Tea with the Conscience: Detroit Bubble Tea opens its doors and presents a world of flavor combinations, tapioca pearls, and chari-tea.

Story by David Stone – Photos by Bernie Laframboise

Born in India and raised in Troy, Michigan, Arun Prasad first had great bubble tea, or boba, in California. When he returned home, he could not find a place “within 50 miles of Royal Oak” that made it as well as they did on the West Coast. So, he and his wife Alycia opened Detroit Bubble Tea, where they make boba according to their exacting standards.

At Detroit Bubble Tea, there are four questions you must answer in order to create the perfect drink:

1. Do I want a slushie, a smoothie, or do I want it poured over ice?
2. Do I want it with black tea, green tea, or (caffeine-free) alpine berry?
3. Which of the over 100 flavors do I want added to my drink?
4. Which pearls do I want?

Let me explain this last one. Traditionally, tapioca, in the form of chewable black pearls, is added. At Detroit Bubble Tea, you can also choose from over 50 flavors of popping pearls. “Imagine fruit gushers,” said Arun. You drink your tea through an extra-wide straw able to accommodate your “pearls.”

He then went on to point out other ways his product is unique. Since tapioca pearls are good for only three hours, he makes them fresh every hour. Also, all his teas and syrups are organic.

They also carry other goodies. Besides selling vegan cupcakes and macaroons every day, they serve crepes Saturdays from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Soups and sandwiches will be coming soon.

I asked Arun to suggest some flavor combos that a boba newbie might enjoy. He suggested adding taro flavor and choosing popping pearls, perhaps one of the more popular fruit combos. For the traditionalist, he suggested simply green or black tea with tapioca.

Fall brings colder temperatures and school. Detroit Bubble Tea marks these with special drinks and special deals for students. They offer hot and cold cider. They will be open late during exams. Also, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they will take 10 per cent off your bill when you show a student I.D.

Arun believes it is important give back to others. That’s why a portion of their proceeds go to a different charity each month. In August they gave money to Camp Casey. September’s charity was the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link. Each month’s charity is listed on their website.

Why did the Prasads choose to open their business in Ferndale? Arun likes to use words like “culture,” “openness,” and “camraderie” when describing Ferndale. He sees our community as “forward-thinking,” and as a place where “everyone looks out for one another.”

So let’s give something new a try. Check out Detroit Bubble Tea for good boba and to support what Arun and Alycia call “chariTEA.”

The Detroit Bubble Tea Company is located at 22821 Woodward, just north of 9 Mile in Ferndale. They are open Monday thru Thursday from 12:00 noon to 10:00 P.M., and Friday thru Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Call them at (248)239-1131, or visit them on the web at detroitbubbletea.com

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