By Kristen Klein
Special to the Chronicle
Looking for a tasty treat that “pops” in your mouth? Try Bubble Tea at the Java Connect counter in Netherlands Café, one of the newest additions to Hofstra dining this fall. Bubble Tea is unique because of the Bobas, or bubbles, made of flavored tapioca that burst on your tongue.
The Netherlands Café offers nine light flavors including strawberry, watermelon, plum, cantaloupe, pineapple, mango, passion fruit, kiwi and raspberry. These flavors are added to either Black or Green Tea, and can even be infused with milk.
To allow the sweet Bobas to flow from the bottom of your cup to the tip of your tongue, Bubble Tea is served with a thick straw. The Bobas are available in flavors ranging from mango to strawberry to passion fruit to classic tapioca, making the number of possible Bubble Tea combinations endless.
Amanda Bentley, a freshman psychology major, was “very excited to hear they had [Bubble Tea] here” after having the drink previously at other locations. She described it as “delicious, refreshing, and unique” and recommends it for anyone looking to try something new. Drew Schmitt, another freshman, decided to give Bubble Tea a try and commented, “It’s sweeter than I thought. It’s good. I don’t like tea, but I like this.” He also added that Bubble Tea is “sweet, fun to drink, and colorful.”
While the first-years seem to be embracing Hofstra’s newest addition, sophomore English major Dayna Troisi had a different reaction to the drink. “The tea is good, but I don’t like what’s at the bottom," she said. "It’s a choking hazard.”
Regardless of the difference in opinions the only person who can judge whether you will like it or not is yourself, which is why with only $2.75 for a regular and $3.75 for a large, Bubble Tea is definitely worth the try.
The Java Connect counter is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.