TIGERSUGAR

"Tiger Sugar is a famous boba chain from Taiwan specializing in a black sugar and milk drink with two different sizes of housemade tapioca pearls. The concoction is their own unique creation, and while you can find other boba spots in South Florida doing something similar, none of them come close to Tiger Sugar. The crowning glory of these beverages is a layer of thick cream cheese foam with a pinch of sea salt. It’s cool, creamy, sweet but not too sweet, has some pleasantly slippery textures from the boba, and then finishes with a sweet/savory flavor from the cheese foam. You can also order different versions on the same theme with coffee, tea, pudding, or Ovaltine. For those not into dairy, they do offer a selection of plain teas and fruit drinks, but these are similar to what you’ll find at other boba places. It’s best to stick to their original creation. There aren’t any chairs or tables inside, and it’s strictly a takeout spot. So be prepared to drink your tea on the go or in the car." - Carlos C Olaechea

"One of the most recent trends in boba tea, also known as pearl milk tea or bubble tea, is a variation based on brown sugar made hugely popular by Taiwanese brand Tiger Sugar. Founded in Taichung, Taiwan in 2017, the shop specializes in drinks made with tea or without and sweetened with signature “black sugar”, a caramelized brown sugar syrup. Small and large sizes of tapioca pearls are simmered in the caramel, which creates a highly-Instagrammable look when combined in a cup with fresh milk. The streamlined menu includes Black Sugar Boba Milk with cream mousse, Black Sugar Green Tea with boba, and Black Sugar Pearl Milk. With over 40 stores around the world, Tiger Sugar arrived stateside earlier this year, launching several outposts in New York City. This week marked its West Coast debut, with an opening in Roland Heights that drew thirsty crowds. Look for the brand to land here sooner than later. A Tiger Sugar representative confirmed to Eater that San Diego is part of the company’s expansion plans." - Candice Woo