Mango Rabbit in Tempe: Authentic Bubble Tea, Boba Waffles, and Taiwanese Desserts
By Lauren Saria
Photography by Mark Lipczynski
For over 20 years, Tempe locals recognized the long storefront on the north side of Apache Boulevard, just east of Terrace Road, as the original home of Pita Jungle—a beloved local chain of Mediterranean eateries. Founded in 1994 by international graduate students from nearby Arizona State University studying engineering, the restaurant has since relocated.
History has a way of repeating itself.
Today, this iconic spot hosts Mango Rabbit, a vibrant, student-friendly dessert and tea shop serving fresh-steeped oolong tea and basil popcorn chicken instead of hummus and falafel. Owned by Peggy Huang, a former ASU engineering student originally from Taiwan, who has called Arizona home for 17 years.
Huang opened Mango Rabbit about a year ago after noticing the lack of authentic boba experiences in the Valley. "When Arizona's first boba shops opened, we tried them, but they weren't very authentic," she recalls. "I wanted to bring that genuine taste to Arizona."
The menu features Asian and Asian-inspired drinks, desserts, and snacks. Signature milk teas can be customized with boba, coconut jelly, or cheese foam—a light, sweet-salty froth. Other options include herbal teas, smoothies, coffee, and slushies.
Mango Rabbit's treats dazzle both in flavor and visuals, perfect for Instagram. Bubble waffles shine with over-the-top appeal, like the namesake Mango Rabbit dessert: two scoops of ice cream, chocolate cookies, Pocky sticks, fresh berries, whipped cream, and edible gold flakes.
Beyond fun, Huang aims to deliver quality and cultural connection, especially for college students. "My mission is quality food that bridges cultures," she says. As an engineer, she's meticulous about standards. "I'm proud of what I serve. For authentic Asian desserts, visit us—no plane ticket required."
Mango Rabbit
1250 E. Apache Blvd. #112
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-912-6283
