Frequently Asked Questions

Boba, also known as Bubble Tea or Pearl Milk Tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980's. It has since grown in popularity worldwide. The term Boba refers to the chewy tapioca pearls inside the drink, but can also mean the drink itself. There are two main types - Milk tea and Fruit Iced Tea and they come  in a variety of flavours to suit all tastes. They can be served hot but are usually served cold. The drink comes with 'toppings' such as the traditional tapioca pearls or popping juice bubbles or jellies. It is very popular, especially with young people, and fun to sip the boba through a wide straw. 

BobaCat is an independent family owned bubble tea shop. We have two cute and cosy, friendly and inviting cafes in the heart of Sunderland and Middlesbrough. We also offer a wide range of other drinks such as Hot Chocolates, Speciality Coffees and Matcha (hot or iced), Bubble slush, Frappes and Fruit Smoothies. We also have a large range of desserts such as Bubble waffles, Pancakes, Smoothie bowls, Sundaes, Ice creams, Cakes etc. In addition, we serve savoury food such as Toasties, Kids lunch boxes etc. Everything is Vegetarian and most is also Vegan.

Yes, all of the toppings are intended to be eaten.

We provide a wide straw (plastic-free) which you use to sip the bubbles through along with the drink.

The bubbles burst in your mouth to release the sweet fruit flavour.

The jellies are chewy and so are the Tapioca pearls. 

They are not recommended for young children under 5.

We have over 15 flavours of Milk Teas.

We have over 12 flavours of Fruit Ices Teas.

We have over 12 flavours of Popping Juice Bubbles.

We have over 5 flavours of Jellies.

We also have freshly cooked tapioca pearls flavoured with brown sugar.

Each can be made with freshly brewed Jasmine green tea, Assam black tea or Oolong tea.

It is even possible to mix flavours to create your own masterpiece!

We have a wide range of flavours, both traditional and modern.

The most popular traditional flavours are Brown Sugar, Matcha, Taro or Original Milk Tea with Tapioca pearls.

Other popular milk teas are Vanilla, Strawberry, Mango and Chocolate.

The most popular Fruit Iced Teas are Mango, Passionfruit, Strawberry, Cherry and Watermelon.

Our favourite popping juice bubbles are Strawberry, Passionfruit, Raspberry and Lychee.

Yes, all of the Fruit Iced Teas are vegan.

Some of the Milk Teas are vegan - Please ask which options are available.

We also have 3 options of non-dairy milk to mix with them (oat, almond and soya).

All of the Popping Juice Bubbles are vegan. 

All of the Jellies are vegan.

The Tapicoa pearls are also vegan.

Yes, everything we serve is Halal.

That includes all of the Fruit Iced Teas, all of the Milk Teas and all of the toppings (Popping Juice Bubbles, Jellies and Tapioca pearls). 

All of our food and drinks are vegetarian and many are also vegan, so are naturally Halal.

We do not use any products containing gelatin or alcohol.

We do not use any meat products.

Yes, all of the Fruit Iced Teas are Gluten-free.

All of the standard Milk Teas are Gluten-free.

All of the Popping Juice Bubbles are Gluten-free.

All of the Jellies are Gluten-free.

The Tapicoa pearls are also Gluten-free.

Note - Some of the Special drinks have toppings which are not Gluten-free so please check before ordering. Also the oat milk contains oat gluten.

Yes, all of the Milk Teas and Fruit Iced Teas can be made without tea so they are Caffeine-free. 

Yes, all of the Fruit teas are naturally lower in Calories / Carbohydrates. 

Some flavours are only around 160 Calories for a regular drink and that includes the popping juice bubbles.

Milk Teas can be customised with less or even no sweetener.

Ice levels can also be customised to suit your taste.

Yes, both of our cafes have the option to order online for Collection or Delivery.

We use Uber Eats and Just Eat - Please go to the 'Ordering Online' section of our website and click on the relevant link to order from your local cafe. 

Yes, both of our cafes have plenty of comfortable seating.

Sunderland has indoor and outdoor seating.

Middlesbrough has a large seating area upstairs in addition to the small seating area downstairs. 

Yes, both of our cafes have toilets.

Sunderland cafe also has an accessible toilet and baby change facility. 

Yes, both of our cafes are very child friendly.

Our menu is very popular with children.

Both cafes have high chairs and toilets.

Sunderland cafe also has a baby change facility. 

Yes, both of our cafes are dog friendly.

We also provide water, dog treats and free pup cups for paying customers. 

Smoking is only allowed in the outdoor seating area in Sunderland.