Coffee has been one of the most popular drinks in the world for a long time.  It certainly leads the pack here in Rhode Island where coffee milk is the official state drink. 

Bright and early, places like Panera Bread, Brewed Awakenings, Starbucks and the omnipresent Dunkin’ Donuts, have customers getting their next caffeine hit.

But there could be competition. Matcha lattes, foamy green tea-based drinks, are popular. Health-focused juice and smoothie bars are also bringing in customers and herbal teas have their own followers.

One of the biggest ones that has really taken over is bubble tea.

Originally from Taiwan, bubble tea is made with tea, milk, sweetener and the star of the show is “the bubble,” chewy tapioca balls, called boba.

Flavors for the drink vary, with new twists being created frequently. From a matcha-flavored milk tea to unique flavors like coconut milk tea or taro milk tea, and a favorite, the brown sugar milk tea.

The boba tea retail bubble only seems to be growing with brand new and recent businesses finding their way to Cranston and setting up shop.

City economic development director Franklin Paulino has seen the growing interest, noting that boba shops along Park Avenue and near schools often find success. He says they offer “vibrant atmospheres and innovative menu options,” making these businesses great places for friends to meet up or have study sessions.

“In Cranston, we have noticed that bubble tea, or boba tea, shops have become very popular,” said Paulino. “Particularly, they have been very popular with young people. These trendy spots have become social hubs where friends gather after school and enjoy creative and nutritious beverages.”

And the growth will continue. A new bubble tea shop is slated to open its doors on Reservoir Avenue, adding its own flavor to the mix.

Paulino notes that boba shops tend to not require a large space, resulting in several smaller business locations for sale or lease currently being considered as locations for bubble tea shops in the city.

With the growing popularity of bubble tea, these shops will continue to contribute to a dynamic culinary choice in Cranston, said Paulino.

As the new Reservoir Avenue boba shop, called Angkor Boba Tea House, prepares to open, here are some current bubble tea shops around Cranston to try out when looking for your next boba fix.

Boba Tea Lova & Snack Bar

Nestled in a little corner deep in the Park Avenue Plaza at 1375 Park Ave. is a bubble tea shop called Boba Tea Lova. Celebrating nearly two years of business, the cozy bubble tea shop offers a variety of drinks and a snack bar.

With menu items like mochi donuts and waffles, and beverages such the Creme Brûlée milk tea and the Butterfly Pea milk tea, the cafe gives customers the chance to explore different tastes.

Not only do they offer bubble tea and bakery goods, but the shop also has a nicely decorated seating area, perfect for students and regulars alike to come in and study, chat with a friend, or enjoy a nice drink for a moment.

You can find Bubble Tea Lova Tea & Snack Bar at 1375 Park Ave. Unit 4.

Gong Cha

The premium bubble tea franchise has made its way to Rhode Island, opening a store in Cranston. Offering a large variety of bubble tea drinks, the franchise has expanded to more than 1,500 stores worldwide since its early start in Taiwan. Some of its best sellers include the pearl milk tea, passionfruit yogurt slush and dirty brown sugar milk tea.

Gong Cha is located at 40 Sockanosset Cross Rd. Unit 120.

Banh Mi & Bubble Tea

This small food spot offers a range of Vietnamese food, including authentic banh mi sandwiches, egg rolls, bubble tea and coffee. Near Cranston High School East, in a small shopping plaza, the shop offers a variety of drinks such as the coconut milk tea, Hokkaido milk tea smoothie and lavender milk tea to name a few.

This hidden gem can be found at 935 Park Ave.