't even taste the matcha at all. I ended up having to throw away with a quarter of the drink left. I hope to try their other dishes and drinks next time. But for now it's 3/5 until otherwise.

Kathy S.

We've been here a few times and every single time feel very unsatisfied. We love bopomofo- Cerritos and would rather drive 45 minutes for better quality food and drinks. The wait for our order is always more than 20 minutes- not sure why when there's only a few orders ahead of us. The drinks are light and underwhelming. You don't really taste the tea in milk tea. I do love the lactose free milk and nondairy milk options! The food is expensive and portion doesn't justify the price especially when quality isn't there. Walnut shrimp sandwich didn't taste as fresh and there seems to be more fillers. Fried chicken scallops pancake wrap just didn't do it for us. I would have preferred the chicken sandwich with pineapple buns, but that's not on the menu. The braised pork rice was good but a bit too pungent of Star anise and bay leaf. The store is quite small and only enough for an ordering counter and 2 kiosks. Service, interaction with staff was minimal.

Julie S.

I decided to stop by this cafe to grab a small meal, which I think is perfect for those who don't want to eat something so heavy. This place is ran by mainly ordering through the screen inside and waiting to pick up afterwards. I waited about 10 ish minutes or so. I ordered the honey walnut shrimp burger and black sesame matcha latte. I was excited about the burger because I don't usually see people include honey walnut shrimp inside. It was super crunchy, however, I do wish I got to taste more of the walnut shrimp. If you're a huge fan of black sesame then I would definitely order the drink because I think its flavor overpowers the matcha.

Jasmine Milk Tea and Honey Roasted Oolong Milk Tea

Dom N.

I've loved bopomofo for years! I think the Irvine location Isnt as good at the Artesia location in terms of drinks and food but it still holds up amazing! Drinks are very unique and the food is very yummy. This location is really small, theres no indoor seating which is sad but the service is fast and friendly!

Daph H.

I've been wanting to try Bopomofo's nori fish sandwich ever since I read the rave in the LA Times. It did not disappoint! It was a like a fancy version of McDonald's Filet-o-Fish, with a piece of fish at least twice the size. It came on a brioche bun (way better than McD's), a healthy dose of tartar sauce, red onion and cheddar. I added a side of tater tots for $3 more, which I shared. It was the perfect-sized lunch! Our order was over $20, so I was able to add on the Guava Wang for free, It was just the right amount of sweetness and a nice treat! I ordered online, and my order was ready on time. Service was friendly too. One of these days, I'm coming back for those maps tots!

Leonard K.

TLDR Pretty good milk tea with fun recipes. The seasonal sweet much better than the standard menu goods. Everything seems to be made in house but very little seems made fresh aside from espresso. Also expect service to be centered on online orders. Bopomofo is a simple shop with a visible kitchen in the back and drink bar in the front. Ordering is best done online or on the self service tablet as it seems the barista doubles as cashier. Most of the staff I noticed was in the back hustling and bustling. I did notice several online orders were fulfilled before my order was made, and I was served well before 2 parties that ordered before me with the cashier. The more digital you go, the more priority it seems. Service 5/10 Black sesame matcha latte Strong matcha flavor comes through with a decently smooth texture though it's a bit grainy at the bottom (and not from the black sesame, definitely a difference). Not as creamy as I would have liked either. 6/10 Black sesame cold brew oat latte This was fantastic. Tasted exactly like black sesame soup. Not too sweet, very nutty, and a great balance of grit and smoothness. Didn't know I'd like this dessert as a drink or like it cold; color me impressed! This one is a winner winner for me 10/10 Drinks vary in quality. Would be curious to come back to try food. Looks good on the menu.

Ba-La Matcha (left) and Triple Strawberry Matcha Latte (right)

Mike L.

Having been a fan of Wong Fu Productions ever since their second video (my ex was friends with one of the guys in it), I had been wanting to check out Bopomofo for the longest time. Sadly, the few trips I made down to SoCal never brought me close to any of their locations, but the stars finally aligned here in Irvine. And I have to say - even though it took far longer than I ever would've liked, it was worth the wait! Sort of, considering how it still took me a couple of trips down here before I could finally make it happen...ha. Although this Bopomofo is notably smaller than how the others look in photos, it doesn't take away from the fact that this place is pretty awesome. Despite how their modest size dictates why they have more of a takeout set-up, there's still plenty of seating right in front. More importantly, though, the menu still has all of the same innovative and enticing food and drink options, like their Mapo Tots, Honey Walnut Shrimp Burger, Black Sesame Matcha Latte, and Ba-La Matcha. In fact, if anything, the menu actually had more than we expected to find, as we saw a couple of things listed that only seem to be offered here! -- BLACK SESAME MATCHA LATTE (75% sweet) - Matcha Latte with Black Sesame Puree...$7.25 This was great! Macha lattes have become one of my default orders and I love black sesame, so this pairing was perfect for me. The slight bit of nuttiness worked really well with the matcha. I do think 50% sweet might have been the way to go, but this wasn't bad as is. -- BA-LA (GUAVA) MATCHA (50% Sweet) - Guava Nectar, Matcha...$6.75 The second drink that caught our collective eye - we both love guava, so it wasn't a hard sell to try this one. Loved how well the fruitiness of the guava balanced the matcha, but my gf thought 50% was a little too sweet (FWIW, I thought it was perfect). -- BA-LA (GUAVA) MATCHA (25% sweet) with Taro added (+$0.75)...$6.75 We got this one only 25% sweet and we both agreed it was a little too light. Also, we both liked the taro, though I still prefer my drinks without toppings. -- TRIPLE STRAWERRY MATCHA LATTE (50% sweet) - Real Strawberry Puree, Strawberry Cold Foam, and Premium Matcha...$7.25 Not as intriguing as their other drinks, but I wanted to compare this to the Ba-La Matcha. While this wasn't too shabby (loved the strawberry flavor in this), I do think the Ba-La was better and just not as common. -- SCALLION PANCAKE CHICKEN WRAP - Salt & Pepper Chicken Tender, Scrambled Egg, and Thai Basil Wrapped in a Homemade Scallion Pancake with Sweet Soy Glaze...$9 We got this as a snack, but it was so filling! The chicken tender was surprisingly moist, the pancake was crisp and just the right thickness, and the glaze wasn't cloying, like we had feared. -- MAPO TOTS - Tater Tots topped with Hearty Mapo Tofu, Ground Pork, and Cheese...$13.75 I was most excited to try this and it didn't disappoint! The tots were as crispy as I could've reasonably hoped for, the mapo tofu and ground pork were super flavorful, and the cheese added a nice richness. SO GOOD! -- HONEY WALNUT SHRIMP BURGER - House-made Shrimp Patty, Honey-Wasabi-Yuzu Sauce, Candied Walnuts, Pickled Jalapenos, Red Onion, and Shredded Romaine on a Kings Hawaii Bun...$18.50 Along with the tots, this was the other item I was dying to try. And just like with the tots, this delivered! The shrimp patty was crispy and juicy and I loved how well the sauce, walnuts, and jalapenos complemented each other. I just wish it had the bolo bun! -- SPICY TAIWANESE FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH - Taiwanese Salt & Pepper Chicken Breast Filet, Napa Cabbage Slaw, Thai Basil Aioli, and Chinese Pickled Cucumbers on a Buttery Nini Bakery "Bolo" Bun...$17 Pretty solid, though, I thought both the shrimp burger and chicken wrap were better. For me, the highlight was the bun - super soft and I loved the bolo crust on top. While I enjoyed the chicken filet and all of the toppings, I just found the other two to be a bit more flavorful. As far as service goes, it was just as good as the food and drinks. Each time we've been here, the workers have always been on top of everything and I love how they all seem to be so genuinely warm and friendly. Also, even though it can take a while for food orders to come out, it's nice that their buzzers reach will reach you wherever you are in the complex (we'll usually do some shopping at the Ralph's or wander into The Game Chest while we wait). Between how much we've enjoyed the majority of the food and drinks we've tried and how great the service has been, Bopomofo has quickly become my favorite milk tea shop I've tried so far in OC. Yes, their prices are a little higher than other places out there, but I love the fact that they use real fruits and ingredients instead of powders or anything artificial. For that reason alone, and also the tots and shrimp sandwich, I'll definitely be back plenty more in the future! FOUR AND A HALF STARS rounded up.

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Matthew K.

309

1 year ago

Drinks here are a little more unique than your average boba shop, but definitely worth it. I usually get my drinks 50% sweet at other places, but the drinks here are well balanced between sweetness and flavor which makes for a smoother experience imo (you can just order full sweet, don't need to make customizations) Food is a little expensive, but not overpriced for how good they taste I think their shrimp burger is the first where I can actually see and chew pieces of shrimp in the patty rather than one homogenous slab. read more

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Amber S.

1 year ago

Sandwich was really good! The chicken inside was juicy and everything was balanced. The drinks were also good and the flavors didn't taste artificial at all. read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Imogene W.

1 year ago

Pros: The Workers were helpful & polite. The lobby itself is clean & aesthetic. The boba was a solid 8/10. Cons: The drink was on the pricier side, $7-$8 accounting for tax & tip. The drink itself was just ok, but not exemplary enough to justify the cost. read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Brown Sugar Milk w/ Pudding & Boba - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Eric And Phil W.

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Andrew M.

2 years ago

Came for the mint matcha, stayed for the shrimp burger and shaken espresso. Food and drink are solid at all their locations so naturally I was excited to have one open just down the street from home. Quality and flavors have been consistent across all my visits and that's hard to do. This location is BUSY!!! With that said, the employees are doing their best and I give them an A for effort. The lines remind me of Orobae before they closed down for mismanagement but the food and drink at Bopo are way yummier. Prepare for a wait but trust me when I say it is worth it. read more

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Timothy H.

562

2 years ago

So happy that the BOPOMOFO Irvine location is open! My OC friends and I went this weekend and were so happy to see that the same, delicious full menu (food and drinks) from the flagship location had made it here! Great service, perfect matcha/coffee drinks (really thankful that they considered my adjustments), and the shrimp burger + tots made our night! read more

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Alice T.

127

382

2 years ago

Great service, love the food (had the dark and white meat popcorn shrimp - definitely love the dark meat better, walnut shrimp burger, and tots), and drinks - the strawberry basil ginger lemonade and brown sugar pudding milk tea were my favorites. I didn't get to try the other ones my family/friends had but they all seemed to like theirs. Would definitely be back to snack and have their drinks. read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Mint matcha latte and honey roasted oolong tea - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

Bopomofo Cafe - Drinks! - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

Bopomofo Cafe - Walnut Shrimp Burger with Tots - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

Bopomofo Cafe - Popcorn Chicken (regular) - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Eric And Phil W.

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Ashley J.

Elite 25

106

2 years ago

So so grateful to be in town for the grand opening!! I've visited the Artesia location before and loved it! Phil is one of the content creators I grew up watching, so it was amazing getting to meet him!! I got the Assam milk tea and it was so good, I couldn't recommend it enough. All of the workers were super nice and the shop itself is so cute!! (No dine in) read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Jenny H.

2 years ago

My husband kindly picked up five different drinks for me to try, knowing how much I love tea and that I've visited nearly every boba tea spot around town. While I appreciated the variety, I found the flavors to be light and bland, tasted more like flavored water with sugar. The boba, unfortunately, was firm similar to what I've experienced at other less impressive tea spots and after sitting for just 15 minutes, it became even tougher. I've had more vibrant and refreshing experiences at places like HN Tea, HEYTEA, and TP Tea, where the tea quality is noticeably higher. I'll likely stick to my favorites for now! read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Isabelle D.

2 years ago

the location replaced the omomo that used to be there. definitely changed up the store as it looks a lot smaller (only like 5 people can probably stand there). ordering was easy and simple and service was super nice! however i did have to wait 15 minutes for 2 drinks which i thought was a lot for 2 drinks, but this was during the first few days of their opening. overall, i thought the drinks were decent. i'm not sure if i'd go again but was definitely a fun experience to try out unique drinks! read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Hojicha corn latte and blueberry matcha latte - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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May C.

1 year ago

No seating inside and a little cramped but the staff are so welcoming and my drink (blueberry matcha) came out delicious and quickly!

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Eric And Phil W.

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Thung C.

2 years ago

I've tried the Orange Wang (my s/o's favorite), Taro Sweet Milk (with its gorgeous pink layer on top), and their Blueberry Matcha (forgot the exact name), along with the spicy popcorn chicken and honey walnut shrimp burger. One word: Unmatched. Truly, as they say, "next-level cultured." The organic taste and quality ingredients make every sip and bite hit different--I know I can't get this anywhere else. I'm obsessed. My favorites so far? The Taro Sweet Milk (so smooth and rich) and the Spicy Popcorn Chicken--flavorful, crispy, and a lot of it. This is my go-to boba spot now! Friendly service. There will be a little bit of wait, but that's okay with me. Everything here is a must-try--you cannot skip this place. Bring your friends and family! read more

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Kendrick D.

1 year ago

My go to boba shop if I'm in Irvine. Popcorn chicken dark meat is probably the best boba shop popcorn chicken there is out there. Drinks were on point and even the matcha is high quality. I recommend the blueberry matcha if you like a sweet matcha. Staff was nice and welcoming, helped a lot with deciding what to order. Small shop with lots of outdoor seating. Would reccomend if you're in Irvine or just never tried bopomofo. read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Blueberry matcha and popcorn chicken - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Eric And Phil W.

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Jia Hao S.

233

2 years ago

The matcha was good. But it's not omomo's. Milk teas are actual milk and tea, that never tastes good. Chicken is chicken. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Bryan N.

207

1 year ago

The spicy chicken was very juicy and the thai aioli was very flavorful. It wasn't as crispy as I wanted it to be but it was still good read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Spicy popcorn chicken (white meat) - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Eric And Phil W.

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Ashlyn H.

2 years ago

This place is fantastic! I don't normally write reviews, but after tasting their wonderful houjicha and being greeted by their kind staff, I felt compelled to spread the good word! Right away when I came in, three separate people welcomed me with big smiles. I opted for an iced houjicha--wow-ee! Super yummy and flavorful. I'll have to try their matcha next time! Definitely recommend! read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Alexandra S.

1 year ago

Absolute favorite drink from anywhere. Sweet taro milk. I think it's sweet milk with beet juice on top for color but you don't really taste it. The bottom has thick mashed sweet taro which has a good texture if you like that kind of thing. read more

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Tiffany F.

134

1 year ago

Literally the best boba place! I'm so happy they finally opened the location in Irvine that I can visit more frequently. All the drinks are good and they always have very interesting seasonal options. I especially like their matcha, hojicha and corn drinks. I like the texture of their bobas more than most other boba shops. Their Asian fusion food is very creative and delicious. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Jayson S.

1 year ago

Always received great service going to any Bopomofo locations. Though the lines can be long, their drinks and food is always on point! Always a fan of their popcorn chicken! read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Maya O.

1 year ago

I went to Bopomofo Cafe and tried the milk tea with boba it was amazing. The milk tea was super smooth and flavorful, and the boba had the perfect chewy texture. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious that I honestly can't wait to go back for another one. Definitely a spot I'd recommend if you're looking for great boba. read more

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Vivian Y.

756

2 years ago

I'm so happy there's finally a Bopomofo near my place! I got the strawberry corn milk with boba and orange wangi, which did not disappoint The boba was soft, chewy and sweet. The strawberry corn milk is my new go-to, it's such a unique combo but the flavors complement each other so well! I was also recommended the orange wangi which tastes exactly like an orange creamsicle. Yum! Both drinks are pretty sweet if you get 100% sweetness, but if you have a sweet tooth like me then you'll like it. If not, 75% is just perfect. Either way, you have to come try this place out for yourself! read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Strawberry corn milk with boba & Orange wangi (no ice) - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Yolanda V.

1 year ago

Staff is very friendly and helpful. The drinks are delicious! High recommend! The place is also very clean!

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Diem D.

1 year ago

Service was friendly and fast, and courteous! Thank you to staff! Ambiance is about convenience. Highly recommend the popcorn chicken. The drinks are lovely, but the popcorn chicken is a standout. read more

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Susan T.

1 year ago

Tried BOPOMOFO for the second time today...During my first trip, the store had just opened- when I ordered they had run out of popcorn chicken- since I tried it today I can say it was not worth the wait. In addition to the chicken, I ordered the hojicha with boba, a coffee drink. Chicken was not as good as Cha for tea and the boba was very underwhelming considering the wait for drinks/food, total was over $32 (including tip). Won't be coming back since the parking also sucks in this plaza. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Rich C.

8 months ago

Quality is always on point. Every visit delivers exactly what I'm looking for. Glad they offer online ordering now.

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Eric And Phil W.

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Ginny Lou Y.

1 year ago

Great location. Lots of seating area outside the restaurant. Great service. Food came out fast. Food is delicious. My son loves the Spicy popcorn chicken and Iced Taro Sweet Milk tea. read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Spicy popcorn chicken and Taro Sweet Milk Tea - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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ash k.

9 months ago

The drinks are good, but expensive. The tots are nice and crispy and the popcorn chicken is good too. My grievance is the wait time. Horrible. It takes so long to get one drink even if you don't order food. It's probably 5 minutes even with no wait. If you order food you're looking at a 15 minute wait. Nowhere to sit except for tables outside as well, with the inside being very small. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Sarah P.

1 year ago

Heard a lot about this place online but sadly my expectation was not met. Really nice storefront with lots of place to sit. Wanted to emphasize the service is really good and I really appreciate how helpful and understanding the staff were since it was my first time visiting. Sadly though the tea and boba were not that good...for reference I purchased a mango assam tea, guava xin xuan oolong tea, ba-la matcha, matcha latte, and brown sugar milk tea. The boba was sticky and didn't have the qq bounce I was expecting. The tea combinations of the drinks were not satisfying simply because the flavors weren't balanced. It was really sweet yet bitter at the same time and honestly compared to other boba shops I've been to, it didn't taste really great. read more

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Minami M.

1 year ago

Very easy to order, you can order online or through the tablet in store. Wait time is posted above the tablet, and is pretty accurate. I usually get the matcha or milk tea, both are good. Last time, I got lychee jelly in my tea, but it was definitely atypical, I am not used to them being so large and soft. They were large cubes of very soft jelly that kind of dissolve in your mouth. Not sure I liked it, maybe because I was expecting the usual harder, smaller jelly that you can suck up into the straw directly. This time, I wanted to try their regular coffee, so I got a caffe latte with oat milk, unsweetened (the default). Great that alt milks aren't upcharged, but the drink itself ended up being $6.20 anyway so it's not cheap. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be very milky. There was a lot of milk and very little espresso. I mixed it and it turned into a very, very light color, and tasted as you would expect. I would have gone back to ask for another shot, but I didn't want to overcaffeinate myself. Slightly disappointing, but I guess the trade off would've been more ice rather than more milk, so I prefer this anyway. Maybe their coffee grounds are not that strong. I could still taste the espresso but it is definitely light. Overall the popcorn chicken is great, their sauce that comes with it is addicting! Service is great too, a bit slow because it gets busy without you knowing, but they're committed to letting you know that you can tell them if you want any changes to your drink guilt-free. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Serena T.

134

1 year ago

So excited to have one in Irvine! Bala (guava) matcha was so good! Not too sweet. We went a few weeks ago and there was no line but took 20 mins to get our order of 2 drinks. Hope it's quicker now or they make online ordering available soon! read more

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Joseph H.

1 year ago

They are very considerate with their service. Prices are a bit high but the flavors of a lot of their drinks really comes through. I also tried their honey walnut shrimp burger which I thought to be a really creative take on the dish. Drinks wise I really enjoyed their black sesame drink. Would definitely recommend and come again. No seating inside but the outdoor seating is great and spacious. read more

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Phil B.

1 year ago

No boba, they forgot to make it. They don't allow ice adjustments, and they overcharge for everything. They don't accept cash, and they had 7 people to take your order because they were all just hanging around. How is half your menu out of stock and you're not trying to make any of the tea's or have boba mid day on a Friday? Another instagram hype spot that is pure disappointment in person. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Orien W.

110

1 year ago

I've been going to Bopomofo since the OG location in SGV opened and it's remarkable that everything that makes Bopo special remains the same even after expanding to so many more locations. High quality no compromise ingredients, unique drinks (with all lactose-free milk!) AND delicious food, high attention to detail, and an amazing caring team. It's so awesome they've opened a closer location to me in Irvine now, though maybe not so much for my self control... (PS: BOG is the king, please never get rid of it!) read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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J X.

1 year ago

Their bubble tea hits the perfect cream‑top sweetness--not too sweet, just enough bowl options aren't greasy and fill you right up. Fresh flavors every time read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Sara H.

9 months ago

Gosh, I'm addicted to their boba. Their matcha latte tastes really good since they use real matcha. They get the orders done in a flash, and it's really calming. Since Bopomofo is a small shop, it is not very noticeable. This is what I call a hidden gem. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

Sarah!…

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Cecile N.

126

157

1 year ago

I highly recommend their popcorn chicken--tried both the spicy and non-spicy versions. It's a bit pricey at $12, but the portion is generous and comes with a tasty basil aioli sauce. The drinks are decent; while I appreciate the use of fresh ingredients, the competition in Irvine is pretty tough. read more

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Tien L.

1 year ago

We enjoyed all of our drinks (Orange Wang, Oolong Tea, Bala Matcha, and Strawberry Corn) and food (spicy popcorn chicken and walnut shrimp burger). Friendly staff and reasonable wait time. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

TIEN!…

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Jessica N.

205

1 year ago

Tried the Honey Walnut shrimp burger for the first time here and was totally blown away and loved it! Definitely recommend if you are looking to grab something for lunch in that area. As always, their drinks are amazing (highly recommend the corn milk). I went around lunch time on a weekday and it wasn't too crowded. Staff was super friendly and I asked for some sauce on the side not knowing it was an extra charge. The staff member kindly informed me about it but still was able to give me some anyway. Super super friendly! Will definitely be back! read more

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Nancy N.

1 year ago

I was looking forward to finally trying Bopomofo since this new location is super close to me. Unfortunately my experience wasn't amazing and I ended up getting another drink from Wushiland down the street after because of my disappointment. For my drink, I ordered the Hoji-corn Latte with regular milk, boba, and 50% sweet. I was sad when my drink came out without any boba and after we brought it to their attention, they cross referenced the receipt and said it wasn't on our order and then prompted us to get back in line to pay for it so they could give it to us on the side. After we waited for a while to get our drinks and food (we also ordered a BOG and Honey Walnut Burger which was ok, but needed more sauce) I just didn't feel like going back in line just to order some boba. While I was sipping my Hoji-corn, the taste was pretty good but the graininess of the drink was unpleasant. The hojicha powder settled a lot on the bottom and didn't dissolve well even after stirring constantly. I wasn't really happy with my drink so I went to Wushiland instead since I was really craving some boba. I might give this place another try farther down the road but for now I'll stick with my current favorites that I know will always hit. read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Jessica L.

146

2 years ago

excited they finally opened up a spot by my alma mater. cute little shop w/ outdoor seating. 10/10 service. delicious drinks + food. My favs are the blueberry (frankie's) matcha, bala matcha, + taro sweet milk. chef's kiss. Their vegetarian popcorn chicken w/ aioli sauce. can't get it anywhere else. Quality is consistent with their other location. read more

Bopomofo Cafe - Honey walnut shrimp burger w/ tots | vegetarian popcorn chicken | coffee milk tea | taro sweet milk - Cafes Near Me - Irvine, California

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Mimi A.

Elite 18

210

148

163

2 years ago

Love the creativity of their drinks and how they have lactose free options! Definitely recommend getting the shrimp burger and the mint matcha is a personal favorite. Service was great and the artwork on their wall is super cool! They have pretty cool merch as well. So glad they opened an Irvine location, I will be back! read more

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Eric And Phil W.

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Page 7 of 9

See outside
5365 Alton Pkwy
Ste G
Irvine, CA 92604
Directions
Visit Website
https://www.bopomofocafe.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Bopomofo Cafe open?

Bopomofo Cafe opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Bopomofo Cafe close?

Bopomofo Cafe closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Bopomofo Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, Bopomofo Cafe serves alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Bopomofo Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Bopomofo Cafe allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Bopomofo Cafe have parking?

Yes, Bopomofo Cafe has parking options. Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Bopomofo Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Bopomofo Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

BOPOMOFO strives to uplift Asian American flavors and culture through exceptional food and beverages, and service. It all starts with our innovative menu which is the blend of our bi-cultural upbringings, taking inspiration from our Chinese, Taiwanese, and American backgrounds. When executed with our “Commitments to Excellence”, our products stand out when it comes to quality and creativity. A great menu is only as good as how it’s served which is why we care so much about our team. We aim to create a positive space for our team members where all feel welcome and passionate about sharing our product and story with each guest. And finally, for our guests, we strive to provide a space and overall experience where memories can be made. To be a third place for families and friends to gather, for first dates, for study sessions, we simply love being a big or small part of all the stories that come through our doors.

History

Established in 2019.

BOPOMOFO’s story starts in the late 90s when co-founder Philip Wang first tried boba as a teenager in Northern California. He immediately felt that boba shops were a unique part of Asian American culture which led him to work at a boba cafe through college. Meanwhile, other co-founder Eric Wang was developing his love for cooking at a young age. However, he had to give it up when his parents pushed him for a more secure career. In 2016, longtime friends Philip and Eric decided that they wanted to live out their culinary and hospitality dreams by opening a cafe of their own. Today, BOPOMOFO is known around the world by boba lovers attracting patrons from across town or across an ocean just for a bite or sip. This type of enthusiasm and attention is not lost on the BOPOMOFO team, and is the reason for our high standards and passion to deliver an exceptional experience everyday!

More Info

Health Score

Bopomofo Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

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1 Review

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Roger Q.

2 years ago

Bopo is hands down the best boba spot in town! The drinks are always fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced--not too sweet, not too bland, just right. The shop has a clean, modern vibe that makes it a great place to hang out or grab a quick drink on the go. The staff is super friendly and always willing to customize orders to your preference. You can tell they put care into every cup they make. If you're a boba fan, this is a must-visit. Great drinks, great service, and a great atmosphere--Bopo never disappoints! read more

Jeremy W.

1 year ago

Yeahh. That one star guy probably had a bad day or something. Hope he gets a high five or something. With his face? Or not. Whatever constantly angry people are into these days. read more

Autumn W.

1 year ago

I tried Bopomofo once and I was kind of sad it didn't really meet my expectations. Still good, I just thought it would be super good if you know what I mean. read more

Kazuma O.

1 year ago

This place tastes so bad. The money i spent on the drinks here is a sunk cost. The boba is decent, but there are better boba shops out there in my opinion. read more

Greg S.

1 year ago

service is good, very fair price. like the atmosphere0. cafe taste good line is not long read more

Bopomofo Cafe - cafes - Updated September 2026

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4.5/5 but their generosity put it over the top! They had a steady stream of customers on Sat Sept…read more12 afternoon, and yet they made us 2 extra small bingsus for my friend's bday! We ordered the mochi sesame waffle and the small strawberry bingsu and Coco/Oreo bingsu, and they gave us the mango+ melon lime bingsus for free! We thought 3 of us would not be able to finish it, but we did :D. Highly recommend getting a mochi waffle: so stretchyyy yet crispy on the outside (not something you usually want to hear about food, but it was tasty, and I love mochi). Bingsu was beautifully presented (which made it little hard not to eat messily: worth it). Mango and Strawberry were standard and not overly flavorful, which kept it refreshing. Melon lime was better than last time I tried at other location, (maybe because it does not pair well with injeolmi that we ordered that day, or) maybe because this time we squeezed the garnish lemon over it for a more complex flavor. Tasted like a light melona in bingsu form. Bathroom was clean and large. Space was a littlr messy, but it is the nature of bingsu. Tip: get the mochi waffle. If coming in a group or pair, get bingsus that pair well together! If parking is busy (probably in evening, you can park underground).

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•$$

We had come here after dinner a couple stores down. We were in the mood for some caffeine. And we…read moresaw that café 86 was still open for another 40 minutes or so. We ordered everything through the kiosk. And the team member are really kind of walk us through and answer some of the questions that we had for some of the drinks. I ended up getting the black and white. Couple of others got lattes and we made it a couple of minutes and surely after our drinks were done. Everything is really easy and efficient. The drinks are pretty good and this is a great place to come in for some drink drinks.

Bottom Line Up Front: Cafe 86 is the go-to spot if you love…read moreFilipino-inspired desserts and beverages -- and don't mind paying a premium for them. The Food: We got the Ube Cashew Brownie and the Jasmine calamansi iced tea. The former is like a traditional brownie but instead of chocolate it's made of ube (purple yam), which was moist, sweet but not too sweet, and absolutely delicious. All that goodness was balanced by the cashews. The Jasmine Calamansi Iced Tea, which as the name connotes, combines Jasmine tea and Calamansi (an Asian citrus) juice. I'm not big on either but itself, but together this drink made for a refreshing drink. The Service: Everyone who works there is top notch: fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. The Setting: It's located in the Tustin District, which has one of the worst engineered parking lots in Southern California. Firstly, the ingresses and egresses snarl traffic like crazy. Secondly, there are no parking structures, so it's tough to find a good spot up close during peak hours. The Interior: The cafe itself is narrow so there's not a ton of space to hangout I'd you're with a big crowd. It's nicely decorated and relatively clean, though the trash can was hard to find and filled to the brim. Plus, there weren't a ton of napkins. The Price: I would have given this place a perfect 5 out of 5 were it not for the higher-than-normal prices and the horrific parking situation. The Conclusion: Cafe 86 is our go-to spot when we have a sugar craving and don't mind paying a little bit more to get Filipino-inspired dessert.

Wara Bistro

4.5

(66 reviews)

I was skeptical coming here at first. Not in a crowded location and in the middle of an office…read morecomplex. Not that many reviews but at least they were good reviews. My skepticism quickly disappeared. This place is a solid hidden gem in the hustle and bustle of Irvine. Food was great. Good amount of seating inside and outside. Good service. Plenty of parking. No wait like some of the other mainstream places but definitely can hold its own. I got the Spanish latte to start and it was a cool refreshing drink for a warm summer day. I then ordered the fried chicken croffle (croissant and waffle fusion). It was a big portion and I was not able to finish it. Others in the group got the Ube French toast and breakfast burrito which also looked delicious! Would definitely come back!

We went with a group of 8, first time for the two of us. Small place in a strip mall that doesn't…read moreseem to be doing well. The hostess(our waitress) greeted us warmly and seated up right away. Water and coffee(first cup old, the second was good) followed quickly. I had the breakfast burrito with bacon and ham. Super good. My wife had the avocado toast which she said was very good. The waitress returned often to inquire if we needed anything more. All in all a nice little place.

Gram Cafe & Pancakes

4.2

(182 reviews)

•$$

Very cutesy cafe and wait time was minimal for a friday. my friend and i got the soufflé pancakes…read more(chocolate/hazelnut and mango) as well as the dalgonas. Very yummy. Would recommend (also great place to study).

Absolutely love it here. The staff is super The first time…read morewe came here, we had a wonderful time, but the second time was really frustrating. The wait-list is a mess. The two parties before us never arrived, so we were waiting forty minutes just to go inside and eat, sitting nearby and watching the tables open up without anyone there to claim them. When it was finally our turn after several more tables opened up, the customer service was clumsy and very rushed. The waiter, who I'm guessing is new, took our orders very quickly. I ordered some pancakes, he asked if that was all, and I said "yeah, but-" about to add that I'd like to hold onto the menu to order an appetizer. He reached for it, I pulled back, but he pulled it from my hands anyways and left before I could even get a word. I couldn't even flag down another waitress to ask for the menu again because they were so busy and never stopped once to check on us, delivering our food and leaving immediately. The customer service really needs improvement. I understand they need to get through tables fast to open more tables for the wait-list, but at least take a second to check on your current customers instead of coming across as unavailable. We may not come again as we don't want to deal with the waitlist and the messy customer service.

Annie's Table

4.5

(82 reviews)

•$$

Needed to order a lunch order for my work event and was recommended Annies table. The girl I talked…read moreto on the phone was super nice and did say large orders need to be placed 2 weeks in advance. This place is in the plaza across the street from Blizzard. Parking can be limited during office hours on weekdays since there are offices in that plaza. The large order was ready at the time I had requested. I ordered bento boxes that come with japchae, 2 dumplings, rice, veggie and protein. The portion is a very good size. Everyone at my office loved it! If you need something easy, with a good portion for the money, you have to try this place. Also they sell banchan which looks delicious!

Nom nom nom. Food is delicious! Line can be long during rush hours. If you plan around it, you'll…read morebe fine. The space can be awkward because of the line. But, overall good experience. Home made food at its best.

Auntea Jenny

4.0

(742 reviews)

•$$

The staff were very eager to help me when I had trouble picking between 2 drinks. The ambiance is…read morevery pleasant, fun, and bright. I love how fast they made my drink. The staff were very poliengaging, and friendly.

The shop has a charming atmosphere, and every corner is perfect for photos. The milk tea has a rich…read moretea flavor and a creamy, milky aroma, without being cloyingly sweet.

ALittle Tea

3.8

(105 reviews)

The prices are amazing and basic toppings are free. This hasn't been a thing for decades…read more I actually lowkey stan their coffee jelly. It's amazing! The best coffee jelly in Irvine. It isn't like the hard cubes coffee jelly you find at most places - this coffee jelly reminds me of the Japanese coffee jelly dessert. With 25% or 50% sweet caramel milk tea, it hits the dessert drink spot. They don't have many no-caffeine options, with ovaltine being one. You can order online on their website.

First time at Little Tea which took over the space previously occupied by Champion. Kiosk ordering…read moreis easy to navigate and you can vary the sugar and Ice level and has a good amount of toppings to add in. Friendly bobarista and the drinks tasted great! AND they have soy milk!! I highly rec the Matcha milk tea machciato !

Hey Tea

3.1

(186 reviews)

•$$

The matcha taste is super strong which I love…read more I ordered the Triple Supreme Matcha. Comes with some sort of matcha jello/custard thing at the bottom. It's a nice creamy matcha jello with matcha drink. Would recommend 50% sugar if you usually get 25% at other places!

I ordered the coconut mango boom and it's insanely watery and not the slushie texture that it…read moreusually is. This is my drink a minute after getting it - look how much liquid that isn't properly blended in. There was one other person waiting, so I don't know why they felt the need to take shortcuts. Just make the drink properly. Won't be going again, save your money.

Happy Lemon

3.9

(113 reviews)

•$

Admittedly, there isn't a wow factor to this place, but it is a refreshing option in The Market…read morePlace and the staff are rather friendly. The shop itself is a small place with shared seating area outside. The kiosks and mobile app are easy to navigate when placing orders, and there is minimal interaction needed with the staff (a win for introverts). However, the little interaction there has been (greeting, receiving the drink, correcting a mistake I made when placing the order, etc.) has always been professional and friendly. In fact, I made a minor mistake regarding the topping of my drink and honestly should have just left it at that since it was not an error on their end. Instead, the gentleman saw my disappointment and offered to remake my drink with the correct topping (as well as giving me the incorrect one as a freebie). The kind gesture was very sweet of him and I wanted to share. I am definitely returning whenever I am in this general area.

This is located in Tustin Marketplace off Jamboree and El Camino Real by Sephora and Dairy Queen…read more They have lots of parking available. I got the mango pandan sticky rice smoothie which was amazing. I was able to adjust it to zero added sugar, I don't like things too sweet. I've had this type of smoothie at other places and this one is by far the best one I've had thus far. You can either order it on the kiosk or at the counter. I've never been here before so I went to the counter. There isn't a lot of space inside so people usually take their drinks/food to go. They did have cute merch inside though!

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