More Bubble Tea Heads for Allston as Gong Cha Expands in the Northeast

Allston is on the verge of maximum bubble tea, as another new shop prepares to open in the neighborhood. Gong Cha secured the space that was briefly home to the Hot Spot (154 Harvard Ave.), according to Boston Restaurant Talk, and will open sometime this spring, per its official website.

The Taiwan-based tea shop chain operates locations in the northeastern United States, California, and Texas. Its first local shop arrived in Chinatown in November 2017 (44 Harrison Ave.), as previously reported. The forthcoming Allston location is one of more than six new Gong Cha shops slated to open in the U.S. this spring and summer.

Gong Cha specializes in tea beverages — hot and cold — including simple brewed tea, plus milk tea, lattes, and coffee blends. Customers have a variety of options for customizing beverages, including the level of sweetness in the drinks, and can add toppings ranging from coconut jelly to red bean, pudding, and multiple types of boba.

Gong Cha’s Allston tea shop will join several others in the area in serving tea beverages: NextDoor Cafe’s menu includes hot and cold bubble teas, some served in lightbulb-shaped vessels, and other options include Kung Fu Tea, Teamoji, and LimeRed Tea House.

• Gong Cha to Open in Former Hot Spot Space in Allston [BRT]
• Gong Cha Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
• Gong Cha Opens in Chinatown With Bubble Tea, Lattes, and Yogurts [EBOS]