Milk tea has a rich history that dates back centuries, originating in Taiwan in the 1900s. Currently, in a city blooming with milk tea stores, standing out is no easy feat in San Francisco. Recently, I visited the milk tea store, Dots. It is located on Ocean Avenue, and I wanted to see if their store was worth the hype it had recently gained.
Walking in the store, I was welcomed into a warm and ambient atmosphere. This clean shop was filled with many places to sit, with multiple kiosks to order.
Dots does not only sell an array of milk tea, but also offers a vast selection of shakes, slushies, green tea, and cold brews. Their food menu ranges from snacks to meals, including egg waffles, wheel pies, and rice bowls.
I ordered a Hokkaido milk tea with mango lychee jelly, accompanied by Taiwanese crispy chicken. The drink costed $7.50, while the total order including the chicken was $20. I think the prices were a bit overpriced, but the food was very appetizing.
Overall, I would give the milk tea a 9/10. I would definitely recommend getting this drink. It had a creamy texture and had a deep, velvety taste with just the right amount of subtle sweetness from the caramel. The chewy, mango lychee jelly was a perfect addition to the drink due to its tropical flavor and floral essence. The Taiwanese crispy chicken complemented the drink very well. It had a strong taste of garlic and salt and was very savory. It also came with a ketchup-mayonnaise blended sauce that enhanced the taste of the chicken.
Whether you are a milk tea enthusiast or a person craving a sweet, refreshing beverage, a visit to Dots is worth your while.