When I embark on my (albeit short) commute to campus every day, it’s hard to miss the steady stream of students flooding into Shuyi, the bubble tea shop across the street from Roddick Gates. By the time I make it into my lecture hall, it seems that I’ve seen more bubble tea cups than I have coffee cups. Are McGill students going bonkers for boba?
Well, yes. But it turns out it’s not just us: Students across North America love this sweet treat. A recent survey found that 94 per cent of young adults aged 20 to 29 bought bubble tea in the last three months—more than coffee.
Wondering where you can get your boba fix in Montreal? The Tribune has you covered with this guide to some of the best bubble tea shops near campus.
Address: 896 Rue Sherbrooke O.
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 12-8 p.m.
Distance from campus: Two-minute walk
Price (out of three): $$$
Shuyi was the first bubble tea place I tried when I moved to Montreal, and it did not disappoint. The shop’s wide range of flavours and proximity to campus make it a hit with students and working professionals alike. However, this shop is on the pricey side, with a regular signature milk tea costing $6.65. For more complex flavours and larger sizes, you can expect to pay upward of $10. But this is the price you pay for the ease of picking up some boba between classes.
Address: 1256 Rue Guy
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12-10:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 12-11 p.m.
Distance from campus: 20-minute walk, 12-minute metro ride
Price: $$
Conveniently located near the Guy-Concordia metro station, The Alley describes itself as a “hybrid destination where unique bubble tea blends and coffees meet.” With enticing flavours such as peach oolong and crunchy tiramisu milk tea, it’s a great place to indulge in a mouth-watering new treat. The shop also comes equipped with individual working pods, a group room, and a lounge area, making it the perfect study destination.
Address: Rue 1651 St. Catherine O.
Hours: Every day 12-10 p.m.
Distance from campus: 21-minute walk, 13-minute metro ride
Price: $$
If you want to enjoy a tasty donut along with your bubble tea, look no further than Ocha. This boba spot located west of campus offers Vietnamese coffee and mochi donuts to go along with your fruit-, matcha-, or milk-based bubble tea. Ocha is also known for its warm, homey atmosphere, filled with indoor plants and lots of natural light, making it a great spot to recuperate after a long day of classes.
Address: 71A Rue De la Gauchetière O.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Distance from campus: 26-minute walk, 17-minute metro ride
Price: $
With nine locations throughout the city, L2 is a great place to go for reliable—and slightly less expensive—bubble tea. Its flavours include Oreo cookie smoothie, pina colada, and winter melon. If none of those appeal to you, L2 also offers a make-your-own-bubble-tea option, where you can choose from a variety of bases, flavours, and toppings.
Address: 55 Rue Notre Dame O. & 218 Rue St. Catherine E.
Hours: Every day 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Distance from campus: 32-minute walk, 33-minute metro ride; 27-minute walk, 18-minute metro ride
Price: $$
With its main location in Montreal’s Old Port, Kung Fu Tea is a great spot to grab boba while being a tourist in your own city. The shop offers a wide range of authentic Taiwanese teas. Kung Fu Tea also boasts a secret menu and serves egg waffles—a popular dish in Hong Kong. If you’re looking to get bubble tea at a discount, keep an eye on the shop’s Instagram for flash sale announcements.
