Molly Tea is not recognizable by a certain logo or store name, it’s more easily found by following the line snaking out the door. The crowd, from students to influencers, spill out onto the sidewalk. The line out the door and packed interior makes first-timers beg the question: Is this really just for tea?

Hailing from Shenzhen, China, Molly Tea has found great success all over the U.S.A. with its contemporary Eastern Modern aesthetic scented teas.

Ever since (opening date) downtown Palo Alto’s Molly Tea has been packed. It’s common to see a lengthy queue and a hefty crowd inside waiting for their drinks. During peak weekend hours, expect to wait 30 to 40 minutes. However, the wait is often only 10 to 20 minutes long in the evening and on weekdays.

Despite the lines, ordering is fast and efficient with a modern kiosk systeko’/m and tap card readers. However, the self service ordering system is not cash-friendly, requiring staff assistance, which can slow down the ordering process. 

The store’s cramped room and limited seating can take away from the experience, and due to its popularity, the busy atmosphere can be overwhelming. However, this claustrophobic feel is outweighed by the modern, minimalistic interior of the store and the pops of pink from the signature cups and bags.

The staff are shockingly fast at making drinks, pumping out the pink cups in droves.  The cups are high quality and accentuate the modern decor — their innovative lids have a dual system for sipping and using a boba straw. Molly Tea’s attention to detail is felt down to the plastic film atop the cups for easy transport.

The in-store menu is full of limited-time offers, with creative flavors matching the season. The menu only serves teas, but offers a diverse range of unique flavors and variations. While the menu could benefit from items like food or more variety of toppings, it does well in supporting the franchises’ gourmet theme.

Molly Tea’s bestseller — Premium Jasmine Milk Tea ($7.99) — is light and fresh in tandem with creaminess from the milk. Its smooth floral flavor reflects their menu’s theme of delicately balanced flavors. While delicious, it is the most plain drink on the menu, and its one note flavor can cause palate fatigue. In general, it’s a safe bet, but it doesn’t reflect all they have to offer. (4.7/5)

Its Premium Peach Oolong Milk Tea ($7.59), on the other hand, is nutty yet fresh. It utilizes the peach flavor in a warmer, comforting way, an uncommon trait for peach drinks. It’s perfectly balanced between a warm, roasted flavor and the refreshing and delicately-sweet peach. It was the most enjoyable of the traditional milk teas and definitely a solid option overall. 

(5/5)

The Premium Jasmine Matcha Milk Tea ($7.99) is one of the best in Palo Alto. With no bitterness or grassy flavor, the drink lets customers enjoy the floral, creamy and unique flavor of high quality matcha. Their “micro foam” cap — a creamy foam formed on top of the drink from high caliber matcha and brewing process — gives a luxurious quality to the drink. The milk to matcha ratio is high, reducing flavor fatigue, however it can be less palatable to those who like a more robust flavor. 

(4.8/5)

Molly Tea’s biggest problem is  toppings. Untraditional compared to other tea stores, it serves crystal boba (+$1.29), a gelatinous and rubbery variation of the typical chewy tapioca pearls. And topping selection is sparse — I would recommend forgoing them. 

All of their drinks taste fresh and clean, free from strange aftertastes and stale flavors. The level of quality is felt in every detail, something that’s uncommon for a casual food like boba tea. The presentation is near flawless. 

Their prices are surprisingly standard for boba tea and reasonably priced considering the quality, though some limited drinks come at a premium. Overall, Molly Tea serves delicious, quality drinks. Though I would recommend visiting on weekdays or late evenings to avoid the crowds, it is definitely worth a try if you enjoy floral teas. 

4.7/5