Bubble tea is a highly popular treat for college students but especially for University of Illinois.

Though the University has several spots for bubble tea, for the third year in a row, Kung Fu Tea has earned the title of Champaign-Urbana’s favorite in the highly-competitive bubble tea scene. The locally-owned franchise location is one of more than 250 across the country.

Bubble tea — also known as boba tea — is a milk tea-based drink characterized by its use of chewy tapioca pearls.

The beverage originated in Taiwan during the 1980s and quickly grew in popularity in the U.S. in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The drink has since become a symbol of Asian American identity.

Kung Fu Tea offers a variety of milk tea, punch, milk cap, slush, espresso, yogurt and signature drinks. The most popular drink is the signature Kung Fu Milk Tea made using Earl Grey tea. Tea may be in the name, but two of the shop’s most popular menu items are actually foods: the popcorn chicken and the poke bowls. Poke is a Hawaiian dish consisting of diced raw fish and an assortment of vegetables, sauces and seasonings.

Although the space does get crowded during peak hours, the shop features spacious booths for large groups and plenty of table seating. A small collection of tabletop games are available for patrons to use during their stay.

Kung Fu Tea is located near the intersection of Green and Sixth streets, the perfect location for a stop on the way back from class or for a mid-day treat, because we all deserve one.

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