There’s no shortage of boba tea stands in Harajuku. In fact, sometimes it seems like the bubbly beverage is taking over completely, like some creeping initiative for the advancement of the kawaii agenda.

But in order to stand out in the bubble tea Wild West that Tokyo has become, the stands are marketing themselves with new and exciting concepts like cheese tea, Bonsai Garden tea and 'drinkable sun block' tea.

The next joint to enter the fray is the Botanist Cafe. The brand Botanist actually makes hair and body care products, but they’ve crossed over into cafe territory with their set-up in the trendy haven of Harajuku. The cafe is known for their super Instagrammable drinks and desserts which they also claim have detoxing and beautifying effects, among other health benefits, thanks to the use of superfoods and fresh ingredients. Now they are turning that expertise to a super cute milk tea that even vegans can enjoy.

The stand, which is located on the first floor of the cafe, is take out only and two flavours of bubble milk tea are available. Botanist are combining brown sugar tapioca balls from Bull Pulu, a Taiwanese bubble tea shop, with their own delicious teas.

There's a matcha milk tea for those who don't mind dairy.

And the vegan offering is a pretty blue-coloured butterfly pea tea with soy milk.

Sadly, this special take out menu is limited to just 100 cups a day, and will only be on sale until 31st August. But since Botanist Cafe are known for having vegan and vegetarian items on their menu, hopefully they will bring vegan boba back with even more flavours to try!

Botanist Cafe Website

Address: 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae 6-29-2 Sukegawa Building 1F BOTANIST Tokyo

Nearest Station: Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae


By - Jess.