Cha For Tea - University Center

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2 months ago

Steep Thoughts: Florence's Quest for (Her) Perfect Black Milk Tea Black milk tea: 0.5/2. I got the classic black milk tea, 2 pumps (aka half sweet). This drink is on the fruitier and lighter side, and it's quite sweet even at 2 pumps--I think the simple syrup they use plays a big role in the overall flavor of their drinks. It's pretty watery too, and I'm not sure if there's an option to reduce the ice. Other drinks: 1/1. As expected from the name, this shop focuses on tea, with fruit teas, milk teas, and some caffeine-free drinks. Good food options too; the crispy chicken in particular is delicious! Ambiance: 1/1. Basic decor with several tables, chairs, and booths. Free WiFi. Good place to work, and a lot of UCI students do so. Service: 1/1. Order at the counter. Staff are friendly and drinks come out pretty quickly. Total: 3.5/5 read more

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Hazelyn P.

0

49

4

3 months ago

Yeah, it's pretty nice. The drinks are simple and cheap. The place is always super busy, and it's not really a place to sit down and do cafe things just because of how much traffic is happening. The chicken is fantastic, but really tiny portions. It's pricey too for just a handful of meat. Drinks come out SUPER fast though, so if the line isn't long it's a nice place to swing by and get something to cool you off. I've had their mango tea, thai tea, lychee tea, mango smoothie, mint tea, chicken, and I'm sure a bunch of other stuff. It's all pretty good. read more

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Dennis L.

73

136

726

27 days ago

Always a nice experience. The workers are so friendly and accommodating. Drinks are good. Our favorite is the almond milk tea here; hot and cold. And we love their crispy chicken bites. read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Almond milk tea 2x - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Almond Milk Tea! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Mango green tea and almond milk tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Almond - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Almond tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Crispy chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Helen Y.

277

1274

7139

3 months ago

The drinks are pretty decent here. I got the peach green milk tea and the almond black milk tea with bobas. The bobas was nice and chewy. I got the drink less sweet and the amount of sweeteners was perfect. Had I came here before ordering food prior, I would have been down to get their combo food deal where it comes with a boba drink. The price was reasonable and the service was quick. Place looks clean and inviting. They have small seating area inside but plenty of outdoor seating with the nice weather. read more

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An P.

252

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919

4 months ago

THE BEST POPCORN CHICKEN I've ever had. I usually order via Door Dash because I study nearby. Perfect spice and unbeatable flavor. No complaints. I really like their mango boba tea as well. I've also had their peach and milk boba teas. Decent options, but popcorn chicken is their highlight. read more

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Sharon G.

94

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675

5 months ago

I love cha for tea and i'm sad that I don't live a walk away anymore!! This was the go to boba spot with my friends when we were students at UCI! The mango green tea always hits and the boba is super fresh and chewy. I appreciate that they served their drinks shaken, I feel that it really makes a difference! They have a variety of snacks, I have only tried the popcorn chicken (which is always delicious) It can get busy, but the line usually moves pretty quickly. You can also order ahead on their website which is very convenient. read more

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Melissa C.

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9 months ago

Delicious drinks at great prices! Cha for Tea is typically my last stop when I'm visiting my daughter. Our favorite is the mango green tea. I recently tried their honey green milk tea at the little tasting station and now I leave with not one but two drinks! As with most tea shops, you can adjust the level of sweetness. The employees are friendly - open late, fast service. read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Mango Green Tea, Honey Green Milk Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Phuonganh P.

230

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5 months ago

Solid spot for boba!! Although I only really ever get 2 drinks here--honey green milk tea and mango green tea, both with boba!!! LOVE that you can order online read more

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Jamie M.

34

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5 months ago

This place is so good. We got the extra spicy crispy chicken appetizer. It's a good amount for just $5.75! We also like getting the almond milk tea too. We noticed ordering from their website is much faster since lines can be insanely long. They offered many self-serve samples at the front by the register. It was a nice treat after waiting so long in line. The next time we visited, we did an online order. I saw on the online ordering that you can pick from their standard crushed ice or cubed ice. I'll try their cubed ice next time because I don't think I like crushed ice for boba drinks haha. Their sweet and sour sauce is an additional $0.20 charge, but it's pretty good! It looks and tastes different than most popcorn chicken places. read more

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Stella W.

17

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5 months ago

my GO TO boba spot in OC due to quality & price & location. food/drink: I ALWAYS get the Honey Green Milk Tea with boba. each and every time I've visited (20+ times over the years) the boba is alway Q (chewy, perfect, warm) and the tea is the same sweet tasty quality as the last. I've never been disappointed. PLUS before toppings, a large is under $5... where can you find this nowadays for this size and quality service: standard, nothing special or bad. ambiance: the outside area is nicer than the inside. inside needs a renovation but it's a standard looking boba shop. inside & outside both have more than enough seating. good area to walk around too. parking: SO much parking. read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Honey Green Milk Tea, Hot (Large) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Elisa N.

382

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1 year ago

CHA FOR TEA @ UC Irvine's University Center As a student, I was wowed on how close this was to UC Irvine's campus! My friend brought me here in the center telling me how amazing the boba here is. Parking is free for 2 hours and there is plenty of space in the lot. This place is my favorite, during my time in Irvine with my friend's family, I came here all three days straight, no joke and got the same thing. Their best seller Mango Green Tea with boba. It is FANTASTIC, and I cannot rave more about the pricing and how fresh their boba is. The price is no argument, with it only be less than $6 a drink, it's amazing. The service is great, there is samples for you to try and the workers are always kind and get your order so fast! The ambiance is bright and clean, so I'd highly recommend stopping by, this is by far my favorite place. read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Mango Green Tea (Large) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Almond Black Milk Tea (Large) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Lea B.

0

3

0

1 month ago

Alyssa was super chill and brought out our food to us while we were seated inside, tysm! I also like how the place is decorated w the leaves heheh read more

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Grace F.

57

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1 year ago

Outstanding experience and boba here. Upon entering they have a stand where you can sample some of their best selling drinks. This was a great way to try before committing to an entire drink. They have an extensive menu with many toppings to chose from and their prices are very reasonably priced. I ordered the lychee green tea with light ice and it was around $5 for a really great size. The drink wasn't too sweet, but if you prefer it less sweet you can also order it with 50% sugar as well. The location is in a very vibrant complex right on UC Irvine campus so it was nice being around a college campus and seeing it so lively. I would highly recommend this place to friends if you're in the area and looking for boba! read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Lychee Green Tea (Medium) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Reine N.

592

312

446

1 year ago

Came here around 3PM with a group of friends and the line wasn't too bad at all. We probably waited about 5-7 minutes before placing our order. I was craving something refreshing so I went with the mango green tea w/ boba. While you're waiting in line, they have pitchers of some of their top drinks along with small sample cups. I tried the warm almond milk tea and the mango green tea - the almond milk tea tasted a bit too similar to almond jello for my taste. The mango green tea was solid, just a bit sweet, so I opted for 75% sweetness for my drink. The boba had a nice chewy consistency and the mango green tea was the perfect drink for a warm day. Will definitely return to Cha for Tea if I'm in the Irvine area again! read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Large mango green tea w/ boba - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Cha For Tea - University Center - Menu as of 3/8/25 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Winn H.

1613

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1 year ago

Nearly 15 years later, and I still find myself coming back to this GOAT every time I visit Irvine! What's to like about Cha for Tea? Well, for starters, it's easily accessible from UCI, and... those free samples! You know a cafe is great when they offer free samples; it's the quite, unspoken "Yes, we know we're good" that gets me. What's impressive? Their almond milk tea! You'll know a place is good when they can make a refreshing almond milk tea; very few places can do this right! (iykyk) It's the perfect blend of nuttiness and sweetness (I prefer lightly sweet.) In summer, I get this iced, and in winter hot... both versions are equally amazing. Of course, they have a variety of other remarkable drinks such as mango green tea, but almond is by far my favorite. They usually have a few up to try while in line, so sample as much as you'd like! I also enjoy their lighting and shelves of product. The bright wood showcases all their teas and accessories - why yes, I'd love to take some home, but I know that this will send me into another financially unsustainable hobby... may the next time though! read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Iced Almond Milk Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Lynn L.

42

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1 year ago

ORDER popcorn chicken (3/5) mango green tea (4/5) the price here is unbeatable, but you pay for what you get. the popcorn is tasty, but the portion always catches me off guard since the bag is filled maybe 1/3 of the way... but again you pay for what you get. the sauce here has a light flavor and the consistency is super thick. sauce is an additional fee. the drinks here are pretty good and well priced. my favorite is the mango green tea (they usually have a sample of this). i get mine less sweet with boba. ive tried the green milk tea here as well and its also good. i always come back since the price is so good. SERVICE super quick service even if there's a line + you can order online AMBIANCE spacious inside, but usually busy. plenty of parking! read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - popcorn chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Amy Y.

1888

1410

4548

6 months ago

My friend who went to UCI Recommended this place and we tried a few things. The popcorn chicken was good, the drinks were also decent. Located in a nice little plaza. Overall good experience and convenient for the UC kids. read more

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Kim I.

17

230

825

1 year ago

Nestled in the UCI campus, I had no complaints about the service, especially the cashier he was very friendly. And it's very well lit inside as well as plenty of seating to do as you wish. The issue was just how artificial the boba drink tasted. My husband used to work at lollicup back in the day and even he said all they used was powder and syrup mixtures. I did used to love Cha but I think now that I've tried other boba spots that you can tell they have made their teas from scratch. My passion fruit cooler was just incredibly sweet that I couldn't finish it after a few sips. If you are looking for just a quick sugar fix then this is your place. read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Passion fruit cooler - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Quinn K.

3

72

76

2 months ago

love cha for tea!! such a great spot in university center and the drinks are super tasty!! i love the lychee green tea with jellies read more

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Anna A.

0

28

43

5 months ago

First off, my order was ready in under two minutes. I was shocked lol. I got their roasted brown sugar milk latte and it was so good! The prices are actually very reasonable as well! read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Roasted Brown Sugar Milk Latte (Large), one with the orange straw - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Ann G.

0

20

43

6 months ago

I'm disappointed with the drink. Soooo Watered down tea. Can't even taste the jasmine at all! Nothing read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Organic Jasmine Green Tea, (Large) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Irene P.

44

171

178

1 year ago

This place is so nostalgic. It reminds me of high school/college days. I got a green milk tea and enjoyed the strong tea flavor. The line moved quickly. Easy parking in a large lot. read more

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Vivian P.

383

242

271

9 months ago

Nice place--open late, lots of different options, and free samples of 4 different flavors (usually a fruit tea, milk tea, refresher, and plain brewed tea). Service was also quick and friendly. read more

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Isabel S.

92

51

76

1 year ago

Never had an iced chai before, but it was pretty good. I appreciated that they had a little sampler set up to taste test different teas, it really helped me get out of my comfort zone and try something new. read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Chai milk tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Mari P.

1

198

63

8 months ago

I love the fact that they have free sample for the some of the teas they sell. Yes, the almond black tea is a must! They have a variety of drinks from hot to cold. The organic variety is great too. Friendly staff despite the fact that wait times can be long. Reasonable prices as well. They do not have charging ports so be wary of that! Other than that, great place overall! read more

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Vivian T.

374

82

133

1 year ago

Solid boba spot but only a couple good drinks that I come back for, which are the almond milk tea, honey green milk tea, or mango green tea. I was feeling adventurous and got the mango milk tea but it started separating which was a little unsightly, but I drank it anyway after giving it a mix before I took a sip. I really liked my boyfriend's almond milk tea and snuck a few sips hehe. Service was quick even though there was a long line. Ambiance was casual, more of a grab and go spot. Plenty of outdoor seating if you want to enjoy your drink right away. read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Mango milk tea, Almond Black Milk Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Lydia B.

35

168

490

1 year ago

This spot holds a special place in my heart. When i was a kid, i used to take ballet classes nearby and after every class my mom would go here for a lil boba bevvy! Now, every time she visits (all the way from Wisconsin), we hit up Cha for Tea straightaway. Service is always quick and you can customize your sweetness level and even boba level! If you are craving boba, go here. read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Peach Passion Green Tea (Large), Peach Mint Refresher (Medium) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Leioxy

0

8

7

3 months ago

their bubble tea is absolutely delicious. I often DoorDash the Jasmine Green milk tea along with their popcorn chicken. It's so satisfying for a quick study sesh. read more

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Cindy L.

273

111

53

1 year ago

I haven't had Cha for Tea since my college days, and I'm surprised by how much they've stepped it up! This location is thriving with people and their service is really fast :) 1. Green milk tea I am very picky with my GMTs because it is my go to drink. But this location has the PERFECT green tea flavor I always look for. You can taste the floral notes and the milk/tea ratio is perfect. 2. Roasted Brown Sugar Boba Not sure if I taste too much of the roastyness, but it is definitely different from your usual BS boba. Service: Ordered on the app while I was in the plaza. By the time I walked over, my drink was ready to go! Less than 5 minutes I would say. Ambiance: Quite noisy with a lot of students around. Very typical boba shop vibe. There's lots of tables, but not sure if you can find seating during peak hours. read more

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Winny H.

623

1398

10335

2 years ago

This boba place is located in University Center. They make fresh hourly here. There a small area for indoor seating and they also sell Taiwanese appetizers to munch on. I like to get their roasted brown sugar boba milk latte which is quite delicious. Very sweet in flavor that you can customize sweetness as well. Good and friendly staff. One less star for lack of space while waiting to order out drinks. read more

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Aria M.

394

48

54

11 months ago

The OG boba shop that put Irvine on the map. Cha for Tea at UCI is truly the original--the spot that kicked off Irvine's boba craze. Long before the city became a boba lover's paradise, this place was already serving up chewy tapioca pearls and solid milk teas to generations of students and locals alike. There's something nostalgic and comforting about coming back here. The drinks are consistent, the service is fast, and the location is unbeatable for UCI students. While newer spots might have flashier menus or trendy toppings, Cha for Tea stays true to its roots--and sometimes that's exactly what you want. One star off only because I'd love to see a bit more innovation or seasonal specials to keep things fresh. But overall, still a classic and an essential part of Irvine's boba history. The ambiance is loud and bustling with UCI students and can't always hear your conversations read more

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Christina J.

40

591

1182

1 year ago

My favorite spot in UTC These are my favorites: Mango green tea(iced) w/ lychee Toasted brown sugar milk latte Crispy chicken w/ noodles read more

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Shirley B.

230

157

573

2 years ago

Food: this is my usual go to boba spot in Irvine area, especially when visiting my best friend who lives close by. I've tried many different drinks both cold and hot, and they have always been solid. This time around, my bf and I stopped by while on our way going home from Newport Beach. It was still cold and windy outside so we opted for hot teas, he got chai and I got honey green milk tea. The drinks definitely warmed us up right away and tasted OK, but still a bit too sweet despite requesting 50% sugar. Personally I would choose yifang or sunright over this place, but cha for tea is a staple irvine experience that you really can't miss out on. We also got crispy (popcorn) chicken in mild spice, which was indeed crispy, bite sized, and seasoned really well even without the sweet and sour sauce, highly recommend! Price: about $5 per drink or appetizer, I think the prices are very reasonable Ambiance: located in the heart of university center, which is a big plaza close to UC irvine. Lots of young college students, mostly Asian crowd, very lively and crowded and busy. There were about 8 tables inside, some people were studying, some were talking, not enough seats to accommodate the number of people who visit. Better to just grab the drinks and sit outside or walk around the plaza Service: good, no issues, minimal interaction other than ordering at the counter with cashier Parking: huge parking lot right infront the university center, no need to worry about finding a spot, there always will be one read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - 2 hot teas and 1 serving of crispy chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Derek T.

782

1343

3336

2 years ago

Cha For Tea is probably a staple for UCI students and locals and visitors alike. Solid tea options and munchies to enjoy while you're studying or just hanging out. It was a cold night for us so we opted for hot drinks, which were just right. The hot chai milk tea was nice and refreshing but I'd recommend dropping the sweetness to 50%, same goes for the hot honey green milk tea. And good job, they're the more popular items on the menu too. The crispy chicken aka popcorn chicken was seasoned nicely and had a nice mix of crunch and tender. It's been a while since I had popcorn chicken so this was a nice little treat myself kind of snack. So while it may get crowded here, the line moves fairly quick and drinks come out in a timely manner. Seating may be limited though since it's pretty close to UCI. read more

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Tammy B.

303

448

1390

2 years ago

Happy national bubble tea day from my favorite place to get boba Mango green tea 10/10- my absolute fav, I normally get 2 pumps of sweetener instead of the full amount as it's pretty sweet and it's awesome that they can adjust it for you. I love how refreshing it is and how the mango and green tea go together perfectly. This is also the most popular drink on their menu!! Their boba is also incredibly fresh but I love getting their lychee jelly or aloe Vera jelly however I didn't get any in this drink order. Highly recommend their hot honey almond milk tea for when it's cold out. They also started selling boba squishmallows so I had to cave and get one as it's so cute and cha for tea is my favorite spot for drinks. The lines go fast too! I've been coming here for 10+ years now and it's always been consistent. Instagram: @hungrytamale read more

Cha For Tea - University Center - Mango green tea Instagram: @hungrytamale - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

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Ken C.

821

1354

3295

1 year ago

Cha for Tea is a nostalgic favorite for me as I've been coming here since I was a student here. Given that I started coming here at the beginning of this century, I have to give them respect for their tea being consistent for decades. I love their honey green milk tea and their boba is consistently warm/chewy in that perfect way. I wish I could get more volume in my orders, but I do crave their tea here and I can''t keep myself from stopping by when I'm in the area. read more

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Lori R.

241

658

876

2 years ago

I wish yelp would do half stars, this place would get 3.5 from me. Rounding down because I will frequent other locations when I have options. This was a good Boba place for order ahead and pickup. It's right by the UCI campus so it's very busy with a line out the door and the place itself is quite small. I could imagine waiting for your order takes awhile. When you pickup the person taking orders will help you ahead of the giant line which is nice but probably slows down the line so not the best system. The boba was good but I feel like the menu was limited. No oolong options and the black milk tea was just ok. Parking makes this place a task to get to. Overall just ok. read more

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Jacob

0

4

0

3 months ago

Very yummy boba. Prices were very yummy. The wait was very quick and awesome. Drinks came out very fast. It was very yummy. Yum yum yum

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More info about Cha For Tea - University Center

4187 Campus Dr
Ste M173
Irvine, CA 92612
Directions
(949) 725-0300
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.chafortea.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Cha For Tea - University Center open?

Cha For Tea - University Center opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Cha For Tea - University Center close?

Cha For Tea - University Center closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Cha For Tea - University Center closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 11:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Cha For Tea - University Center take Bitcoin?

No, Cha For Tea - University Center does not take Bitcoin.

Does Cha For Tea - University Center take credit cards?

Yes, Cha For Tea - University Center takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Cha For Tea - University Center have catering options?

Yes, Cha For Tea - University Center does have catering options.

Does Cha For Tea - University Center have a drive thru?

No, Cha For Tea - University Center does not have a drive thru.

Does Cha For Tea - University Center have a happy hour?

No, Cha For Tea - University Center does not have a happy hour.

Does Cha For Tea - University Center serve alcohol?

No, Cha For Tea - University Center does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Cha For Tea - University Center allow dogs?

No, Cha For Tea - University Center does not allow dogs.

Does Cha For Tea - University Center have TVs?

No, Cha For Tea - University Center does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cha For Tea - University Center have bike parking?

Yes, Cha For Tea - University Center has bike parking.

Does Cha For Tea - University Center have outdoor seating?

Yes, Cha For Tea - University Center has outdoor seating options.

Does Cha For Tea - University Center have parking?

Yes, Cha For Tea - University Center has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Cha For Tea - University Center wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Cha For Tea - University Center is wheelchair accessible.

Does Cha For Tea - University Center have free WiFi?

Yes, Cha For Tea - University Center has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We are committed to serving you the BEST boba tea! Our boba and teas are always freshly made. We are happy to customize different drink sweetness before or after your drink is made to ensure that you will get your PERFECT cup of tea from us! Crispy chicken is our most popular snack/entree item. It is a must try here! A lot of customers also love our steamed or crispy dumplings, Beef stew entree and Curry chicken entree. We always have free samples of food and drinks available in the store. Feel free to try them all when you visit us!

History

Established in 1999.

Cha is the pioneer 20 years ago first to introduce boba to Orange County. Originated from a 60 years old retail tea company, Ten Ren's Tea in Taiwan, Cha is committed to introduce Taiwan's popular boba tea to US foodies. Each batch of boba, each tea, and even our water is carefully tested and screened before making its way into our cups, and your hands. We believe a perfect cup of boba tea can brighten your day and bring great fulfilling happiness to your heart. We continue to innovate and improve our operation. Our oldest store has gone through 5 major remodelings to improve our quality and efficiency. We created system to allow consistent adjustment for your preference. We have the most advanced bar in the boba industry providing the most consistent boba teas to accompany The Best Boba for you. We have locations in Irvine (2), Long Beach, and Pomona. We truly wish our efforts turn into your happiness!

More Info

Health Score

Cha For Tea - University Center Reviews in Other Languages

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Northern Cafe

Delicious Chinese food and great for family style! Near full house each time I visit but no worries…read more- got seated quick. Casual restaurant with a selection of cold dishes displayed up front. Lemon water in pitcher is provided once you get seated. Order via QR code. A standout dish was the pork pancake, which was layered almost like a savory crepe. The exterior was crispy and slightly oily. Plenty of flavor packed into each bite mmm I also ordered the spicy sauerkraut lamb hot pot. It comes with flames & reminded me a bit of Boiling Point. Lots of napa cabbage in the broth. The lamb was excellently fatty... tender and soft! I've recently had another hot pot place with lean lamb so this was on point. Portions were generous and the price felt very reasonable. My favorite dish of the meal was the fatty beef with scallions. The beef was indeed fatty and rich flavor, with what I think was a nice subtle Shaoxing wine or cooking wine flavor. The natural sweetness of the onions balanced the savory, salty sauce nicely.

I have said it time and time again and I still stand by it... northern cafe gives din tai fung a…read morerun for its money!! The food is always prepared to perfection. Their menu is much more extensive. Their portions are much larger. The flavors are much bolder in my opinion. And they have fried chicken on the menu (say less) The ambience is always lively, fairly loud but no louder than any other sit down restaurant you'd visit. Their servers are quick and efficient. If you haven't tried northern cafe, highly recommend you give them a try!

Szechuan Mala Pot 麻辣牛油鍋 | IG @moniquedao

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Half a Smoked Chicken

EverSpring Modern Chinese

Leaving this review after an almost bad experience to help the restaurant or anyone else that may…read morehave eaten here today. 5 stars for fixing the problem immediately for us. We've been here several times before and what keeps us coming back is the quality of the food. Today, they had a new chef cook our food and it was terrible. Green beans were extremely sour (way way too much vinegar). Mapo Tofu had a ton of oil but not enough sauce, so it was just flavorless except the oil. The fried pork chop was over fried where some pieces you can't even bite through. The rice had too much water in it and was mushy. I rarely return food but this time it was so bad we had to let them know. We returned all of our dishes back to them. They let us know there was a new chef today, and they would remake all the dishes for us with the original chef. The replacement dishes were just as good as all our previous visits and it was excellent again! So thanks to the staff for fixing the problem. I'm not sure if they are training a new chef to take over, or as a backup, but they need to be careful as serving bad quality food like that would drive most people to never come back. We knew the food was good from prior experience, so we knew we could ask why the food quality changed. For first time customers, or those that may have ordered to go - if you had bad food today, it may have been a fluke due to the new chef. Service however was a amazing as usual. For all our visits including today, the staff has been kind and always looking for ways to help out and make sure we were having a good experience. So besides the food being good, I would say excellent service is also huge plus here. Don't be fooled with the automated ordering and robot delivering the food into thinking there is no service. The people behind the counter are awesome! Hope management takes care of this new chef issue quickly since their food quality is the main reason people come here. There was a night and day difference between the original food we got today, and the replacement!

We have eaten at EverSpring many times ever since they opened and my family loved it because it…read moretasted like authentic cantonese dishes. It had been a couple of months since we were last there and my parents and my daughter had been asking to go back and were really looking forward to eating there. However, we were so disappointed when we went back 2 weeks ago! The menu changed a bit, which was fine, and all our usual dishes were still there. We did notice that the cooks have changed and the original Cantonese chef was not there. I think the kitchen staff really changed how the flavors of the dishes for the worst. My 7yo daughter used to love their shrimp fried rice, but as soon as the fried rice came out, the first thing she said was "how come it looks so different from before." Not only did it look different, it was BURNT. It was like they fried the rice in a burnt wok so every grain of rice was coated in tiny black burnt bits. It was essentially inedible. They also just topped the rice with some tastless blanched shrimp instead of actually stir frying the shrimp into the rice. The green onion pancake used to be flakey with layers and expectedly oily for this dish, but the pancake we got this time was essentially a tasteless tortilla. It literally looked and tasted like a tortilla. No layers, flakes or oil at all and was the worst green onion pancake I've ever had anywhere. The fish with black bean sauce was acceptable, but it was definitely not the same. It tasted more like American Chinese flavors instead of the previous authentic Cantonese flavors. The only dish that I thought was still good was the stir fried eggplants, although my parents said it also tasted more Americanized. We are so sad that the food here has changed so much and it was one of the rare places my Cantonese dad actually said tasted authentically Cantonese in the area. The restaurant was full during our latest vist but we did notice that 90% of the diners and people ordering take-out were non-Asians. When we came previously, there was a good mix of Asian and non-Asian diners, so it seems like the clientele have shifted, which might explain the flavor changes or vice versa. The staff is still very nice and friendly, but it seems like the robot server has been laid off. I don't think we will be coming back again unfortunately as the food is no longer what we loved before. However, they seemed to still be doing well so others must still like it.

Crispy Beef. Photo is for demonstration purpose only, not our actual serving size.

Orange Chicken

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Dry Chili Chicken

Kuan Zhai Alley

Kuan Zhai Alley has changed my perspective on Sichuan food. As someone who was never big on the…read morecuisine, this restaurant exceeded my expectations. Everything we ordered was delicious, but there are some dishes that really stood out to me. The sliced fatty beef in pickled soup was full of flavor and had the perfect amount of sourness. The tofu with salted egg yolk was crispy on the outside and super soft in the inside, which I really enjoyed. I loved the crispy shrimp with lemon sauce. The batter was perfect and this honestly beats the typical honey walnut shrimp you get elsewhere. At the end, we had the glutinous rice cake with brown sugar. If you like mochi-style desserts, this will be your new favorite sweet treat. In addition, the service was great and the food came out fast. I'll definitely be coming back to try more dishes!

I really like this place and had been wanting to try forever. I saw mixed reviews so I wasn't sure…read morehow it would be. But I'm glad I came. Since it's small, it clearly gets busy at times. The ambiance is nice. Whole fish: 9/10. Really good and full of flavor. I liked that this had a lot of stuff in addition to the fish! Chicken with peppers: 9/10. Also good. Loved the flavor, the spice, and the crispness String beans: 8/10. Good but nothing particularly standout. Better than other restaurants, though Pumpkin cake: 9/10. I didn't know what to expect but I really liked it! It's soft, moist, and flavorful Lots of parking since it's a plaza with other food places. Great restaurants in the area. I would come back

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Northern Cafe

NORTHERN CAFE @ UNIVERSITY CENTER…read more The food was so yummy and it was so convenient to get, love that there was plenty of spots to sit too! The food came out in about 5 minutes and everything was pretty good. Overall 5/5 would get again

Went here for lunch, and it could get packed during lunch time but the service is fast. We ordered…read moreDandan Noodles, egg plant with garlic sauce, yangzhou fried rice, sweet and sour ribs and pork and shrimp dumplings. Dandan noodles is okay, nothing special. Egg plant with garlic sauce is too greasy probably because of they fry the eggplants first. Yangzhou fried rice is okay, lots of shrimp. Sweet and sour ribs is too sweet for me and too saucy that it feels overwhelming already and lastly the pork and shrimp dumplings is just okay, you need to put their dumpling sauce to make it taste better. They do have outdoor seating and we have our dog with us and the tables are clean despite being in a busy street. Overall, the food is just okay, service is fast and place is clean.

Szechuan Mala Pot | IG @moniquedao

Front cashier area

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Zha Jiang Noodle

Six Alley Xi’an Biang Biang Noodle

Locally owned & operated

Happy hour specials

I came here around the end of the day absolutely STARVING. We got seated quickly and everything was…read morehandled promptly. The restaurant itself is a bit on the small side so you'll be close to your neighbors not that it was an issue personally. My buddy and I ordered our items and shared with each other for a good full experience. We got the three-in-one noodles medium heat and the Ma Hu Beef noodles with mild heat alongside the cucumbers with medium heat as an appetizer. Cucumbers were very fresh! However, they really were just cucumbers with a little heat on them so they weren't anything too special. Once the main entrees came in, I couldn't stop myself from digging in! I forgot to take a picture until after some damage was done to our meals. Three-in-one was so flavorful and sweet with the noodles becoming incredibly soft after having mixed it all together. The star of the show for me though was the Ma Hu Beef noodles. The beef was remarkably tender and delicious and the noodles had a firmer texture that complimented with the flavors. Oddly enough, the mild heat on the Ma Hu Beef was spicier than the medium heat three-in-one! If you find yourself in the mood for Biangbiang noodles, this is definitely the spot to go to. On a side unrelated note about the parking which did not influence my review; the parking here is rough. It's consistently packed so watch out for that. There is a structure across the street that allows parking for the food court. I parked in the structure but I had a bad experience because since it's also parking for the residents above, the gate was closed on us after 8pm. I had to wait for a vehicle to come out and open the gate for not only just me but for multiple other people that had also parked in the structure!Just something to keep in mind. Hopefully that doesn't continue being an issue for future guests.

Food tastes good. Service perfect! Ambiance good. Comfortable at all! Lucy's service is very good…read more Definitely will come back soon!

Ranked #36 -- Among Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in Orange County 2025

N3. Mahu Beef Noodle

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Braised Beef Rib with Oil-Poured Noodle

Crispy Rougamo

Stopped by here to grab a quick dinner and it did not disappoint! The lamb rougamo aka hamburger is…read morewhat caught my initial attention, but everything else was tasty as well. They also have the option for beef and pork if lamb is not your thing. Also tried their wonton soup, which was actually really savory while comforting, as well as their cold and spicy plate of beef and tripe and decided to give their eggplant, potato, and some peppers a try and even the table next to us was curious about the dish bc it looked and tasted so good. Service was very attentive too, making sure everything tasted delicious. Overall, a casual and small group-oriented restaurant that warrants a solid try.

Simple restaurant serving reasonably priced, casual Chinese food. My son and I were on our own for…read moredinner and decided to try something new. This spot was on the way to football practice, so we popped in. Staffing was minimal -- just two servers running the whole place -- and ordering is done through a QR code, which seems to be the norm these days. The ambiance is basic: plain tables and chairs, minimal décor, nothing fancy. We ordered the fried chicken cutlet w/ rice, the crispy rougamo, and the garlic string beans. Everything was solid, but the crispy rougamo was the standout. Flaky pastry packed with strips of peppery steak -- simple but really satisfying.

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Meizhou Dongpo

Growing up eating in SF Chinatown and having some of the best Peking duck in both San Francisco and…read moreNew York, we came in with high expectations -- and Meizhou Dongpo absolutely delivered. The Peking duck was exceptional: crispy skin, juicy meat, and incredibly fresh wraps and condiments. Easily one of the best we've had in Southern California and noticeably better than many surrounding Irvine spots. The Sichuan dumplings were also amazing with a flavorful spicy sauce, the sweet and sour fish was perfectly cooked and balanced, and even the sticky rice dessert stood out. The decor and atmosphere were also beautifully done -- a great spot for either a themed dining experience or just a nice dinner out. The colors, design, and overall ambiance felt very intentional and well thought out. Service was smooth and welcoming throughout. We unfortunately didn't catch our original server's name, but Tate closed us out and was extremely friendly and personable. In such a competitive Irvine food scene, this place genuinely stands out. Definitely worth coming back for.

Yummy food. They had such good service. The restaurant was so nice and will come back soon. Water…read morerefills were so quick, waiters were super attentive 10/10.

Fresh seafood prepared in a multitude of ways

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Meizhou Roast Duck served with steamed crepes

A & J Restaurant

A&J is an Irvine institution!! Can't even remember how much times I've visited in the last ten…read moreyears because it's probably my favorite Taiwanese spot in the area. It's about time I reviewed them! My number one dish goes to the minced pork rice- it's a pretty simple dish, but it's sooo good here for some reason. I've ordered this dish at other Taiwanese restaurants and nothing compares to the one at A&J- the pork is always SO flavorful, never dry and enough to coat all the rice, the egg is perfection, and all the little garnishes compliment the dish so well. It's also just as amazing takeout which I always appreciate. Other go-tos are the spicy beef noodle soup- the beef in it is always so tender and I love getting the thick noodle option because of the rough texture it adds. Beef roll and pan fried dumplings are always a good option for sharing. Have tried a lot of things on their menu and nothing so far has disappointed!

Went to A&J with a few friends on a Friday night. There was about a 15-minute wait. We checked in,…read moretold them our party size, received a numbered ticket, and were seated shortly after. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the beef noodle soup, minced pork over rice, spicy wontons, fried pork chop, and scallion pancake. At first, the portions looked smaller than we expected, but the prices were reasonable and the food ended up being more filling than it appeared. We actually thought we'd need to order several more dishes for our group of four, but by the end of the meal we were completely satisfied. My favorite was definitely the spicy wontons. The wontons themselves were great, but the sauce was flavorful, slightly spicy, and addictive!

#151 sliced pork ears w/hot and spicy seasoning, #154 vegetarian delight (gluten puffs, bean curd, and mushrooms)

Interior

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Chinese Style Fried Chicken on Rice

Seven Grams

Excellent food and great service!…read more Everything was delicious. We had the beef wrap roll which were in generous size and proportion. Beef was tender. The xialongbao was excellent a and generous in proportion. Although i did not have it, My family enjoyed the cold noodles with chili oil. The chili oil complemented the al dente noodles perfectly. I enjoyed the golden beef prime noodle soup. The Beef was tender, soup was light and had the right amount of seasoning and spicynness. I wasn't impressed with the scalion pancake--it felt a little dry, a bit bland and very thin compared to those found in other restaurants. However the crispy chicken was excellent and a go-to for kids. The kid loved the drinks here such as the strawberry yakuit and the strawberry matcha iced drink. The restaurant seems always busy. The service was attentive but expect longer wait times and response when it is busy. Restaurant was clean and decorative. We absolutely recommend this place.

Food - think of this as Din Tai, well you know. But on a better value and still tastes authentic!…read more Love their dumpling, onion pancake, fried rice. Flavors are good and competitive. Service is good but could be better at times. Overall, not bad and can definitely fill and fill your cravings for dumplings and such.

Wonton With Chili Sauce 6pcs

Inside seating

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Pan Fried Shrimp&Chicken Dumplings (Whole Wheat) 8pcs

Xishang Roodle

Met with friends from all over So Cal for an event down South. After the event our friend found a…read morenoodle house in Santa Ana, odd find location but lets go ... Massive parking lot so that was easy, one friend went ahead and let them know we had 10 incoming. They made room and we sat immediately. One of the spots that you scan a menu at the table and you review, order and pay all in the app. I was really not familiar with the line up and went with the "House Special Beef Pot Roodle" (Roodles are their rice noodles). It was a weekend only item and I tried that. The noodles came separate from the soup. Over all it was very tasty. The meat was a bit fatty and the soup had tendons too. I took that part home and my wife loved it. I tend to avoid the fatty meat and tendons are not good to me. 10 of us so some of the appetizers got passed around. The smashed cucumbers are excellent, and my buddy also got some friend potatoes of sorts, reminded me of a fat French fry. Because my buddy and I sat at the same table we scanned the same menu, he ordered a bunch of stuff and also House Special Beef Pot Roodle. That confused the kitchen and they asked me if I meant to order 2, I said no and didn't realize I cancelled my buddy's order. Part of the confusion of a large party and many scanned menu orders. My buddy was struggling to order and our initial waiter seemed to not understand my friend and that took a little bit to work out, young lady came from the back and was able to quickly resolve some of the confusion and get questions answered as needed. In the end he had lot of food to explore. One thing that caught my eye was several couples there and sharing a large soup item served with a tray of various food items for the soup. Kind of a date night visual and something that looked very interesting. Several couples around us had that same dish and its got me more curious. Might have to come back with my wife and try this one.

I decided to give this place a try because I heard their noodles were very authentic, and as…read moresomeone who loves noodles, I was excited to try it. I ordered their most popular dish, the A1 set, but honestly, it didn't really live up to the hype for me. The broth tasted pretty underseasoned overall. From what I understood, you're supposed to mix all the toppings into the soup with the noodles, but even after doing that, I still felt like the flavor was lacking. Yes, they provide seasoning on the side, but personally, I wish the broth already had enough flavor on its own without needing to adjust it myself. Would I come back? Probably not. Nothing really stood out to me enough to return, and it felt more like a one-time experience. Overall, everything was just okay.

We came from all over to meet at this Roodle spot in Santa Ana. Fun times.

Beef Stew Noodle

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Devil Chicken | $9.99

Desouro

The Phoenix No2 was amazing, and Natalie was very helpful in choosing which teas to try!read more

I came to Desouro with my friend Melissa L. after we had lunch at Nep in the same plaza. Desouro is…read morea tea connoisseur's dream. They have a lot of fancy equipment and they make your tea fresh by the order. Despite being busy, the staff here is quick and efficient and the orders come out in a reasonable amount of time considering how busy they are. My friend had the Red Jade Black Milk Tea ($5.75) and I had the Metal Goddess Oolong Milk Tea ($4.95) with Tapioca ($1.00). I could really taste the earthy notes in my milk tea and really enjoyed it. The tapioca were fresh and chewy. I think they're so busy you are guaranteed a fresh batch of tapioca. Really excited for this spot for when I'm in the mood for a quality cup of tea! Until next time!

Equipment, tea made fresh to order

My aged crescent outside

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Drinks come in a fancy paperbox holder

Febe Coffee

I tired their mango match and was absolutely amazing!! It's…read morea cute little coffee shop with minister seating and parking Can get crowded fast

The matcha is phenomenal here!! My husbands favorite is the banana matcha as seen in all the…read morepictures. I am on a rotation from corn, black seasame and ube matcha. The space inside is outdated and a bit dirty...the matcha is the prize here! They have outdoor area and seating inside. Worth it for the matcha! There seems to be a line everytime we go! I wouldn't get coffee here...just matcha!

My baby girl wanted Strawberry puree with Ube Such a pretty & yummy drink.

Egg foam lattes

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Sea salt nutty

Commons Cafe

The lattes are great. I got the Madagascar Vanilla Latte from their specialty latte menu and it was…read moredelicious.

Insanely clean aesthetic and super friendly staff. Everything is fairly priced especially for Costa…read moreMesa and Irvine. The quality is on another level and clearly stands out from most places around here. The Mango Matcha (seasonal) was absolutely insane. If you're reading this review you need to try it. The Matcha with Cream Top was also incredible. The first sip was so thick and creamy that I barely got any matcha which is honestly a good sign. They stick to a more traditional approach and don't add sweetener unless you ask for it. Lastly, the pourovers. Some people might question the price, but take a minute to smell the different beans at the counter. You'll quickly realize that not every bean smells like coffee. The tasting notes actually come through and you can tell a lot of care goes into every pour over they make. Most drinks, aside from the pour-overs, are around $4.50 to $7, which is a far greater value for what you're getting in sheer quality. There are way too many cafes these days that focus on aesthetics and end up sacrificing quality. This place feels like it's run by people who genuinely love coffee and it shows in every order. Last note: they have their system down to a tee. The wait in line may be long but once you order it's super quick to receive your order.

A.m. chill, but don't want to be at home or work.

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Decor

Owly Tea & Crepe

4.1

(23 reviews)

0.1 mi

I went midday during the week and there was no wait at all! I'm thankful the lines have calmed…read moredown. The service was great and gave me some suggestions since I wasn't sure what to get. I ended up with the mango avocado at 50% sweetness and it was so good!! Perfect amount for sweetness for me. The agar boba, pomelo and mango combined so well with the avocado. I'm obsessed with avocado smoothies and the toppings really elevated the drink. Inside was really cute and minimalistic. I could see this as a great place to catch up with a friend or do some work. I will definitely be back!

Stumbled upon this adorable spot - I stood at the counter with serious decision paralysis -…read morehonestly wanted one of everything. Watched them make the Old School Crêpe right in front of me - fresh batter, strawberries, bananas, Nutella, and crème brûlée, finished with a blowtorch to create that crispy caramel shell. That first crunch was so satisfying, paired with the soft custard and fruit - pure heaven. Also tried the Yes to All Mango Sticky Rice Crepe - loaded with fresh mango, stuffed with mochi, coconut rice, and mango ice cream. Textures for days. Drinks were just as good - the Sesame Cloud was silky smooth with deep nutty flavor, the Watermelon Coconut tasted like summer in a cup, and the Mango Sticky Rice Smoothiewas packed with toppings. The iced lemon tea was also good. If you have a sweet tooth, this place is a must. Already planning my next order.

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Rise Bagels

BEST BAGELS EVER!! With the awards and accolades to support it!!…read more My family and I tried the following so far: Egg Salad (5 out of 5) Smash Burger (5 out of 5) Lox (5 out of 5) Fruit (10 out of 5) All of the bagels were light, crispy, chewy and delicious. The kimchi bagel and cheddar jalapeño were our favorites. You don't feel heavy/greasy after eating them. Drinks: Yuzu Lemonade (amazing) Ube blueberry latte (delicious) Jasmine lychee? (Awesome) And the chocolate chip mousse cake was to die for. Service was amazing and they had plenty of staffing. Plenty of areas to sit and hang out in the area. Thank you for bringing amazing bagels and flavors into our lives.

First time here, you can park in the parking structure and they validate your ticket for you! It…read morewas a little hard to find due to many of the business signages being harder to see against the building color, but we found it, woohoo! We ordered 2 lox bagels on everything, 1 asian chicken salad on everything, 1 pb&j on cinnamon raisin, and 1 pepperoni pizza bagel - Lox: as some reviewers have mentioned, the citrus cure seemed to overpower the lox flavor/left us wanting more prevalent smoked salmon flavor. Capers would've been a great garnish. Tomatoes were fresh and juicy, pickled onions add a punch - Asian Chicken Salad: chicken was cooked great (not over or rubbery at all!), we all shared this one and we all were wanting more allium flavors or maybe even more salt- cilantro, more onions diced in, more green onions diced in, would've REALLY made the flavors pop. 2 friends out us 4 ranked this the least favorite. - PB&J: the surprise winner, it was delicious and really hit the spot! A friend was worried the cinnamon raisin would be way too sweet but nope, she said it was balanced and greatly made - Pepperoni Pizza Bagel: LOVED the crispy pepperoni cups. Ranch dip is a must and the hot honey was a favorite among our friends, I opted to enjoy it with just ranch. It made me want red pepper flakes + parmesan cheese so this was also a great bagel. - Bagels were on the lighter side which I personally like because I can enjoy cream cheese + toppings more. Many bagelries I've been to have thick bagels, which is great, but I get stuffed from all the dough (lol!), so I enjoyed the lighter bagels here, but they did seem a little over toasted, as in crisper/harder. Really wanted to share our honest experience here with the bagel flavors as Rise has gotten so popular. As few have mentioned, for the price, more exceptional flavor was anticipated, so it was a true 3.5/5 experience for me personally. They also do not allow any modifications whatsoever at all. We got there late, they close at 2 pm, but they let us know we can stay to eat, but we didn't want to keep them waiting due to us late stragglers so we went outside to eat and it was beautiful and really nice! Ample seating, beautiful view, just the occasional water sprinkling from the fountain(?) got on us and our bagels lol!

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Sul & Beans

We decided to come here after a spa and it was the perfect treat. Light and fluffy…read more We tried the strawberry cheese and sweet corn. My mom and sister loved the strawberry cheese. My absolute favorite was the sweet corn and i'm drooling thinking about the next time i'll be able to have it again. The condensed milk on the side was not needed because the sweetness was just perfect. Not overwhelmingly sweet. There's plenty of seating inside and outside.

I'm not new to the Sul and Beans franchise and their menu offerings, as I have visited several…read moreother locations in California. However, this was my first visit I've made to their Irvine location. They're situated in a large strip mall full of restaurants and food shops. Parking on a Friday evening was a nightmare and it took over 30 mins to find a spot, and even then we considered ourselves lucky judging my the large number of cars still circling. I was in town recently, and after dinner(elsewhere in Irvine) we decided on Suul and Beans for some Bingoo dessert. We shared 2 Strawberry Bingsoo among the 4 of us. This visit reminded me why I normally don't choose to come here, except for convenience reasons, like on this evening. Their Bingsoo is too icy and is not creamy and pillowy soft like other BIngsoo shops. Their Bingsoo almost tastes like shaved ice with fruit on top. Also, the condensed milk was given to us in a small cup and wasn't mixed in the bottom layers of each bowl. So, it was icy at the bottom, all the way to the top and then some strawberries with a condensed milk drizzle, a few mochi pieces, and then we were given a small cup of the condensed milk to sweeten it up ourselves. I don't think I will be back, except if I really don't have a choice for a dessert nearby.

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131 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Jason R.

0

1

0

16 years ago

Confessions of a Former Cha Employee As a customer I used to love coming to this place for the drinks and food. But after one of my friends worked there for several months and then quit, she told me things that really surprised and disgusted me. 1. Those so called high quality drinks aren't so high quality. For the fruit teas it's mostly fructose (liquid sugar) and heavy syrups that mask a really bad tea. For the milk teas...people it's just coffee creamer from a regular super market that they use in the milk teas to flavor it. The honey they use for our premium teas isn't really honey...it's honey flavored syrup. The so called popular strawberry milk tea is actually quite disgusting if I tell you whats in it. It's water, nestle strawberry mix, fructose, coffee creamer, and here's the catch strawberry jam that isn't refrigerated that is probably several weeks old. Some of the more popular drinks like mango iced tea and black milk tea are premade days before and are kept in a fridge for days even weeks! 2. The old chinese woman that owns the store is super cheap and a freakin genius when it comes to business. She knows how to cut corners when it comes to food and drink quality and has all the employees around a leash. Do you know why the employees are so helpful and cheerful? because they got docked pay for every little mistake they ever made, including not being happy on a shift. 3. No brainer: everything is overpriced. A small tip, when you buy a drink always ask for less ice because the employees are trained to put as much ice in the drink as possible to "take up space" 4. Most of the food dishes are premade and come packaged. my friend told me she usu. sees the cooks in the back just pop the dishes in the microwave then serve it. They got they're chicken dumplings from Costco! read more

Natalie G.

Elite 23

81

302

136

3 years ago

If you're looking for a quality tea experience, Cha for Tea is a must-visit. The service is top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff that will make you feel right at home. The atmosphere is clean and welcoming, although it can get a bit crowded during busy hours due to the small seating area. Despite the limited seating, the tea and food options are high quality and definitely worth the visit. One of the standout features of Cha for Tea is their use of real tea as a base, which gives their drinks an authentic and delicious flavor. They also offer a variety of customization options, including different milk and sweetener options, so you can truly make your drink your own. Another great feature of Cha for Tea is their commitment to catering to a variety of dietary needs. They offer plenty of dairy-free options, so those who are lactose intolerant or vegan can still enjoy their delicious drinks. Now, I will admit that the prices at Cha for Tea are a bit steep, but the quality of the teas and drinks is definitely worth it. Plus, with the level of service you receive, it's clear that you're getting what you pay for. Overall, if you're looking for a quality tea experience with excellent service and high-quality drinks, Cha for Tea is the place to be. Just make sure to come during off-hours if you want to avoid the crowds! read more

Charlie C.

Elite 18

345

461

399

12 years ago

Two reasons you would find me here again: 1 I was in the area and I did not want to loose my parking spot and 2 I was in the area and did not want to loose my parking spot on campus. The drink was good, I think I ordered Rose bud tea with honey and boba, the large size. The drink came out to be 5 bucks. That is expensive compared to other places like 85 and Quickly. I guess the location is a gold mine because all these Ant Eaters are ordering drinks as if it doesn't cost them a dime! Maybe, those Ant Eaters think 5 bucks is little money for a boba drink because they don't have nice house to pay for or a collection of limited shoes -sorry I was thinking out loud LOL. Any ways, the drink was good and I don't like the prices. I stated earlier that I would only go back for those two reasons and yes they will get my business, but not that often. I would rather spend my 5 bucks and some change and get a chicken egg plant sammie from Le DIp and a drink from TJ and call it a mutha freaking day! read more

Nick L.

0

1

0

6 years ago

Worst place i have ever gone for Boba. I went this morning to explore the area and while many raved about cha for tea I just had to try it out. I was extremely disappointed with every part of my service today. The staff was extremely rude, the wait time for my drink took almost 15 mins. There was about 6 of us inside and I don't understand how it takes 15 mins to make one damn drink. I asked one of the staff members about my drink and he couldn't hear me since he was on his phone the entire time and he kept touching his face without washing his hands. This is how covid keeps spreading regardless of the mask or not. It was some guy with blonde hair and I was pretty close to call him out about it but my friend calmed me down. After reading more comments on this location, I can see im not the only one with this problem. It was some dude with blonde hair and some other dude who kept messing around. Honestly screw this place im going to be taking my money to Share tea instead. read more

Joelle L.

Elite 23

120

109

825

2 years ago

Cha for Tea at University Town Center is a gem, especially with its convenient location just across the bridge from UCI. It's my favorite spot for a quick refreshment between classes. Their Mango Green Tea is incredibly refreshing and hits the spot on a hot day. For those cooler moments, their Hot Almond Milk Tea is a comforting choice (though I steer clear of it in the summer). What really makes Cha for Tea stand out is how customizable their drinks are. You can tweak everything from sweetness levels to the type of sweetener, making each drink just right. The staff are genuinely friendly, which makes every visit enjoyable. And the speed of service is impressive--the drinks come out so quickly, it's like there's almost no wait. It is a bit pricey, but I would say its worth it! Plus, they always have a few samples of their popular drinks available, so you can discover something new with each visit. Definitely worth checking out! read more

Kelly H.

Elite 13

224

152

1036

15 years ago

BOBA! nearly the best selection and flavors of boba I have tried. I really like this place because it sways more on the side of tea-ish boba. None of that nasty blended melon boba. One of my favorites is the Jasmine Milk Tea with Boba. Occasionally, I'll get the popcorn chicken which is also really delicious. Let me just say, this place is swarming with ASIANS!! ^_^ I feel like i fit right in, I might even get lost among the crowds of asians. I guess it is all the UCI students that frequent this place. The worker bees are always really nice and URESHII. The only reason I am giving this place 4 stars is because of the prices. This is probably one of the most expensive boba places i have been tried. =( Sad panda because I love this place and I always try to go here when I'm in Irvine. Also, the proximity of this boba place to TJs and this cute little asian store is DEADLY for my wallet!!! read more

Natalee R.

1

23

0

15 years ago

By far the best boba milk tea I have found in the LA/OC area! I used to come here a lot when I went to school in Orange County - and always have been a fan of their crispy chicken and boba milk tea. I've never ventured to trying their other drink flavors (boring, huh?). It's always busy whenever I go, so you may find it hard to find a seat inside. Don't worry, because they also have plenty of chairs and tables outside, so you can enjoy your refreshing drink with the sun and fresh outdoor air :) The employees here are always super friendly, and there is often someone standing by the doorway offering little drink samples. One time I tried a green tea slushy-type drink that was quite good. But I still prefer my green teas hot! It's located in a nice shopping center with a Trader Joes, movie theater, boutiques.. and there's always parking available because there's a huge lot around the entire plaza. read more

Jonathan H.

66

46

41

3 years ago

Refreshing Boba and Tranquil Ambiance at Cha for Tea! I recently visited Cha for Tea, and I must say, it was a delightful experience! I ordered their Thai tea, and it was simply delicious, leaving me craving for more. One of the highlights of the visit was their serene outdoor seating area, complete with a beautiful fountain that added to the overall ambiance and relaxation. It made sipping my boba even more enjoyable. I was also impressed with how quickly they prepared my drink. No long waits, which is always a plus when you're craving a refreshing beverage. Furthermore, the location of Cha for Tea is excellent, with many nearby attractions to explore while enjoying your boba. Whether it's strolling through charming shops or taking in the sights, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained. The only improvement I can mention was the staff at Cha for Tea were not overly enthusiastic. read more

Remi S.

0

4

0

13 years ago

This place is walking distance from my house so I'm found here a lot. I love how they have samples of their most popular items, because I usually end up getting whatever they sample. I get the Almond Black Milk Tea and the Crispy Chicken, both are DELICIOUS!! Although the chicken seems to be mostly fried stuff and (maybe)chicken fat, the sweet&sour sauce makes up for it. The staff is overly friendly, which isn't a bad thing at all. They are all very kind and even though I took forever to order they didn't mind. The seating arrangement was a bit weird, but I guess you gotta go when it's not that busy (whenever that is) to find a seat, and if you do, be prepared to listen to everyone's conversations. I'm glad irvine has a tea house like this, it is very delicious and convenient. read more

Sara K.

0

8

0

13 years ago

I'm a huge fan of lollicup, but I had to give this place a shot. The food here is moderately good, I mean it doesn't kick with flavor but it is appetizing. I'm a fan of boba so I love that they also offer special drinks with boba. Their iced teas, passion fruit, green tea milk honey oh so good especially for summer. The prices could maybe be knocked down a bit, I would even assume so due to the location right next to the college campus. The staff is very friendly and upbeat, their faces seem to always be content with wanting to work and serving. I see this place packed more then half the time and I know why, it's so good plus there is so much variety in the house offered that you want to come back almost weekly to try atleast everything. read more

John L.

107

17

14

7 years ago

I haven't been here since graduating back in 2012, but had an errand to run in the area so I decided to stop by and pick up some boba. Since that time, it seems the place went through a remodeling. The parking lots were a bit of a nightmare, but that's not the shops fault. After I arrived, I noticed the place was semi-packed but there was no line to order. I wanted the matcha latte at first but it only comes in a small so I opted for a large Thai milk tea with boba instead. My drink came out within 5 minutes and was delicious. The boba was slightly warm and created an interesting blend with the cold Thai milk tea. It was the perfect amount of sweet. I definitely would recommend coming here for your daily boba fix read more

Alex B.

0

2

0

6 years ago

The absolute worst place to ever go for... well anything. They made us wait 20 mins for 2 drinks and it tasted like shit!! The cashier was straight up rude! Yelling at the customers about hurrying up to grab thier drinks when they just put it down. The chicken lasted like it came from a can, badly uncooked!! Asked one of the people there who the manger was and it was the same guy who was being rude to everybody. He was kind of medium height, really short hair, dumb look on his face. The guy was all over his phone oh the guy kept touching his face and taking off his mask. This why we are still in a pandemic! Because of assholes like him. This place is a joke. Don't recommend coming here read more

Christina R.

1

14

0

15 years ago

It's a lovely nice place to go grab some boba whenever your around! I often get the mango green tea since I'm more into the fruity drinks, but the boba here is delicious!!! The service is incredibly friendly too. Like starbucks, they care about the customer's satisfaction. The location is pretty nice, and there's a lot of ample space to simply sit around and drink or eat outside in the fresh air. The food was pretty alright as well; I liked the crispy chicken the best, compared to the won-ton soup. Although it isn't the cheapest place, I'd definitely come back again when I'm around with some of my friends! read more

Karen T.

17

16

3

6 years ago

Compared to other popular boba places like Tastea and Omomo, the drinks at Cha For Tea is definitely more affordable. For example a large at Cha For Tea is 4.00 but at Tastea and Omomo, its 5.00 or even 5.50 for a large. My favorite drink here is Honey Green Milk Tea with boba.The downside is the wait time or the inconsistency in its popcorn chicken. The food at Cha For Tea isn't always made to the same standard. Over the years that I've been here with my family, its either a hit or miss. The boba itself is a bit too soft but its definitely not the worse and is still enjoyable. read more

Angela K.

0

5

0

17 years ago

My friends and I like to come here after studying at the library sometimes. It's a good place to grab a drink and have a talk. They have board games if you want too if you want to play. Their service is great: friendly and welcoming. They also offer free food samples which are delicious. But I've got to admit, their prices are over the top. A small drink costs me more than 5 dollars and a small meal with chicken, rice, and canned corn costs around 8 dollars. Overall, I give their tastes a 4 out of 5 and their price a 2 out of 5. read more

Arthur A.

3

2

0

6 years ago

I've been twice so far. I've tried their honey green milk tea and thai tea. I'm assuming their drinks are on the sweet side because both drinks were extremely sweet (sweeter than any other boba store). The good thing is that you can adjust the number of pumps of sweetener. Their honey green milk tea is much better with 2 pumps than the 4 pumps it comes with by default (regular size). They do have really good boba. It's warm, soft, and chewy. Lines are sometimes long, but they're usually pretty fast. read more

Hoai H.

16

10

0

14 years ago

They have plenty of teas over here. I tried 2 of them which is Passion Ice Tea and grapefruit one. They all taste good but come on, $5 for a cup of ice tea boba? too expensive. I can get one at Lolly cup for only 4$ large size drink with boba. so if you live near here and cant drive or too lazy to drive, then this is a place for you to get a good boba drink. btw, there are not many seats inside. always full of students eating and studying there. took 2 stars off for no seats and expensive. read more

Adrian L.