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    ONCE Tea

    3.8 (148 reviews)

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    Jo W.

    I paid extra for mochi and boba pearls to be added into my drink. Because I ordered a slushie, and it was a thick opaque drink, I didn't notice it. It tasted like silken tofu, and thought maybe they put it in by mistake. It wasn't until I finished the drink that I realize there was no mochi nor boba pearls. I decided to not fuss about it to the staff, and just leave a 1-star review.

    A3. Boba Thai Tea / 泰式珍珠奶茶
    Isabelle V.

    If you're looking for a solid spot for late-night boba in the East Bay, Once Tea is definitely a solid choice. Located in downtown Hayward, the ambiance is pretty chill and quiet noise levels for a boba place. It's my go-to when I'm craving quality milk tea after 8:30 PM and most other places are already winding down. The ordering process is super smooth; you can use the self-service kiosks for speed or order with a cashier if you prefer. While there are only 5 tables available to sit, the service is incredibly quick, so you'll be in and out in no time. The prices are also very decent, generally ranging from $5 to no more than $8 depending on your toppings. Most importantly, the boba texture is perfect and the milk tea flavor actually tastes authentic. We got the Thai boba tea and hojicha phoenix tea latte with popping barley (hot drink). The hot drinks only come in the regular size. Didn't get to try the food, but it looks good and they had a buy one get one half off deal going on.

    Steve G.

    The good: drinks were good and reasonably priced. Not-so-good: The place was drty and really could use some paint and fixing up. Their cute dog pillows you sit on probably have never been washed. The paint on the walls and floor was peeling. When we walked in the worker was picking his hangnails or something. Overall, not very appetizing. There's too much competition in the dessert/boba market not to clean up your act. Hard pass - yelp only ONCE.

    B9. Mango Pomelo Sago (Regular)
    HanNa P.

    Would come back if I was in the area. Both drinks were good. The Mango was better than the Oreo Brûlée for sure. We ordered on the kiosk. The place was not busy on a weekend. Yummy stuff. But could be fresher! Service was ok. And inside was a bit sticky on the tables. Private lot in back

    Jasmine Milk Tea with Oat Milk
    Andy N.

    Great boba option to turn to here in Hayward that offers oat and soy milk as non-dairy milk options - a win in my book. The shop is large with many drink options and snacks to choose from. You order from the kiosk in front but can ask the staff if you have any questions. I ordered a Jasmine Milk Tea with Oat Milk and it was perfectly made. Highly recommend a lower sugar level since it's sweet as it is. They also did a great matcha latte that my sister ordered too. Will definitely come back here the next time I'm in the area.

    F2. Orange Green Tea (Large)
    Sabine M.

    This place is underrated and sooo good! Fast service and the drink tastes so fresh and good! Love their selection as well!

    "Popcorn" chicken. No seasoning. Wrong batter
    Stephy H.

    Was craving popcorn chicken and was in the area. Their batter isn't like your typical popcorn chicken. There's also no seasonings on it... the pepper and spice is what makes it popcorn chicken. Very disappointed.

    F4. Mango & Passion Fruit Green Tea with Aloe (Large) / 百香芒芒...
    Kartika H.

    i just went to hayward and decided to find boba tea spot on the way home and saw once tea was the closest and i gave a try. place is just ok and there was only one staff but he was nice. i ordered mango passion fruit with aloe and surprisingly it was so refreshing and i love it!!! if you are a tea lover, i will say you need to stop by here and give it a try...

    B5. Strawberry Blizzard with Sago
    Molly L.

    We came here on a cold evening and ordered the strawberry blizzard with sago drink with boba. It came out just as we requested -- not too sweet and it had the sago and tender boba as expected. The service was fast, even though we dealt mainly with a kiosk and hardly spoke to anyone there. But overall it was a good experience and they have a lot of drink options.

    A5. Taro & Boba Milk Tea F7 Pineapple & Passion Fruit Green Tea With Crystal Boba (Large) A1. Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea
    Alyssa C.

    Good boba but the shop could use some TLC. I love their selection of drinks here and I've always been happy with the value (good amount for the price). The touch screen ordering system is also really great because they have pictures of most drinks so you can see what they look like. However the store itself could use some upkeep. The floors were very dirty/sticky when I went in and there aren't great seating options to enjoy your food/drinks. Would come back for the boba but definitely would take it to go.

    F1. Peach Green Tea Lemonade with boba  A11. Oreo Brulee Boba Milk Tea (Large)
    Jennifer M.

    We were in the area and were looking for a boba spot. Hopped on yelp and saw this place had pretty good reviews & so we gave it a shot. In short, this place was just okay. The shop itself could use a paint job and some decor. I did like that they had 2 kiosks to order, and the menu seemed to have a good variety. I ordered the Oreo brûlée boba milk tea, which again, was just okay. To me it just tasted like a normal milk tea with cheese foam with Oreo sprinkled on top--not sure where the "brûlée" was. This place lives up to its name--"once"- because I don't see myself returning

    Super Combo

    The price is very reasonable and the shop assistants are very friendly as well.And I love the fried chicken so much

    Strawberry B5. Strawberry Blizzard with Sago
    Terri M.

    When I walked in there were two girls who couldn't figure out what they wanted to get they were at the kiosk for quite some time. Luckily there's a second kiosk you can order from. It was really smoky and smelled like something was burnt inside so the employee opened the front and back doors to air it out. I ordered the large strawberry sago drink And it was delicious! I chugged it down. Wish I would have bought 2. Will definitely be back!

    Orange fruit tea

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    3 years ago

    Not my cup of tea. All I can say is I've had better. I would rather drive further and get a boba drink somewhere else.

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    3 years ago

    Tried their Mango Pomelo Sago, it was very good. The only thing is that the portion size was smaller compared to other boba shops.

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    3 years ago

    Yum I love their boba and how they have delivery right off the Yelp app for those who don't have any food delivery app service accounts

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    2 years ago

    Super sweet staff. Ordered a mango & strawberry drink. It was yummy & refreshing. They have a lot of great options

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    4 years ago

    first time trying this place. Their avocado and mango smoothie is so good! Definitely will come back next time!

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    4 years ago

    Love the drinks here and they are not stingy whenever you modify you're drink, very nice staff!

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    4 years ago

    Lady at counter was very nice, overall great service. And boba is very good, and priced well

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    Page 4 of 4

    Ask the Community - ONCE Tea

    Hello, can you accommodate a birthday party for 20-30 people? Thanks!

    Hi Marina, Yes, we do provide catering service for events. Please send us your brief summary of… Read more

    Hi, do you offer non-dairy milk (oat, soy, almond)?

    I went in today with a vegan friend asking this same question, and unfortunately, they do not.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Ones Cafe & Bakery

    Ones Cafe & Bakery

    4.3
    (201 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Ones Cafe is truly an East Bay gem. You can stretch the definition of "hole in the wall" with this…read moreplace because 2/3 of the bake shop is the kitchen and 1/3 is the display/ordering area. Making it a bit cramp when you're trying to stand in line, look at what's available, and order at the same time. Parking here is hard to get to as well, the lot is super small and fits only one car at a time. If you happen to land a spot here your best bet is to reverse all the way out because a three point turn will turn into a multipoint turn quickly. My suggestion is to park in the lot in the plaza next door and walk over. As for the baked goods the Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Croissant is phenomenal and the Strawberry Moon is a classic. The flavor profiles here lean Asian with many call backs to flavors such as ube and passionfruit. They also seem to change their menu often too so keep an eye out on the newer items as you visit. In terms of aesthetics of the pastries you can see the love in the folds of each one. The strawberry moon croissant is a good example of this because the amount of ridges in the croissant shows how many times it was folded while making it. That alone is back breaking work and truly a labor of love for something that gets consumed in minutes. Last but not least the staff, we love a good mom and pop shop. The entire family is in on this, from the cashier, baristas, and pastry chef. If you're looking for a AAPI business to support, this is the one to go to. They're kind, diligent, and when a pastry sells out you can always count on them to make more. Disappointment does not run in this family! Overall looking forward to continue coming back and frequently be a patron here.

    Overview: Small parking lot, small shop, big flavors…read more ---- A few outside tables and one inside bench, it can get a little chilly sitting outside esp in th Opening up a location in alameda Very beautiful presentation of all of the pastries and I'm SO, SO happy that they have prices on all of their items!! They offer a unique fusion of Asian flavors with classic French pastries. ---- Pistachio Kataifi Croissant $9.50 - croissant is filled with kataifi and topped with pistachio cream and crushed pistachios - the croissant itself was a little too salty for me and I think it needs the sweetness of the pistachio cream on top - the croissant was still crispy at room temperature, but tasted better heated up - I would recommend air frying it or rebaking it instead of microwaving it bc the kataifi gets soggy ---- Notes: - parking lot is small - service was really quick and friendly - a nice display case with a wide variety of items and with their prices listed!! ---- Overall: unique flavors, picture perfect pastries, I can't wait for the Alameda location to open up so I can try more of their items and their drinks!

    Photos
    Sold out of everything!
    Sold out of everything!
    Menu as of 1/11/25
    Menu as of 1/11/25
    Menu as of 1/11/25

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    Menu as of 1/11/25
    Snappy's Cafe

    Snappy's Cafe

    4.5
    (242 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $

    Good place ! The coffee was absolutely hot and delicious, the bagel was fresh and tasty, and the…read moreprices were very reasonable. It's always nice to find a spot that has great food, great coffee, and great service without breaking the bank. The location is also very convenient. This was my first visit, but it definitely won't be my last. I'm already looking forward to coming back!

    I was craving a nice hot latte this morning and thought it would be a great opportunity to support…read morea small business. This place stood out because it had a lot of reviews and was close to my house. The cafe itself is small, a bit stuffy inside. There is ample parking on the side which was a plus. There were only three customers inside when I arrived. When I walked in, the first thing I was asked was, "What does your dog need" rather than a hello or good morning. I explained that my dog and I were there to order coffee, and I was told the menu was outside and that she would help me at the door. It wasn't necessarily rude, just an unusual interaction. A sign explaining the dog policy might help avoid this awkward situation/confusion in the future. Unfortunately, the coffee was the biggest disappointment. After waiting about 15 minutes, my latte tasted watered down and lacked flavor. The best way I can describe it is that it tasted like warm cardboard. I don't mind waiting for a quality drink, but this one missed the mark. I ended up going home and adding more coffee and milk to make it drinkable. I genuinely wanted to like this place and was excited to try it, but the coffee was a letdown. If you're stopping by before work, be aware that the wait may be longer than expected.

    Photos
    Live music on a Saturday
    Live music on a Saturday
    Raspberry mocha served in a cute red cup
    Raspberry mocha served in a cute red cup
    Sweet empanada and tropical iced tea

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    Sweet empanada and tropical iced tea
    Pampas Cafe

    Pampas Cafe

    4.4
    (657 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Really nice cozy cafe with yummy vegan empanada options! My daughter and I specifically liked the…read morekale one.

    Just an excellent place to be!…read more A friend had heard rave reviews about their authentic Argentinian empanadas and we were so happy to come and try it out on a Saturday afternoon. Parking was busy (the lot is shared with Trader Joe's) but we managed to find a spot and head into the busy but not packed cafe. There is a large assortment of empanadas, from meat options like chorizo and chicken, to vegetarian like corn and onion, to sweet options too like apples. The menu also boasts lots of great drinks including mate tea! Lucky us, the empanadas we ordered weren't in stock so we had to wait ~10 for freshly baked ones. They came out buttery and piping hot, even with little hand-stamped letters on them so you know what you're eating, and it was so delicious. Most are about $5.50 each. Add oregano chimichurri for a bit extra if you want or pair with a tea, but these empanadas really hit the snacky spot. Lots of wooden tables with fresh flowers make Pampas a great space to chat with friends or to sit and do some work. The most standout feature was the friendly and efficient staff who seem to build connections with everybody who walks in the door. Worth a drive to Castro Valley! Especially if you bring cash for a 10% discount off a dozen :)

    Photos
    Inside counter
    Inside counter
    Breakfast Empanada filling
    Breakfast Empanada filling
    Chai Latte

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    Chai Latte
    Always Yours Bakery Cafe

    Always Yours Bakery Cafe

    4.5
    (660 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    --- F O O D & D R I N K S --- Natalie, the owner, was…read moreoriginally my macaron and Japanese soufflé cheesecake go-to before she opened her shop! Was so glad that she was able to open up her own bakery/cafe to feature these and additional Asian-inspired desserts for the Bay Area to try! MACARONS. I've been a fan of these Macarons for years, and what first drew me in was their adorable themed designs for holidays and special occasions like Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. While their character macarons and classic rounds are super cute, what keeps me coming back is that they actually taste amazing. There's nothing worse than biting into a beautiful macaron only to find it's dry, but that's definitely not the case here. Their macarons are consistently moist, flavorful, and fresh, with the perfect texture every time. It's the best of both worlds--beautiful designs that are almost too cute to eat and quality that lives up to the hype! JAPANESE SOUFFLE CHEESECAKE. My first Japanese soufflé cheesecake experience was from a commercial chain, and while it was light and fluffy, it doesn't compare to Always Yours Bakery Cafe. Their cheesecakes are THIQ in the best way possible--rich, dense, creamy, and still have that perfect jiggle. My absolute favorite flavor is the Ube! Ever since discovering them, I'd much rather order a whole cheesecake from here than pick up a standard birthday cake from the grocery store. It's always a crowd-pleaser! DRINKS. I'm def a matcha gworrrrl so I had to try as many flavors as I could! They have pistachio, banana cream, strawberry, and creme brûlée. What really stole my heart was the Earl Grey Creme Brûlée Milk Tea! "Creamy earl grey tea with your choice of milk, topped with our housemade salted cheese cream, torched sugar, and creme brûlée pudding." It's def a unique combo I haven't came across any other milk tea shop yet til here, and given that it's a bakery, I figured their creme brûlée would be amazing--and it FASHO IS! I recommend it with oatmilk and less sweetness to help balance all the flavors. _______________________________________________________ --- S E R V I C E --- The staff is always so friendly and accommodating, and you can tell they truly care about their customers and the quality of what they serve. And the turnaround is pretty quick! _______________________________________________________ --- A M B I A N C E -- The ambiance is just as charming as the desserts. When you first walk in, you're greeted by a display case filled with beautiful desserts, and I definitely recommend taking a look at the other treats on the menu besides the cheesecakes. There's even a claw machine filled with adorable boba plushies that adds a fun touch to the space. The dining area is small but thoughtfully designed, with marble-inspired walls, pops of greenery from the plants, and a purple neon sign that ties everything together. It has cozy, trendy café vibes and is the perfect spot to relax, catch up with friends, or enjoy a sweet treat. _______________________________________________________ Be sure to check out their page for events! They have macaron decorating, tea parties, pop-ups and more!

    If you enjoy cute character desserts, delicious drinks, and an overall cozy cafe experience, I…read morehighly recommend that you stop by Always Yours Bakery Cafe! Not only are you able to purchase from their bakery case, you can also request to have desserts made for special events! (In advance of course.) I very much enjoy their macarons and fresh fruit tarts. They also added Banana Matcha to their menu when it became a craze, and I 10/10 would recommend it. They use high quality matcha powder (Marukyu Koyamaen) for their drinks. This is one of the few things that drew me into their cafe. The baristas are extremely friendly and have a wonderful sense of humor, AND they support small businesses! While you wait for your order, you can browse their shelf full of crystal candies, matcha sets, candles, and they may also have Natsume matcha tins available! (This is not the matcha they use in their drinks, but it's nice to have other options available to buy.) ^^ So if you're in the East Bay and are looking for a business to support, go to Always Yours Bakery Cafe (they're also available on the Too Good To Go app)! They have beautiful outdoor seating available, as well as cutesy seating indoors. Not sponsored or anything, I just wanted to review one of my favourite cafes in Castro Valley. ^^

    Photos
    Ube cupcakes
    Ube cupcakes
    2 Tier cake Cookies & Cream and Vanilla w/ fresh strawberries
    2 Tier cake Cookies & Cream and Vanilla w/ fresh strawberries
    Macaron Flavor Menu as of June 2026 ~

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    Macaron Flavor Menu as of June 2026 ~
    A Romo's Cafe

    A Romo's Cafe

    4.7
    (292 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    After having driven by this cafe on multiple occasions, I finally stopped in here with a friend for…read morebreakfast. We each got the salmon bagel, tea, and a latte, then found a table on their cozy and beautiful back patio. The drinks came out in beautifully painted drink ware. This place was such a nice spot to catch up and chit chat over good food. The servers were super friendly and helpful, and we never once felt rushed to leave or vacate our table. The noise level was just right, too. You would think being on A St would mean we'd hear cars the entire time and would have to talk over other tables, but everyone was respectful of each other and my friend and I could hear one another speaking just fine. Parking is limited; there were maybe 4-5 spots on the side of Sandra's Barberia, but you can park on the street and walk over.

    Came in for a pot coffee (Cafe De Olla), it was delicious! The ladies that run the spot treat you…read morewith hospitality, kindness & respect, like you're at Abuelas house. The ambiance in the back feels just like it too, the seating & set up brings back that nostalgia. Great spot to enjoy a cup, good food, company or to work from. Vine por un café de olla y estaba delicioso. Las señoras que atienden el lugar te reciben con hospitalidad, cariño y respeto, como si estuvieras en casa de la abuela. El ambiente en la parte de atrás se siente igual: la forma de sentarse y el acomodo del espacio traen esa nostalgia tan bonita. Es un lugar excelente para disfrutar una taza de café, buena comida, buena compañía o incluso para trabajar desde ahí.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Salmon bagel.
    Salmon bagel.
    Cafe de olla was 5/5 and Mocha Latte lighter smoother taste

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    Cafe de olla was 5/5 and Mocha Latte lighter smoother taste
    Seven Hills Baking Co

    Seven Hills Baking Co

    4.5
    (329 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Absolutely love the Epi Baguette! I keep coming back for that. It almost looks like a braided…read moreversion of a baguette and it's so easy to break off a piece of it. Next thing I know, I've eaten at least three pieces! I first discovered Seven Hills when a friend introduced me to Castro Valley Marketplace. Naturally, I bought a couple pastries to try a bit of everything. I also brought my mom the second visit. Baked Goods: Epi Baguette Pumpkin Cranberry Muffin Savory Scone Berry Scone Morning Bun Butter Croissant Pumpkin Spice Roll Apple Crostata Olive Sourdough *sliced +fifty cents Excellent variety of pastries! There's something for everyone as long as they're not gluten sensitive. I think they do have a gluten free scone and a few other GF offerings. Staff is nice. Parking isn't bad at all for the marketplace. Lots of people coming and going. I shall return for the Epi baguette!

    I really don't know what the hype is. Have tried a couple of items, ham and cheese croissant and…read morescones. There were both so underwhelming. Hardly any ham in the ham and cheese and scones were dry. There's no flavor to the pastries. With all the choices around Berkeley and Oakland, this place doesn't even compare. Maybe because there is no other bread bakeries near by. Honestly, this place sucks.

    Photos
    Chocolate croissant & 2 kouign amanns
    Chocolate croissant & 2 kouign amanns
    Lots of fresh baked goodies around lunchtime (08/2024)
    Lots of fresh baked goodies around lunchtime (08/2024)
    Kouign amann. Came out piping hot. More Crispy than light n flaky but it was delicious

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    Kouign amann. Came out piping hot. More Crispy than light n flaky but it was delicious

    ONCE Tea - bubbletea - Updated June 2026

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