I understand skepticism surrounding mega-chains considering so many unfocused concepts with shoddy quality control. Gong Cha seems to be exceptional based upon my Koreatown experience. The company launched in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2006, not far from boba’s birthplace in Taichung. Gong Cha now operates over 1,500 tea shops worldwide. I visited a Los Angeles location at the base of a mixed-use development called Solair. Their Koreatown space across from the famed Wiltern Theatre features LED menus and a bar designed to look like boba, which is a fun touch.

I was impressed with Gong Cha teas topped with “milk foam,” a fluffy, airier version of whipped cream seasoned with sea salt that adds richness and a savory quality to each tea. I ordered Brown Sugar Milk Foam Tea ($4.25 large) with judicious sweetness. My wife ordered Earl Grey Milk Foam Tea ($4.25 large) and added bouncy boba made every four hours. We enjoyed both drinks. I can envision returning to try more drinks from the chain.

The name Gong Cha translates from Mandarin as ““tribute tea for the emperor,” though it’s clear the emperor never enjoyed “milk foam,” or boba for that matter. Too bad; he would have had a much richer life.