National Bubble Tea Day April 30th - Best Bubble Tea Spots in Vancouver

If there’s one drink that’s taken the world by storm and found a permanent home in Vancouver’s food scene, it’s bubble tea. Also called “boba,” this sweet, sippable treat is the perfect mix of tea, milk (or fruit), ice, and chewy tapioca pearls—or as I like to say, “a dessert you can drink.” And guess what? April 30th is National Bubble Tea Day—an official reason (as if we needed one) to treat ourselves to our favorite cup of boba.

As a local realtor and lover of all things PNW, I’m always exploring the neighborhoods and tasting what makes Vancouver special—and yes, that includes stopping at every boba shop I come across. Whether you’re into classic milk teas, fruity refreshers, or the newest trend (cheese foam, anyone?), there’s a bubble tea in town calling your name.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best bubble tea spots in Vancouver, WA, complete with flavor suggestions and insider tips. Let’s raise a straw to celebrating National Bubble Tea Day the right way—one delicious sip at a time.

What is Bubble Tea, Anyway?

Bubble tea—also known as boba, pearl milk tea, or just boba tea—first popped up in Taiwan in the 1980s. What started as a simple iced tea with chewy tapioca pearls quickly exploded into a global sensation, and it’s easy to see why. It’s refreshing, customizable, and kind of fun to drink—part beverage, part snack.

At its core, bubble tea is usually made with a base of tea (like black, green, or oolong), milk (dairy or non-dairy), a sweetener, and tapioca pearls—those soft, chewy balls at the bottom. But don’t stop there! Today’s bubble tea menus offer fruit teas, smoothies, slushies, and all kinds of toppings—like popping boba that burst in your mouth, herbal jelly, grass jelly, or even a thick layer of cheese foam (yes, it's a thing, and yes, it’s delicious).

The best part? You can completely customize your order. Choose your tea, your toppings, your sweetness level, and even the amount of ice. There’s a combo for everyone—from classic milk tea fans to adventurous drinkers who want lychee jelly with a mango green tea slush.

And let’s not forget the experience: You shake it, sip it through a wide straw, and then chew your way through the pearls. It’s kind of interactive. Honestly, it’s just plain fun—and that’s a big reason why bubble tea has become a favorite treat for all ages.

A Quick Bit of History: Why April 30?

Ever wonder why National Bubble Tea Day lands on April 30th? It’s not random—it was actually created by Kung Fu Tea, one of the largest bubble tea chains in the U.S., to mark the anniversary of their very first store opening back in 2010. In 2018, they decided to turn their birthday into a celebration for bubble tea fans everywhere—and just like that, National Bubble Tea Day was born.

Since then, April 30th has become a chance to do more than just sip your favorite drink. It’s about celebrating the creativity and culture behind bubble tea, supporting local boba shops, and maybe even stepping outside your comfort zone to try a new flavor or topping combo. Many bubble tea spots offer special deals, limited-edition drinks, or free add-ons to mark the occasion—so it’s a great time to stop by your local shop and treat yourself.

Whether you’re a classic milk tea with pearls kind of person or you love to mix it up with fruit teas and popping boba, April 30 is your excuse (not that you need one) to celebrate the chewy, sweet, slurpable joy that is bubble tea.

Best Bubble Tea Spots in Vancouver, WA

Whether you're a seasoned boba drinker or brand new to the chewy tea craze, Vancouver has no shortage of fun, flavorful spots to celebrate National Bubble Tea Day on April 30th. Here are some of my top local favorites—each with unique flavors, Instagram-worthy drinks, and something for every kind of tea lover.

1. Daboba

📍 12004 NE Fourth Plain Blvd Suite F
⭐ 4.9 (154 reviews)

Daboba brings sleek vibes and a long list of creative tea options. Known for using high-quality ingredients and fun topping combos, it’s perfect if you want to try something trendy or Instagram-worthy.

Recommended flavors:

• Roasted Brown Sugar Milk Tea

• Matcha Cream Float

• Strawberry Cheese Tea

2. SOFTEA

📍 808 Main St
⭐ 4.7 (126 reviews)

This downtown boba shop serves bubble tea with a twist—soft serve on top! The shop’s bright, cozy space and innovative menu make it a must-visit.

Recommended flavors:

• Taro Milk Tea with Soft Serve

• Mango Green Tea

• Brown Sugar Milk

3. Cupidone Coffee House

📍 3021 NE 72nd Dr #11
⭐ 4.8 (431 reviews)

More than just a coffee spot, Cupidone offers a full bubble tea menu with bold flavors and creamy textures. It’s got a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere and quick service.

Recommended flavors:

• Taro Boba Milk Tea

• Thai Tea with Boba

• Strawberry Jasmine Tea

4. Ding Tea Vancouver (Two Locations!)

📍 1125 SE 163rd Pl Suite 103
📍 Vancouver Mall – 8207 NE Vancouver Mall Dr
⭐ 4.4 & 4.8 (combined reviews)

A bubble tea chain done right—huge variety, fresh ingredients, and fun seasonal drinks. Both locations in Vancouver are highly rated and super consistent.

Recommended flavors:

• Hokkaido Milk Tea

• Passionfruit Green Tea

• Wintermelon Milk Tea

5. Boba Tree (Two Locations!)

📍 5210 E 4th Plain Blvd
📍 Salmon Creek – 14313 NE 20th Ave
⭐ 4.5 & 4.7

Local favorite for classic boba teas and consistent quality. Friendly staff and cozy shop vibes. Their Original Milk Tea is a must.

Recommended flavors:

• Original Milk Tea

• Honeydew Milk Tea

• Mango Green Tea (non-dairy)

• Tiger boba

• Strawbery milk with popping boba

6. Short & Sweet

📍 1001 Main St #3150
⭐ 4.8 (233 reviews)

Charming little spot known for perfect tapioca pearls and flavorful tea blends. It’s a great place to grab a boba on a downtown stroll.

Recommended flavors:

• Brown Sugar Milk Tea

• Strawberry Matcha

• Coconut Oolong Tea

7. CoCo Boba Tea

📍 5922 NE Fourth Plain Blvd
⭐ 4.5 (48 reviews)

A hidden gem with sweet staff and affordable, tasty drinks. Their tapioca pearls are always on point, and the menu is simple but delicious.

Recommended flavors:

• Classic Milk Tea

• Lychee Green Tea

• Tiger Sugar Milk

8. Lucky Kitty Bubbles (Vancouver Mall)

📍 Food Court – 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr
⭐ 4.1 (60 reviews)

Located in the Vancouver Mall, this kiosk delivers quick, yummy bubble tea for shoppers on the go. Bonus points for value and portion size.

Recommended flavors:

• Thai Tea

• Peach Green Tea with Jelly

• Lavender Milk Tea

9. T4 Vancouver

📍 9908 NE Hwy 99
⭐ 4.5 (57 reviews)

Friendly service and smooth, flavorful teas with a good balance of sweetness. Their boba texture gets rave reviews!

Recommended flavors:

• Okinawa Milk Tea

• Grape Yakult

• Earl Grey Milk Tea

10. Bobablastic

📍 13510 NE Fourth Plain Blvd
⭐ 4.4 (31 reviews)

Fun, funky spot with delicious drinks and street-food style snacks. Think of it as your new guilty pleasure stop.

Recommended flavors:

• Pineapple Slush with Boba

• Matcha Milk Tea

• Caramel Choco Milk

How to Celebrate National Bubble Tea Day

Need ideas for April 30? Try one of these fun ways to get your bubble tea fix:

• Try a new flavor you’ve never had before

• Support a local boba shop by bringing friends or coworkers

• Host a bubble tea tasting party at home

• Order DIY bubble tea kits and make your own

• Share your favorite drink on social media using #NationalBubbleTeaDay

Fun Boba Facts

• Tapioca pearls are made from cassava root.

• You can get them in different colors and textures (classic black, clear, colorful, popping).

• Bubble tea isn’t just sweet—you can get sugar-free, fruit-forward, or even salty versions.

• Some people call it “boba,” others say “bubble tea.” It’s a regional thing (West Coast = boba, East Coast = bubble tea).

FAQs About National Bubble Tea Day April 30th – Best Bubble Tea Spots in Vancouver

When is National Bubble Tea Day?

April 30th every year! It was founded by Kung Fu Tea in 2018.

Where can I find the best bubble tea in Vancouver, WA?

Top picks include Boba Time, Boba Tree, Softea, TeaCupful, and Fat Straw (in nearby Portland).

What should I order if I’m new to bubble tea?

Start with a classic milk tea with tapioca pearls. Thai milk tea or taro milk tea are great beginner-friendly options.

What is popping boba?

They’re small juice-filled spheres that pop in your mouth—kind of like edible bubble wrap. Super fun!

Can I get dairy-free or low-sugar bubble tea?

Yes! Most boba shops offer non-dairy milks (like oat, almond, soy) and let you choose your sweetness level.

Final Sip: Celebrate Bubble Tea in Vancouver

There’s no wrong way to enjoy bubble tea, especially on National Bubble Tea Day. Whether you're loyal to one shop or love exploring new spots, Vancouver Washington has a little something for every boba lover.

So get out there, grab a drink (or two), and raise your cup to chewy, sweet, sippable joy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What day is National Boba Tea Day?

National Boba Tea Day is celebrated every year on April 30. It was created by the popular chain Kung Fu Tea to honor the growing love for bubble tea. On this day, many shops offer special deals or limited-time flavors.

Is today International Bubble Tea Day?

That depends on the date! International or National Bubble Tea Day is celebrated on April 30, so if today is that date—yes! Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until then to join in on the sweet, chewy fun.

What national day is April 30, 2025?

April 30, 2025, is National Bubble Tea Day, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and National Honesty Day in the U.S. It’s a mix of sweet, sincere, and meaningful celebrations. Perfect day to grab a boba and tell a truth while adopting a furry friend!

Is boba tea Korean or Japanese?

Boba tea (also known as bubble tea) is originally from Taiwan, not Korea or Japan. It was invented in the 1980s and has since spread across Asia and the world. Today, you’ll find Korean and Japanese cafes serving their own variations.

Is day-old boba OK?

Day-old boba is safe to consume if refrigerated, but the texture usually becomes hard or mushy. Fresh tapioca pearls are best within a few hours of cooking. Reheating can help a little, but it won’t fully restore the chewy texture.

Is Starbucks getting boba?

Starbucks has tested boba-inspired drinks in select U.S. locations, but it hasn’t rolled out nationwide yet. Their versions include coffee-based drinks with popping pearls, not traditional tapioca balls. Keep an eye out—boba at Starbucks could expand if it proves popular.

Is it boba or bubble tea?

Both terms refer to the same drink—“boba” is more commonly used on the West Coast and among younger crowds, while “bubble tea” is the original term. “Boba” can also specifically refer to the tapioca pearls themselves. It’s all delicious either way!

What day is Bubble Day?

“Bubble Day” can refer to National Bubble Tea Day on April 30 or National Bubble Bath Day on January 8. Context matters—tea or tub? Either way, it’s a good excuse to relax or treat yourself.

Who invented popping boba?

Popping boba was created in Taiwan, like traditional boba, but it became widely popular through molecular gastronomy trends in the early 2000s. Its exact inventor is unclear, though it's commonly credited to innovative dessert and drink shops experimenting with fruit juices and food science. The pearls burst with flavor and don’t need cooking.