In the ever-changing landscape of Westwood’s boba scene, Sharetea has emerged as the standout brand, consistently delivering quality milk tea to Bruins year after year.
While many milk tea shops have come and gone during my time at UCLA, Sharetea remains a constant presence on Broxton Avenue. The brand’s ability to survive the pandemic and ongoing business closures is a testament to its strong customer base and dependable offerings.
To evaluate Sharetea’s performance, I ordered its classic milk tea with boba at full sweetness and less ice—the standard for my comparisons across Westwood. Scored on a five-point scale across taste, price, convenience, variety, and boba quality, Sharetea earned an impressive 3.7 overall.
What sets Sharetea apart is its flavor. The classic milk tea boasts the most robust tea profile among all shops tested, with subtly bitter black tea notes blending seamlessly with sweet milk.
The pearls are soft, chewy, and offer the signature QQ texture boba lovers crave—though they may not satisfy fans of extra-firm tapioca.
With over 400 locations worldwide, Sharetea manages to avoid the common pitfall of chain dilution. Its drinks retain a handmade quality and flavor profile that continues to attract a steady stream of students—especially during fundraiser events.
Although it doesn’t bring bold innovation or Instagram-worthy gimmicks, Sharetea’s greatest strength lies in its consistency and reliability. Whether you’re a first-year student exploring the area or a senior looking for a trustworthy cup of boba, Sharetea remains the safest—and tastiest—bet in Westwood.
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