Top Boba Tea Shops in Tempe, Arizona: Expert Guide to the Best Bubble Tea Spots
Bubble tea, featuring chewy tapioca pearls known as boba that originated in Taiwan, has exploded in popularity across Tempe. These tea-based drinks, often enhanced with milk, fruit juices, or flavors, offer endless customization. As a local enthusiast who's visited these spots firsthand, here's a curated list of Tempe's top boba shops to help you find your new favorite.
DaYung’s Tea
3126 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 219-7286
DaYung’s Tea is a local favorite, drawing crowds even on busy Sunday afternoons—yet service remains swift. The menu boasts flavored teas, macchiatos, smoothies, and lattes, with classic milk teas striking the perfect balance of flavor. Customize sweetness and ice levels for your preference. Recommended: Boba Milk Tea at 80% sugar with light ice.
Duplex Boba Tea Station
1845 E. Broadway Rd. Ste. 121, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 265-9131
This Hong Kong-style café opened in October 2020, offering innovative desserts and boba options. The Real Mango Coconut with boba shines with genuine fruit flavors—ideal for Arizona heat. Vintage Hong Kong street-themed decor creates a spacious, inviting interior despite the modest exterior. Located next to Old Town Taste.
DingTea
740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 967-0556
DingTea in Downtown Tempe captivates with its pink flower photo backdrop. Specializing in milk teas, fruit teas, handcrafted lattes, and yakult/yogurt drinks, customization for sweetness and ice is standard. Try the Brown Sugar Milk Tea at 50% sweetness for a satisfying treat without overload.
Kung Fu Tea
425 S. Mill Ave. Ste. #109, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (602) 875-9445
Situated at Mill Avenue and Fifth Street in Downtown Tempe, Kung Fu Tea excels for quick grab-and-go. A staple near Tempe Town Lake, favorites include Kung Fu Milk Black Tea with boba or refreshing Winter Melon Green Tea with boba.
iTea
825 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 256-0181
iTea delivers exceptional milk teas and snacks. Highlights include fruit teas, Kreama Teas (tea with sweet crème), Okinawa Milk Tea (with black sugar and pudding), or Hokkaido Milk Tea (boba and pudding)—all customizable to 70-80% sweetness. Pair with Basil Popcorn Chicken for a complete experience.
Mango Rabbit
1250 E. Apache Blvd. #112, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 912-6283
Mango Rabbit wins for creativity with themed drinks inspired by Star Wars, BTS, Harry Potter, and seasonal specials. Classic milk teas, coffees, and more feature customizable toppings like honey boba, pudding, and coconut jelly. Standout: Pink Mermaid Drink (dragon fruit and strawberry) with boba. (Dedicated blog post available.)
Mochi Fresh
960 W. University Dr. Ste. 114, Tempe, Arizona 85281 | (480) 597-3115
Mochi Fresh uses handmade boba and mochi with no preservatives or artificial colors, paired with real fruits. The Strawberry Bubble Milk Tea with strawberry boba is a bestseller. Adorable giant figurines greet visitors.
Pho Fresh Alley & Boba Tea
1000 E. Apache Blvd. Ste. #103, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 247-9000
Pair boba with meals at this spot offering pho, rice plates, and egg rolls. Boba options include Thai tea, ube, matcha, and Kumquat Delight (kumquat passion fruit green tea). Open until midnight; parking in RISE garage or metered street spots.
Tea Swirl
725 S. Rural Rd. Ste. 107, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 479-4255
An original Tempe boba pioneer, Tea Swirl recently remodeled for a college vibe. Try Dutch Milk Tea (Assam milk tea, coffee, caramel) with boba, pudding, and coffee jelly at 20% sweetness. Photogenic options: Mango Swirl Slush and Rising Phoenix.
