Hi Tea Toronto
Hi Tea is a bubble tea chain from Guangdong, China that specializes in lots (and lots) of fruit bubble tea drinks.The cafe is in what was formerly Latea Era and retains much of its easy-going vibe with comfortable seats that invite you to kick back and relax. It's a great place to do some work as well.
When they say that they specialize in fruit drinks, they're not kidding. Only fresh fruits are used here, and some were even freshly cut before my eyes.
They offer ginormous 1-litre fruit teas at reasonable price points, with none of the giant teas being more than $8 to start with.
The Traditional Fruit Tea ($7.99) contains slices of watermelon, melon, lime, and passionfruit seeds among many more, mixed into their house specialty white peach oolong tea.
Another alternative is the HiTea Signature Fruit Tea ($7.99), which uses similar fruity elements along with their signature HK-style tea. The drink has an aftertaste similar to cola.
For a chillingly cold blast, the Darling Lemon Tea ($6.49) comes with lots of crushed ice and a simple lemon tea base that is a real thirst quencher.
Beyond fruit tea selections, the more substantial Oreo Puff Cream Matcha Milk Tea ($5.99) is like having an Oreo-matcha cake in drinkable form.
The simply-named Lime Yakult ($5.99) showcases the fresh tartness of lime with the milky-sweet taste of Yakult, creating a beverage that's pretty great at any time of the year.
If you're into something that sits somewhere between light and hefty, the Cheese Foam Rose Oolong Tea ($5.99) is both substantial and refreshing.
Hi Tea also differs from many bubble tea places in that it offers a pretty substantial food selection that features snacks like the Win Win Wings ($6.99).
My favourite item might be the Lo Mien with Sausages ($7.99). Instant noodle-style ramen is stir fried with a house-made spicy and sweet sauce, served with jumbo juicy sausages. It's simple but delicious.
Hector Vasquez