The weather has been so nice lately, and while sunbathing at Barceloneta beach last weekend, I suddenly craved a boba tea. I was surprised to find a few shops right near the beach, and after trying them out, I wanted to share my thoughts with you.
Let me start with the shops I’ve visited. There’s a Taiwanese-style boba shop on the main road by the beach with a simple decor, specializing in classic pearl milk tea and fruit teas. Another one, tucked away in an alley, has a Vietnamese vibe and sells spring rolls in addition to their Barceloneta Beach boba tea. The third one is near the W Hotel and feels more like a chain store.
Flavor and Price Comparison
I made a simple comparison table for your reference:
| Location | Signature Drink | Price Range | Personal Rating |
|---|
| Main Beach Road (Taiwanese) | Brown Sugar Boba Tea | €4-6 | 7/10 |
| Alley (Vietnamese) | Vietnamese Iced Coffee | €3.5-5 | 8/10 |
| Near W Hotel (Chain) | Cheese Foam Tea | €5-7 | 6/10 |
My personal favorite is the Vietnamese shop in the alley. Although it’s a bit hard to find, their Vietnamese iced coffee at Barcelona Beach is truly amazing. The amount of ice is just right, and you can adjust the sweetness. It’s also a bit cheaper, and the owner is very nice and speaks both English and Spanish.
The Taiwanese shop makes their pearls fresh, and the texture is really good. However, perhaps because of its prime location at Barcelona Beach, it’s a bit more expensive. The chain store was pretty standard, much like the ones you’d find in the city center—nothing special. But if you’re near the W Hotel, it’s a convenient option.
One last tip: during the summer, especially on weekend afternoons, these shops get crowded and you’ll have to queue. If you don’t want to wait long, I suggest going in the morning or on a weekday. Also, if you take your drink to the beach, please remember to dispose of your trash properly. It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep the beach clean.
What do you usually drink when you go to the beach? Do you have any other recommendations?
