Last weeks KBBQ joint had me craving lychee tee Yelp search actually found a couple of places here in harford country, so I chose the one most easily accessible (not parking and walking into a mall) Gong Cha popped up. Next door to BnN, there's plenty of parking. Small store front, no lighted name atop, it almost seemed closed when I pulled up (see pic) "New" to this "pick your poison", "pick your topping", "advise how much sugar", "determine how much ice"....its really entirely too many choices for my old school brain! The 3 youngsters manning the register and mixings seemed happy and delighted to inform me of all they had to offer. Even gave me three samples of "things" to go in my tea (At least I knew I was there for lychee base!) There was a pudding, a star, and a pearl that was offered to try. I can't really begin to describe what was in my mouth and can only suggest you go and see for yourself "Gummy bear-ish" without the stick to your teeth Pudding that's thick but has a smokey-chocolate undertone And chewy, not gummy, tapioca root balls Yeah...told you it was hard to explain But the kids were super nice and patient and happy to try and explain and let me sample Ended up w my lychee and added the peach "stars"....hit the spot and exactly what I envisioned! 30% sugar-plenty sweet. 30% ice plenty cold $7+for the large w/stars, throw in a well deserved tip, and it's not a drink I'd afford myself every day...not even once a week Sorta like Starbucks...if I'm out and about once a month running errands, I might just treat myself The place seemed clean, has a handful of seats to kill some time while you sip. No food, so no need to stay too long, but it felt welcoming I'd definitely recommend, for a splurge lol. Amazed how many young folk came in and out, spending $7 on a drink Alas...I suppose I pay twice that for an alcohol drink sittin at a bar, or a glass of wine at dinner...so no judgement lol read more

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Stopped by with my family and we all got drinks. We were a party of 7 and we placed our orders on the kiosk. There were several workers behind the counter but no one said hi. After a few minutes, our order went through. We ordered the following drinks to name a few: 1 blended mangonada 1 matcha milk tea 1 crème brulee milk tea 1 sparkling drink with lychee 1 regular milk tea 1 oreo milk tea 1 chocolate waffle 1 chocolate bubble waffle The drinks were called out when ready and we hung out for a bit as we sipped on them. My crème brulee tea was too watered down for my liking but the boba was good. Everyone else liked their drinks. read more

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After taking a small sip of the drink I ordered, I knew it wasn't for me so I immediately asked if I could please switch it for a different one. I was then told "no refunds or exchanges after you take a sip". That's the owners policy. I find it insane to not be accommodating to your customers, specially after a small sip. I'm a stay at home mom of 3 and just needed a treat after a long day. but i'm the owner wanting to save $8 he/they lost customers instead that would've given them a lot more in the long run. It was a horrible experience all around. We will never go back there. read more

I've got to say that their service is stellar and that even when I broke a cup, they jumped on cleaning so quickly and finished quickly, too! My bad for dropping the cup but super thankful they replaced it quickly and it was just as delicious! Seriously, reflects the usual high standards and service I'm used to from the ones in California! Although they have more limited flavors and limited access to some of the toppings compared to the Cali shops, they still allow for customizations and upheld the standard of drinks and waffle chewiness (QQ). I found it refreshing and very much reminding me of home (Cali). Although I did find it strange not to see photos of GunWoo (their spokes person) in the store... their decide is pretty nice, classy, and simple. There are ordering kiosks and well decorated walls. There are booths for friends and stand alone tables for those who prefer it. I found it cozy and very simple, while still making a mark of their own. read more

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Gong Cha was a stop because we were sorta in the area and I wanted boba. What we ended up at seemed to be around when there was some sort of special. You order from the kiosks and they call out your number once your drink is ready. The place was super busy and we waited probably 30 mins for 2 drinks. We typically do light ice, no sugar with boba or pudding drinks. The drinks were just ok boba was a bit on the soggy side (so not very qq). Like all the other Gong Cha's this one had a pretty decorated interior with games and plenty of tables for hanging out. We will probably end up here again if in the area but wont take the time out of my day to drive to this one. read more

BEST bubble tea in town! The workers are so friendly and helpful. They are opened during this time and serve the best high quality tea here. The bubbles were also so fresh when we went and there is a limit in the store for 8 people max during covid. Highly recommended! read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Earl Grey milk tea with bubbles and dirty brown sugar oolang latte - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

Love the flavor choices at the Gong Cha chain locations! I'm especially a fan of the purple sweet potato drinks. The flavor is slightly savory and sweet at the same time. During COVID, there were plastic barriers to separate the staff and customers and they even took my temperature. The staff was friendly and super helpful with questions. The service was quick and bubble tea was delicious! Would recommend this location of Gong Cha! read more

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DRINKS/PRODUCTS: Love the drinks I've had here - brown sugar flavours are my current favourite. You can reduce or add sugar and control for ice. I do wish there was a way to reduce the sugar in my brown sugar drinks even more. (Some of you who love sweet things will like that though.) But the brown sugar coffee drink with coffee jelly was less sweet tasting to me than the brown sugar milk tea with pearls. (Both at 50, maximum reduced available.) My friends always like their drinks here too. There are decent options between flavours and pearls and jellies. I feel like there's something here for everyone. SETTING/AMBIANCE: There is somewhat sparse seating but it generally seems just right. The decor is cute. Very happy that Harford County actually has even one bubble tea shop now. And it's great that it's right next to the Barnes and Nobles. I mean...that's perfect really. (Although someone told me Wawa has something with pearls too? Will have to check that out later.) SERVICE: The staff have never been rude but I do think they have been a bit cold. But it's really fine. And conveniently - you can be a super introvert and just order from the machine if you want. No interaction required lol. (Some days I do think that's very nice.) So overall, yeah I would recommend it. I love Starbucks drinks but this is an alternative that I like just as much. read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - I have no idea what my friend got but mine was the brown sugar milk coffee drink on Halloween eve. - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

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After spilling our drink, they cleaned it up promptly and replaced it. I know it was our fault, but they weren't angry or rude after it happened. Which is why I think I'd go back. The area is clean and comfortable, nice to study at and enjoy snacks while reading if needed. It's well lit and most of the other customers aren't very loud. read more

Amazing I have been here 3 times and every time I get the same thing and it never disappoints!! Next time I go maybe I'll try something new and let yall know. If it was slightly closer I would go wayyyy more often read more

This may be one of the only bubble tea shops in Bel air. It's located next to Barnes and Nobles. The menu is extensive and you can customize how much sugar you want added to your drink (0, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%) and how much ice, which is great. There was a steady flow of eager customers constantly coming in or patiently waiting their turn outside due to the maximum capacity being exceeded when we went. The girls working there appeared to be working well together like a well oiled machine. I was very satisfied with our matcha egg waffle with ice cream. I just wish they had additional ice cream flavors to choose from apart from vanilla. The parking lot was a bit tricky to get out of but nonetheless, worth the trip. read more

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Normally the bubba tea and customer service are fine but I went there yesterday and accidentally ordered a bubba tea that didn't have sugar, it tasted undrinkable, I took one sip and immediately said I made a mistake in my order and asked if I could exchange or switch it, I was told no so I had to repurchase a new drink to replace a bad one. I don't get why they couldn't replace it seconds after an order if it was a mistake when Starbucks and other drink shops would have replaced it. read more

I usually get the pearl milk tea and I've gotten it many times now ~ today there was very little pearls in my drink, maybe they're low on pearls today and just giving everyone a really small amount of it.I'm paying for the topping so I should get the usual amount of pearl . Bummer . Usually their drinks are made well and service is good. read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

I was so, so happy when I came back to my hometown to visit family and saw that there's a new boba tea place! I couldn't believe it and I immediately tried it with my siblings. The boba were made well and were super soft. They're a little on the smaller side size-wise which isn't a good or bad thing - just a personal preference thing honestly. They also have popping fruity bobas, and a lot of different customization options: you can choose the level of sweetness and how much ice you want, which not every bubble tea place will do. The drinks came out really fast and the menu looked pretty extensive. I got the Early Gray flavor, and I absolutely loved it. My sister got the Pearl flavor (black milk tea, but the pearl just refers to the drink having bubbles) and my brother got one of the strawberry fruity teas. He thought his was absolutely delicious, and my sister loved hers too. I can't wait to come back and try their other combinations. The customer service was quick and great, and they have Clover rewards (be sure to enter in the code you get from your receipt to collect reward points!). Honestly I'm so happy the Starbucks that was here previously is gone. As Bel Air's first bubble tea place, I think they're doing an amazing job trying to introduce this little town to something totally new for a lot of people. We truly didn't need another Starbucks. I'm definitely going to be stopping by whenever I'm visiting my family (I'm always craving good bubble tea) and really am rooting for this place to succeed. There's cute seating outside as well as plenty of seating inside, or you can always take your boba to go and wander the Barnes and Noble right next door. read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

Service was prompt though they could do better by greeting customers as they enter. I was the only one in there so it wasn't busy at all and none of the employees (there were 3 behind the counter and 1 was doing work in the sitting area) said hello even as I approached the register to place my order. Anyways, I ordered two slushes: mango and taro with boba. The texture was smooth and creamy. The taste was refreshing and flavorful. I didn't get a chance to come in when they first opened so I was disappointed that they weren't offering the opening special of buy 2 get one free only just a week later. While I was waiting for my order, a man walked in with his two small children. The employees looked but sadly no greeting was given either. I told him where he could order and he said to me that he was trying to figure out what kind of business this was. I told him they sell cold teas/slush drinks. If one of the employees were paying attention, they could have used that as an opportunity to familiarize the customer with their products and possibly make a sale. Advice to business: -If you want more customers especially in an area where these type of speciality drinks are new to people, I recommend running your special for at least a couple weeks not just a couple of days. -Be friendly and greet your customers. Bel Air folks are community and family-oriented and very friendly. Isolate them and you'll soon be out of customers. read more

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Everyone in my family has been waiting for a place like this to open! The milf foam is insane and the pearls are cooked to perfection. When compared to another establishment in bel air this place is just better in every way when it comes to bubble tea. Authentic flavors, clean design, great service, and milk foam! I would give this place 10 stars if I could. Had to come back later in the day and they were actually closed but left the store open so we could order. Great service! read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Purple Sweet Potato Fresh Milk Tea with milk foam and pearls 50% sugar no ice - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

We got some bubble tea and the waffle ice cream. The tapioca bubbles were a bit chewier than I like but you get to customize the sweetness and how much ice you want which was nice since I don't like things too sweet. The waffle ice cream took a while as they make it fresh per order. It was big enough for 2 ppl to eat :-) Ample parking since it is in a shopping center. Seating available inside...high and low tables. read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Chocolate waffle ice cream, milk tea with foam - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

Gong cha is one of the famous Taiwan bubble tea. This place just opens. They re soft opening so they have the buy 2 get 1 free for a short time. read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

Great atmosphere and the smell of the bubble waffle ice cream cone hits you as you walk in the door. I always get the dirty brown sugar latte with black pearl. Delicious every time. The ordering process for the drinks allows complete customization as you choose how sweet, amount of ice, and size of your drink. Definitely recommend as the staff are reserved but friendly from my experience! read more

Fantastic tea cafe that recently opened in Bel Air. It's conveniently located next door to Barnes and Noble. They have a ton of parking out front. I sue there are several tables for seating. The menu is huge! And I love that you can customize your drink sweetness and ice amount. Every drink I've tried here has been delicious. They also offer a wide variety of drink toppings and add-ons. They also started recently offering egg waffles. They look delicious although I haven't tried one yet. read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Gong Cha Cafe - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

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My favorite tea place. My kids can experiment with boba tea combinations. I go for the hot brown sugar ginger milk tea with the cold milk foam on top (so good!). read more

Brought my kiddo here per her request for a black pearl milk tea. Their "medium" is pretty small but not too pricey at about $4. It's neat how they put the lids on! We've only been here once but it was nice and quick, and the employees were really nice and friendly. read more

Update for Coronavirus: Gong Cha in Bel Air is OPEN! They do close earlier now at 6pm so get there before they close. Also, it's now take out only but totally OK as long as I get my bobba fix! read more

I discovered this place within the last few months. I love bubble tea so I was very excited to check it out. I have tried three different bubble tea drinks and I have enjoyed them all. The prices are comparable to other bubble tea places. I like that you can specify the amount of sugar for your drink. They have a variety of options and add-ins. The place has always been clean when I've visited and it must be popular cause there always seems to be people coming and going. They are pretty quick getting orders ready. I'd definitely recommend this place. read more

It's about time that Harford County had its own authentic bubble tea shop. Having a GongCha in Bel Air is amazing! I usually find GongChas in established high-income urban areas so having one in the neighborhood is a positive addition. I've been having milk tea for years both here and abroad. GongCha is the real deal and they have so many different flavors to try. My go-to drinks are the Taro, Black Pearl, and Earl Gray milk teas. So good and addictive. This place opened up just a week ago so I understand they're still working out the kinks. I've been here almost every day since the soft opening and service is not as fast as other shops but that's to be expected. I'm sure things will speed up once the crews get the recipes and process down. read more

I grew up in this area but now live very far out of state and found this place next to Barnes and Noble while visiting home! As a Boba tea lover (and I have traveled to Asia and experienced their boba!). We have an amazing place in MO, where I now live that fresh brews their teas and allows you to pick the sweetness level and toppings etc. I was delighted to find this place is the same! They have a huge menu of lots of teas, smoothies and all sorts of toppings. Great service- they made my drink in just a minute or two! Perfect! So excited this place exists in Bel Air! Check it out! read more

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A new place in town. It gets pretty busy so if you are getting a blended drink like a smoothie you may have to wait awhile. I had a bubble milk tea and my husband had a smoothie. It took about 20 minute. The drinks are pretty good but the communication can use some work. Sometimes drinks are finished and dropped off at the counter without a word. Overall, I will probably wait till till the hype dies down a bit. read more

Overpriced water. I've been to several boba tea establishments and this one was very disappointing. The flavors in all of my families drinks were watered down. Fast service, but in a very busy area on a Saturday an empty store is not a good sign. Pricing is very high compared to other shops. Bottom line, if it is your first time trying Boba try another shop. read more

We loved our milk foam green teas!! We have tried so many other tea places but this is by far our favorite! We will definitely be loyal customers! :) read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Medium Milk Foam Green Teas!! - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

I always think it's important when you have a bad experience to talk to the manager or owner if you have a problem with your purchase or service. So now. For my first boba @ Gong Cha. It was delicious. There was a lot of people working and the owner opened the door for me. So impressed. The Carmel Black Tea Boba was perfect. There's Boba all over So Cal so if I compared it to LA. Then I'd say it was close. Definitely going back. read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Caramel - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

By far the best GongCha location, very fast service even when busy, and delicious teas

It is an amazing thing to finally have authentic bubble tea in the Bel Air area (Harford County area in general!) Their bubble teas have yet to disappoint me - from their smoothies to miilk teas. The only negative is the oftentimes slow service - the staff seem to move slow even when there's a ton of people at the place. read more

Gong Cha - Bel Air - Bubble Tea Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

Amazing bubble tea flavors and great customer service. I usually get the tiramisu milk tea with milk foam and coffee jelly. It is the best thing I have tried on the menu. One of the best bubble tea places I've been to. read more

Such a good bubble tea place! I really recomend the strawberry green milk tea with strawberry pearls, 30% ice and 50% sugar. Its such a cute store and is in a such good place. read more

Great drinks and amazing customer service. The girls behind the counter were super polite and helped us make our choices. Thank you.

Decided to hop in on the buy 2 get one free grand opening deal. Things were a little slow for the amount of workers on duty, but I gave them that since it was opening week and Im sure that was part of it. Baristas were friendly, the bubble tea was good, and convenient as the first boba chain in Bel Air. read more

I LOVE the black pearl drink, I get it at Rainnbow king all the time so I was super happy to find a place I could try different kinds!! The service was quick and friendly! read more

The staff is friendly and happy to give you a suggestion for your order. The drinks are made meticulously and are always delicious. The have a nice selection of toys as well if you have small children to keep them busy while you enjoy your Boba Tea. read more

If you like bubble tea and don't feel like traveling to white marsh to get what you're looking for this is good enough to get the craving out of the way. Their tea still hits just not the same. Overall seems very authentic and I love that you can choose how much sugar and ice is in your drink. But i am disappointed that their is no food options, i just wish it felt more like a coffee shop. read more

finally some more diverse treats in bel air. waited so long for harford county to get some boba