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Got my whole office addicted. For anyone who likes good milk tea and black sesame flavors this is a must try. The black sesame jelly compliments the milk tea so well and is a tasty snack within the drink. Service is good when picking up order. I usually get doordash so the ice a little melted by the time it arrives so i get less ice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside is cute and retro style with curtains blocking view into kitchen.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]
[[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small space with no (or maybe super limited) seating area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I heard it can get pretty "in demand" with long lines (at least when it first opened) and having seen the space I can't even picture it because there were only a few people in front of me and it already felt cramped.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered from a kiosk so the customer service (obviously) didn't feel personal on any level. I got the Matcha Latte with 4 level sweetness and it was good. I enjoyed the drink and do recommend it for matcha enthusiasts because it's good. As far as being a repeat customer, that most likely won't be me, but that's just a personal preference. Give them a-go though. Parking is available.
In an unassuming and a bit run down plaza what is hidden is a popular Taiwanese bubble tea chain's first ever US location. Hechalou uses high quality Taiwanese tea. The premium loose leaves are brewed using traditional techniques. Their drinks aren't too sweet either which is a big plus. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior decor and layout is interesting. The green walls are definitely striking. The odd empty space on the sides and the store-like front inside the store is definitely different. Some of the decor like the old school rotary dial phone prop are cute.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's a grab and go type of place. The service is extremely friendly and welcoming. That being said, the drinks did take a long time despite it not being busy when we went. Overall, if you want to get some authentic Taiwanese tea, you should check out Hechalou. Not sure it delivers on the extreme social media hype it garnered but it's a solid 4.5 stars.
Hechalou in Lakewood stands as a different boba tea place than others, with its emphasis in quality and variety of different blends of tea. Known for their jelly toppings, any addition of their unique flavors adds another dimension of flavor and taste to their already intricate teas. I ordered the Taiwanese Milk Tea and another drink that I forgot what was, and they were both amazing. The Taiwanese milk tea tastes similar to teas I've had but also had a roasted taste as well. The other drink was complex and different as well, too bad I couldn't remember the name. I was being vague and not too descriptive but I think the one thing that this place stands out for is their tea quality; if you want a great roasted or plain black tea that you can taste, this is the best bet for you in the area. The menu is simple and it's a good thing since they excel at the small amount of drinks that they have, and I don't think they use powders either. Service was quick, fast, and courteous. They allowed me to sample any milk tea and any topping and even answered all my questions. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside does not have any tables or outlets, so don't expect anything for studying/cafe type of deal. This is, at its core, a takeout place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Shout out to Kimie, Cris, Stephanie for impeccable service!
I saw this place blowing up on social media so I had to give it a shot. I thought it was good! Hechalou is definitely the boba tea shop for people who prioritize well-brewed teas, and not fruit syrups and sweet dessert-y drinks. The tea here is strong, fragrant and aromatic. It is amplified by their homemade tea-flavored jellies they have as topping options. It's good, nothing too special though. I would recommend checking it out if you are looking for more authentic tea flavors.
[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is pick up only, there is no seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have some old newspapers and props (like old telephones) to look at so the theme is like, old Taiwan I suppose. Lots of green and brown.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It wasn't busy on a Sunday afternoon around 3pm.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the Taiwanese milk tea at S2 and less ice. Pretty good! I prefer the strong tea flavor and I'm hitting that old age where everything must be "not too sweet" so this hits the spot. I wish the menu wasn't right at the counter so I didn't feel pressured to order quickly. The drink came out faster than it took me to order hahaha. In hindsight I saw there was a peach tea drink so I'll try that next! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Biggest con are all the smokers outside the store. Like why there, why so many?? They have a sign that reads to stay x feet away but the smoke travels in the wind. Unfortunate since there are tables and such around.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Definitely a pick up and leave kind of place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]
Following the buzz of this place revealed to me that it used to be so hype that the line's always super long, even sometimes people made it there before their opening time. That hype for sure has started to fade as I had 0 waiting time when making my way there on Saturday afternoon. Their menu was quite lengthy with tons of options including for the toppings. Being a first-timer, I guessed best option was picking the crowd's favorite. I got their Daydream Milk Tea, which was their version of milk tea with bold smokey tea with hint of caramel. I went for soy milk, which I thought went well as it let the tea flavor stood out strong. 30% ice and 4 out of 5 sweetness level turned impressive for me. I knew people loved their rich options of toppings including peculiar ones like black sesame jelly and black tea jelly, but I went for neither as I was in the boat of toppingless milk tea. Just in case you're all in for convenience, they did have pre-order and pickup service! Nonetheless, the serving time was pretty swift.
Sadly the hype of this place was hugeeeee that I think that takes my expectations to another level. Unfortunately it did not live up to the hype. This place sits right next to the bowling alley and there is actually No big sign for it. Thankfully when we went there was no line either which was great since everyone talks about how busy it gets in there. There was a kiosk or you can order with the employee. She told us they were known for their jelly's so I made sure I tried it. I ordered a black milk tea with matcha jelly And hubs ordered his with almond pudding. Thankfully I could adjust sweetness and milk. I thought mine was good. It's not bad but I knew it wasn't something I would crave. Hubs did not like his as much as I did. Our kids loveee Their matcha but I was not able to try it. If I'm in the area again maybe illl have some but it's definitely not something I'll drive out of the way for.
What I ordered: - Daydream latte with osmathus oolong tea jelly I ordered the drink with a sugar level of 3 and 30% ice. I honestly could have went to a sugar level of 2 or 1 because it was still pretty sweet (could also be due to the 30% ice). The taste was subtly smoky with a strong caramel flavor. The osmanthus oolong tea jelly was good quality but it was hard to discern the flavor because of the daydream latte itself.
Hechalou caught my eye because of their tea jellies and I'm glad I finally got to try it. I tried the: - Osmanthus Oolong Tea Latte with Black Sesame Jelly - Taiwanese Milk Tea with Thai Milk Tea Jelly - Jinxuan Oolong Tea with Osmanthus Oolong Tea Jelly My friend and I took time to think about our creations and I'm glad we did because they paired so well together. We went with 30% sweetness for all our drinks. The tea and jelly tastes were on point, however, if I go back, I'd up the sweetness to 50% instead for better enjoyment. The decor and ambience inside are so cute. They have a bench inside to sit, but other than that, there's not much seating to hang out. It's more of a grab and go vibe.
I finally tried the drinks here after hearing a lot of hype and unfortunately left with mixed impressions. I thought the jellies were quite good (particularly the black sesame and the osmanthus oolong ones) but the boba was a lot harder than it should be. For the drinks themselves, I thought the Jinxuan was solid and liked the Geisha Peach but didn't care for the Taiwanese MT or Daydream latte. Service was very nice and there was plenty of parking available. Overall would go back if I were in the area but wouldn't go out of my way for these drinks.
Glad to have this again without needing to book an international flight. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Shop was pretty small, it kept that same counter design as their shops in Taiwan. With one bench by the pick up window, and a large standing space with a random small table to the side, it is definitely not the greatest use of space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The shop doesnt have any other seats, it's definitely more of a grab and go spot but add on a bathroom[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Now that they have a second location and has opened for a while, there is no line around the block. The speed of ordering to getting the drink was about the same as my experience in Taiwan. Drink quality is up there, especially if you like rich smoky teas. Also wanted to note that their sweetness is actually perfect for all your Asian family, "not too sweet". I ordered a daydream latte with osmanthus tea jelly. Absolutely loved that rich smoky caramel taste. The floral scent of the osmanthus jelly hits the back of the throat nicely. It is more osmanthus than tea. Am curious about how their signatuee tea jelly tastes. Definitely would come back to try their osmanthus oolong and earl Grey next time.
Review Insights
7 months ago
Ehhh, very overrated boba shop, imo. Picked up on this place due to some social media posts I got shown by friends, but the jelly they show on top of the drinks is actually just a topping that ends up in the drink. It's...ok? I've tried a few of their drinks, but I don't find the tea tasting special at all. The jelly are fine, but also nothing particularly stand out. My first visit I waited like 20mins near closing, which is waaaay better than the hour it was beforehand. And on a recent visit there was essentially no wait. I'm not sure I'd come back as I have other boba shops I much prefer nearby me. read more
Hechalou ceased to exist at this location. I suspect that owners broke away from the franchise and started their own boba business at the same location. They changed the name subtle enough to avoid a lawsuit, but the changes in the menu and the quality of the drinks are far more drastic, and it's not for the better. Gone are the traditional teas and sesame jelly that made Hechalou so famous. These options are replaced by cheap imitations of Starbucks' frothy drinks that sound good on paper but taste like iced piss with sugar. The drinks are excessively sweet, a mortal sin by Asian standard, and they have a generic taste that might as well have one item on the entire menu. Alas, to get a sip of the old favorites, now I have to drive across town instead of stop by after work. I am glad that I got my many trips here before the old guards died, and it's probably better for my hemoglobin A1c in the long run. read more
6 months ago
This place was so difficult to find if you're not familiar with the location. I was driving around in circles. When I went to the Yelp page and looked for how the outside looks I figured out I was in the right spot. First of all, it was night time, dark. And I was looking for the sign. I passed by the place like 4x. My boyfriend said to just park and we'll look for the place. Luckily we found it. I double checked the picture and it shows there was a sign, however no sign was seen. Easy to order. There is a self kiosk. Drinks were good. Boba texture wasn't that great. It was very chewy. read more
Got my whole office addicted. For anyone who likes good milk tea and black sesame flavors this is a must try. The black sesame jelly compliments the milk tea so well and is a tasty snack within the drink. Service is good when picking up order. I usually get doordash so the ice a little melted by the time it arrives so i get less ice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside is cute and retro style with curtains blocking view into kitchen.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more
[[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small space with no (or maybe super limited) seating area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I heard it can get pretty "in demand" with long lines (at least when it first opened) and having seen the space I can't even picture it because there were only a few people in front of me and it already felt cramped.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered from a kiosk so the customer service (obviously) didn't feel personal on any level. I got the Matcha Latte with 4 level sweetness and it was good. I enjoyed the drink and do recommend it for matcha enthusiasts because it's good. As far as being a repeat customer, that most likely won't be me, but that's just a personal preference. Give them a-go though. Parking is available. read more
In an unassuming and a bit run down plaza what is hidden is a popular Taiwanese bubble tea chain's first ever US location. Hechalou uses high quality Taiwanese tea. The premium loose leaves are brewed using traditional techniques. Their drinks aren't too sweet either which is a big plus. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior decor and layout is interesting. The green walls are definitely striking. The odd empty space on the sides and the store-like front inside the store is definitely different. Some of the decor like the old school rotary dial phone prop are cute.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's a grab and go type of place. The service is extremely friendly and welcoming. That being said, the drinks did take a long time despite it not being busy when we went. Overall, if you want to get some authentic Taiwanese tea, you should check out Hechalou. Not sure it delivers on the extreme social media hype it garnered but it's a solid 4.5 stars. read more
Hechalou in Lakewood stands as a different boba tea place than others, with its emphasis in quality and variety of different blends of tea. Known for their jelly toppings, any addition of their unique flavors adds another dimension of flavor and taste to their already intricate teas. I ordered the Taiwanese Milk Tea and another drink that I forgot what was, and they were both amazing. The Taiwanese milk tea tastes similar to teas I've had but also had a roasted taste as well. The other drink was complex and different as well, too bad I couldn't remember the name. I was being vague and not too descriptive but I think the one thing that this place stands out for is their tea quality; if you want a great roasted or plain black tea that you can taste, this is the best bet for you in the area. The menu is simple and it's a good thing since they excel at the small amount of drinks that they have, and I don't think they use powders either. Service was quick, fast, and courteous. They allowed me to sample any milk tea and any topping and even answered all my questions. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside does not have any tables or outlets, so don't expect anything for studying/cafe type of deal. This is, at its core, a takeout place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Shout out to Kimie, Cris, Stephanie for impeccable service! read more
I saw this place blowing up on social media so I had to give it a shot. I thought it was good! Hechalou is definitely the boba tea shop for people who prioritize well-brewed teas, and not fruit syrups and sweet dessert-y drinks. The tea here is strong, fragrant and aromatic. It is amplified by their homemade tea-flavored jellies they have as topping options. It's good, nothing too special though. I would recommend checking it out if you are looking for more authentic tea flavors. read more
[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is pick up only, there is no seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have some old newspapers and props (like old telephones) to look at so the theme is like, old Taiwan I suppose. Lots of green and brown.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It wasn't busy on a Sunday afternoon around 3pm.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the Taiwanese milk tea at S2 and less ice. Pretty good! I prefer the strong tea flavor and I'm hitting that old age where everything must be "not too sweet" so this hits the spot. I wish the menu wasn't right at the counter so I didn't feel pressured to order quickly. The drink came out faster than it took me to order hahaha. In hindsight I saw there was a peach tea drink so I'll try that next! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Biggest con are all the smokers outside the store. Like why there, why so many?? They have a sign that reads to stay x feet away but the smoke travels in the wind. Unfortunate since there are tables and such around.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Definitely a pick up and leave kind of place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more
1 year ago
Following the buzz of this place revealed to me that it used to be so hype that the line's always super long, even sometimes people made it there before their opening time. That hype for sure has started to fade as I had 0 waiting time when making my way there on Saturday afternoon. Their menu was quite lengthy with tons of options including for the toppings. Being a first-timer, I guessed best option was picking the crowd's favorite. I got their Daydream Milk Tea, which was their version of milk tea with bold smokey tea with hint of caramel. I went for soy milk, which I thought went well as it let the tea flavor stood out strong. 30% ice and 4 out of 5 sweetness level turned impressive for me. I knew people loved their rich options of toppings including peculiar ones like black sesame jelly and black tea jelly, but I went for neither as I was in the boat of toppingless milk tea. Just in case you're all in for convenience, they did have pre-order and pickup service! Nonetheless, the serving time was pretty swift. read more
6 months ago
Sadly the hype of this place was hugeeeee that I think that takes my expectations to another level. Unfortunately it did not live up to the hype. This place sits right next to the bowling alley and there is actually No big sign for it. Thankfully when we went there was no line either which was great since everyone talks about how busy it gets in there. There was a kiosk or you can order with the employee. She told us they were known for their jelly's so I made sure I tried it. I ordered a black milk tea with matcha jelly And hubs ordered his with almond pudding. Thankfully I could adjust sweetness and milk. I thought mine was good. It's not bad but I knew it wasn't something I would crave. Hubs did not like his as much as I did. Our kids loveee Their matcha but I was not able to try it. If I'm in the area again maybe illl have some but it's definitely not something I'll drive out of the way for. read more
1 year ago
What I ordered: - Daydream latte with osmathus oolong tea jelly I ordered the drink with a sugar level of 3 and 30% ice. I honestly could have went to a sugar level of 2 or 1 because it was still pretty sweet (could also be due to the 30% ice). The taste was subtly smoky with a strong caramel flavor. The osmanthus oolong tea jelly was good quality but it was hard to discern the flavor because of the daydream latte itself. read more
Hechalou caught my eye because of their tea jellies and I'm glad I finally got to try it. I tried the: - Osmanthus Oolong Tea Latte with Black Sesame Jelly - Taiwanese Milk Tea with Thai Milk Tea Jelly - Jinxuan Oolong Tea with Osmanthus Oolong Tea Jelly My friend and I took time to think about our creations and I'm glad we did because they paired so well together. We went with 30% sweetness for all our drinks. The tea and jelly tastes were on point, however, if I go back, I'd up the sweetness to 50% instead for better enjoyment. The decor and ambience inside are so cute. They have a bench inside to sit, but other than that, there's not much seating to hang out. It's more of a grab and go vibe. read more
I finally tried the drinks here after hearing a lot of hype and unfortunately left with mixed impressions. I thought the jellies were quite good (particularly the black sesame and the osmanthus oolong ones) but the boba was a lot harder than it should be. For the drinks themselves, I thought the Jinxuan was solid and liked the Geisha Peach but didn't care for the Taiwanese MT or Daydream latte. Service was very nice and there was plenty of parking available. Overall would go back if I were in the area but wouldn't go out of my way for these drinks. read more
8 months ago
Increased prices. What used to be $7.50 for a large tea latte with matcha jelly is now $8.33 and it's no longer justifiable to come here :/ read more
Glad to have this again without needing to book an international flight. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Shop was pretty small, it kept that same counter design as their shops in Taiwan. With one bench by the pick up window, and a large standing space with a random small table to the side, it is definitely not the greatest use of space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The shop doesnt have any other seats, it's definitely more of a grab and go spot but add on a bathroom[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Now that they have a second location and has opened for a while, there is no line around the block. The speed of ordering to getting the drink was about the same as my experience in Taiwan. Drink quality is up there, especially if you like rich smoky teas. Also wanted to note that their sweetness is actually perfect for all your Asian family, "not too sweet". I ordered a daydream latte with osmanthus tea jelly. Absolutely loved that rich smoky caramel taste. The floral scent of the osmanthus jelly hits the back of the throat nicely. It is more osmanthus than tea. Am curious about how their signatuee tea jelly tastes. Definitely would come back to try their osmanthus oolong and earl Grey next time. read more
I've tried enough boba spots in LA to know this one's pretty good! I ordered the Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea, and the balance of tea to milk was perfect. My only gripe was the amount of boba for just one topping. Almost half the cup was filled with it. Next time, I'll ask for less. Service was good. I was acknowledged and greeted by the staff, even though orders are placed through a tablet. It took less than 10 minutes to get my drink after ordering on the spot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was unique, they definitely have their own flair. Not your average boba shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It seems designed more for takeout, as there's no seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'd definitely recommend this place for premium-tasting milk tea and would stop by again if I'm in the area. read more
1 year ago
I've been wanting to try this place for a while, though I've never been in the area to do so. I finally gave it a try and really enjoyed it. I've seen various tik toks in the past about this place and the videos have always seemed to be view based where the jellies are huge and look appetizing. While in person, they do not put the jellies on top for you to see, you definitely get the delicious jellies on the bottom of your drink if you order it. I ordered 4 drinks, so both me and my boyfriend had an extra one for the next day. We enjoyed all of ours. It's similar quality to the Hechalous in Taiwan. While they don't have all menu items as in Taiwan, they do have flavors and jellies you can't normally get in the U.S., which I loved! I really liked the black sesame jelly. I ordered online and there are specific jellies you can only get in milk tea and pure teas. I'm assuming the milk based jellies (matcha, and black sesame), are only for milk teas and the non milk jellies are for pure teas. Though you might want to ask if you do want a specific jelly for another tea. Overall, while I don't live close to the area at all, I'm excited for the next time I can come back! I would love to try their different jellies next time! read more
Daydream Latte! This is my favorite here. Add brown sugar boba too! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place will smack you with wonderful aroma as soon as you enter the place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It wasn't busy when I went so there was no line at all. Self serve kiosk is also great way to order if you are not sure what you want and want to explore. Plenty of parking around and bowling alley is next door as well as ice hockey rink and Kohls nearby, so plenty of things to do in the area! read more
Drinks were okay, maybe overhyped. I liked seeing a large variety of teas on the menu. Jellies were a little on the chewier side, which is not my favorite. Maybe it was a bad day or bad batch. Drinks made fairly quickly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]No seating inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more
Found this place randomly one evening while commuting home from work. I didn't know about the notoriety until afterwards. It's located in a bit of a random plaza with a bowling alley nearby - plenty of parking. There's an option to order online for pick up or you can order in store. I've gotten the Thai tea jellies both times I've been here and they are delicious and unique for sure (at least I haven't had these anywhere else!). The tea flavor is strong and there are non-dairy options for milk. Overall a good shop for the days I want to swing by on the way home! read more
Didnt get to try it in Taiwan so made the journey to long beach to try it. They hype has definitely died. I entered midday Saturday and did not have to wait to order! Got the traditional milk tea with their house signature tea jelly. I loved the tea jellies in taiwan and this was reminiscent of it. However I thought the milk tea tasted a little watered down and could use more tea aroma. read more
I'm a sucker for Taiwanese anything so when I found out there was a spot on the way back from San Pedro, I had to hit it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is a little quiet and weird- almost like a secret gambling house, but tea was great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was fine but you could buy without interacting with anyone which doesn't get points for service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was clean but partly because you can't sit anywhere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wouldn't make the drive unless I was in the area but the tea was good and they had some good options read more
I was so excited and hyped to try this when I was finally in the area. There was surprisingly no line. I think the initial hype of the place died down which isn't a good sign if they can't sustain that ongoing momentum of customers. My friends and I asked the girl at the front working what her recommendations are. Not only was she extremely rude, she was like "just pick anything with milk." Okay??? Sis more than half of these drinks have milk! Like give us a legit recommendation please? We kept asking normal questions and she would just not give us the time of day. Please keep in mind that it was not busy at all. The saving grace was the jelly. The milk tea was mid (you can get better in 626). There is no sitting area so you can't sit inside and relax to enjoy your drinks. I will not be coming back. read more
Good tea and unique jellies! Busy tea store. No seatings inside. Store is small and full from people waiting in line and orders. They have strong teas here! Got the recommended sweetness and ice levels. If you prefer sweeter tea I would go higher on the levels. Was told that the Divine Awakening Tea Latte is a mix of the daydream and signature. It only comes in medium because they said a large would have too much caffeine. The jellies were tasty. It has a good texture and chewiness. Strong matcha flavors for the matcha jelly and strong Thai tea flavor for the Thai tea jelly. The black sesame surprised me with the texture. It has good black sesame flavor and the grainy texture of black sesame in the jelly. Great tea spot can't wait for them to open up in the SGV area. read more
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Super quaint and Taiwanese aesthetic inside! I loved the decor and the green walls along with the gold and traditional theme they had going on.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have a kiosk you can order on and service was typical for a kiosk shop! I got the Daydream latte with black sesame and the s2 sweetness really let the tea flavor shine through. The jelly tasted natural and earthy. read more
This boba tea shop is so unassuming that you could totally miss it, but it's a must visit for quality tea drinks. It's located right next to the entrance of CalBowl on the left. It's a very small boba shop with no seating and quite empty with a few decorations here and there. Dark green painted walls with an old rotary phone decoration on one side and another side with a little Hechalou sign and a table containing lucky cat figures. Right in center is the counter to order with touch pads to self order or from the staff. The counter is reminiscint of a tea shop front with wooden fram and a sign at the top with what I assume are jars of tea displayed in front. Stephanie was the staff who helped us and what great customer service. From the get go, super friendly and welcoming letting us order through the touch screens or placing an order from her. She answered our questions and was knowledgeable about the product. Also allowing us samples, and sweetness/ice level suggestions based on our drink choices. She definitely represented the shop well. Onto the drinks they were fantastic. I ordered the Lime Magnolia Green Tea, and my bf the Grandma's fruit tea with the Signature Blend Black Tea Jelly. The Lime Magnolia Green Tea was fantastic just the right amount of tart from the limeiced with the green tea, bits of pulp (if you like it). The Black Tea Jelly was perfect, strong black tea flavor with a mild sweetness. The Grandma's Fruit Tea was a combination of Passion fruit and orange juice with the green tea base I think. It was a fresh orange and fruit forward flavor that also paired amazingly with the Black Tea Jelly. I love how you can customize it how you want sweetness and ice wise, but really appreciate the suggested levels it it's your first time. Definitely stop here if you're looking for tea centric boba drinks. read more
1 year ago
Been wanting to try this tea shop for awhile but was waiting for the hype to cool a little! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The shop is small and is more of a takeout kind of store with no seating besides a waiting chair.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ordered at the kiosk and got the Taiwanese Milk Tea with Signature Black Tea Jelly at half sweet (3) and 70% ice which is the recommended. The tea itself is fragrant but not overly so, could be a little more fragrant though. The milk to tea ratio was decent. The jelly was not as silky and soft as I was hoping it would be and was on the chewier side. Overall, decent drink but on the pricier side for a milk tea that tastes like something I can get at another shop for a cheaper price. If I was in the area and craving a milk tea, I might stop by again! read more
2 years ago
I got the medium Osmanthus Oolong Tea latte with Thai Milk Tea Jelly, Level 2 sweet, 30% ice, with whole milk. There's only one bench inside which seats two people. My drink tasted plain. Perhaps it was because there was not a lot of sugar, or perhaps the flavor was lacking. I'm not convinced that Hechalou is the BEST spot, but the jelly topping options are unique. read more
2 years ago
Such a gem of a boba place in Long Beach. I've been here twice and both times it's been top notch drinks. They're famous for their quality black teas and their drinks is made from good quality teas that you can truly taste the difference. This is more of a take out place rather than dine in. The decor is cute, made like old fashioned tea houses with an ordering booth. Order at the counter or online. I would probably order online first to avoid any lines or wait times. My favorites are definitely the day dream black tea latte and the divine awakening tea latte. All of their drinks have a good tea base and you can truly taste the quality of the teas. I hope they open another location this closer to SGV in the future!! Definitely a must try. read more
I visited Hechalou right at opening, eager to try this spot as a lover of boba drinks and all things associated with them--milk tea, jellies, and the like. My excitement grew as I anticipated a delightful experience, and I was especially intrigued by the Daydream Latte. Jason, the employee who assisted me, was incredibly helpful and attentive. He patiently explained what might pair best with the latte, helping me decide between the Thai tea jelly and the matcha jelly. Initially, I had hoped to try the sesame jelly, but I informed Jason of my peanut allergy. To ensure my safety, he even went to the back to confirm with his manager, Stef, that none of the other options had peanuts - a gesture I genuinely appreciated. However, what unfolded next left me appalled. This is a very small shop, and being the third customer in the store, I could clearly hear the conversation between Jason and Stef in the kitchen. While they discussed potential cross-contamination risks, which I completely understood and respected, the manager's response was deeply unprofessional. Stef made a vulgar and insensitive remark about "not being responsible for (my) her death" and instructed Jason to ensure my response was captured on camera. The tone and choice of words were not only inappropriate, but also deeply disheartening as a paying customer. I fully understand the need to handle allergy concerns with caution, and I value transparency when it comes to safety. However, these conversations should be conducted with professionalism and respect, ESPECIALLY in a space where customers can overhear. If Stef chooses to use such language, it should at least be done discreetly, as such remarks leave a lasting negative impression. Despite this unfortunate encounter, I want to commend Jason for his diligence and care. He went above and beyond to ensure I was informed and comfortable with my order. The Daydream Latte itself was excellent, offering a strong oolong-like flavor that was beautifully complemented by the Thai tea jelly. I also sampled the matcha jelly, which had a subtler taste, but was equally enjoyable. While I thoroughly enjoyed the drink and Jason's exceptional service, the experience was marred by the unprofessionalism of the manager. I hope this feedback serves as an opportunity for improvement. A great product deserves equally great customer service - at every level. read more
Nice service and they gave great recommendations! I wish there was more seating next to the restrooms - I feel like that could be really nice to hang out with friends. I liked coming here as part of my "30 before 30" challenge to go to 30 animal themed tea shops before I turn 30. Lovely cranes! read more
Super small takeout boba shop - I've seen long lines on weekends but didn't experience that on a weekday afternoon! If you're in a hurry or don't want to risk the wait, just order ahead! I was able to order ahead and pick up within 15 minutes but there was no one there when I went. This place is in a pretty dead parking lot and there are no tables inside or outside so it's not a place to hangout. But definitely worth driving out to! I picked two drinks since I couldn't decide and wanted to try more of the jellies! I ultimately decided on the Double Milk Tea with Thai tea jelly, which was my favorite of the two. It was super creamy and the Thai tea jelly was so smooth like pudding! I did enjoy the Geisha Peach tea as well with the oolong tea jelly but I felt like I could order it at some other places whereas I can't get the Thai tea jelly elsewhere. But it was still a very delicious drink! Both are strong in tea flavor and overall good quality. The prices were fair too! However next time I'll definitely just get the large, since I finished the medium size so quickly! read more
First time here under recommendation of my friend local to the area. I really enjoyed my earl grey milk tea! It was very fragrant and not over-steeped! My boba was great as well! While I did enjoy it, I don't think I'd wait more than 10 minutes in line for it. We waited before they opened and wow, did the queue get long. It's great, but idk if it's worth that much time to wait to order, then wait for your drink. The inside is tiny as well, but it's cute inside! read more
Popular milk tea chain from Taiwan, and I think this is their first U.S. location. The interior is nicely decorated, and I heard about them mainly for their jelly toppings! I expected long lines but went on a Wednesday afternoon and didn't have to wait at all. Ordered 9 drinks for the group, and they were pretty efficient. Their sweetness and ice levels are a bit different (0-5 scale), but I like that they offer recommended settings. I got the osmanthus oolong latte with sesame jelly and really enjoyed it. They didn't have the matcha jelly that day--it seems to rotate daily. Would definitely come back! read more
2 years ago
Hechalou- more like Hecha-WOAH! This may be an ambitious statement, but Hechalou has to be within my top 2 boba shops ever! And that's saying something considering the super saturated boba scene in OC. Originating from Taiwan, they're serving up authentic teas and are known for their tea jellies. My go-to drink is their Taiwanese Milk Tea with Matcha Jelly. It has the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and tea notes. Their tea jellies are truly something special! Of the three jellies (Matcha, Thai Tea, & Sesame), my favorite has to be the Matcha one. The tea flavor maintains strong even within the jellies and their bouncy texture is something I haven't experienced anywhere else. If I were to describe it, it's kind of like egg pudding, but firmer and holds onto it's shape a bit better. As far as ice and sweetness levels go, they have default recommendations on the menu that keep the "not-too-sweet" notion in mind. Highly highly recommend anyone and everyone to check it out! read more
1 year ago
Stopped by this boba shop for a quick treat and was met with a fully self-service experience. Ordering is done through a kiosk -- simple and efficient, though not super intuitive if it's your first time like us, but we got through it. No staff interactions at all; just fellow customers quietly waiting like it's a library...of tea. The drinks.. My matcha latte, 1/2 sweet, less ice, with boba had the right balance of sweetness and chew. A human emerged from the back room, called my name, and it was grab and go. Great if you like minimal contact and quick service. Not ideal if you have questions or want help customizing. But overall, a clean, space that gets the job done. Would return -- especially when I want my boba with a side of silence. read more
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More info about Hechalou
Ask the Community - Hechalou
Is this business still open? I drove by and the sign was gone and now their IG name is different.
They seem to have recently rebranded. Friends have told me that the interior and drinks are still the same.
How do we order online for pickup?
You can order online for pickup through their link on their Instagram page, @hechaloutea_longbeach, or on the Local by Toast app!
Is there a separate line for online order pick ul?
I didn't see one but I just saw people go inside to talk to a worker. They should make a separate line. That would be helpful. But I think people are just going inside.
Do they take google pay? Or apple pay?
Apple Pay for sure, not sure about google pay.
Are there vegan options for the jellies?
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Hechalou - bubbletea - Updated July 2026
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