Boba Quest: Tea-Do

As part of Boba Quest 2025 🧋, I'm trying and reviewing a new boba shop each week.

How far are you willing to go for good boba? My rule of thumb is generally that if it's accessible via public transit, I'll make the trek.

Yesterday I took Amtrak down to Philadelphia, and a combination of the SEPTA subway and trolleys to get boba at Tea-Do, in the University City neighborhood — only around 100 miles from my apartment in Queens. Located right next to the UPenn campus, it's reachable using the T2, T3, T4, T5 trolleys from the 36th–Sansom station or the L1 at 40th Street station.

I'm kidding a little bit, I didn't go down to Philly solely to have boba. But since Tea-Do doesn't have any locations in New York, I thought it would be a good place to try out.

I ordered my usual, a jasmine milk tea with boba, less ice. As an aside: that was the moment when I learned Philly has a "sweetened beverage" tax.

• Boba: 3/4 the boba was definitely above average, just slightly too chewy (possibly overcooked?) to be perfect.
• Tea: 4/4 the tea was excellent, good flavor and good amount of sweetness (paying the tax was worth it!).
• Bonus: 1/1 Tea-Do has a nice location, with long tables that make it convenient to sit down and hang out.

Total: 8/10. I would definitely come here again, it's a convenient location with good drinks.

This was my first time ever in Philly, and the boba didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the immense variety of public transit and just how convienient it was to get around. I definitely plan on visiting again soon.