This family-owned spot serves banh mi and a number of delicious desserts in addition to its extensive bubble tea menu. For example, there are nine flavors of egg puffs — similar to a dessert waffle (and optionally filled with ice cream) — such as matcha or pork floss. Try the boba egg puff with the phenomenal house-made black sesame ice cream. Sticking to drinks? The bubble tea is highly customizable, from sugar and ice levels to milk and milk substitutes. Those who like a carbonated drink will find some great seltzer and sparkling tea options as well.

Taiwan-based chain OneZo, which also has nearby locations in Boston’s Chinatown, Quincy, and Worcester, brings a few unique twists to the boba scene — and prides itself on making its boba fresh in-house. In terms of beverages, there’s a bamboo charcoal latte as well as interesting toppings like black sesame bubbles. For desserts, there’s an array of souffles, including a popular brown sugar bubble option. 

Möge Tee serves some great tangy drink options, including the fresh fruit Yakult series and yogurt fruit tea smoothies. Matcha fans will enjoy the Uji matcha drinks, which feature matcha sourced from Uji, Kyoto, in Japan — try one with a cheese foam or creme brulee topping. To eat, there are several souffle and dorayaki (filled pancake) options. Möge Tee is a rapidly expanding international chain with roots in China; Massachusetts currently has four locations, including this one in Allston, with two more on the way (Dedham and Lynnfield).

LimeRed is a local favorite, with two Western Massachusetts locations and this one in Allston. For coffee needs, LimeRed has a full espresso bar with unique flavors like an espresso red bean latte; the shop uses organic milk from local farms. The tea options are excellent as well; try an earl grey milk tea or the beautifully layered strawberry matcha latte. The Boston location also has a kitchen serving up a variety of baked goods, including egg puffs, croissants (try the Nutella), macarons, and cake.

This international chain, which was founded in Taiwan in 2006, is great for the classic bubble teas like oolong milk tea and brown sugar milk tea. Choose among plenty of toppings, including pears, herbal jelly, and Oreo milk foam. Find a dozen locations in Massachusetts.